New rooftop restaurant could be coming to the waterfront

A waterfront building at the very end of King Street could be getting a new rooftop restaurant.

The building at 101 N. Union Street, home to Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge — and known more by locals as where Jamey Turner usually sets up his iconic glass harp — could soon be refitted to add an accessible roof with a new restaurant.

Staff first brought up the potential change at a Waterfront Commission meeting earlier this month. It’s just talk for now, staff said, as building owner Route 66 hasn’t filed an application yet. Staff said preliminary discussions have indicated there will also be some changes to the ground level.

The building is adjacent to the Torpedo Factory, but the city clarified that they are separate buildings. Any potential restaurant will also have to go through the Board of Architectural Review first.

“The owners of the building at 101 N. Union Street (a separate building from the Torpedo Factory) are contemplating a rooftop restaurant and ground-floor changes to this building,” said Alexandria communications officer Andrea Blackford. “The proposed changes will require a Special Use Permit, as well as BAR approval of a Permit to Demolish and Certificate of Appropriateness.  Staff anticipates a submission in the coming months.”

Photo via Google Maps