
An office building in Old Town North could be getting a refit to open up a restaurant and retail space on the ground floor.
A Special Use Permit application filed by Asana Partners for 500 Montgomery Street indicates that the owners of the Madison Place office building are looking to make changes to the ground floor to bring in restaurant and retail space.
“The Property is developed with an 8-story office building that was constructed in the late 1980’s,” the application said. “The Applicant intends to renovate the existing office building, and its plans include the conversion of existing ground floor office space into activated retail and restaurant uses. As illustrated on the submitted materials, the Applicant proposes to establish a restaurant on the ground floor in the northwest portion of the building proximate to the intersection of Montgomery Street and N. St. Asaph Street.”
The change would bring the building’s streetscape more in line with neighbors to the north, like Sisters Thai. The proposed changes also include a 1,300-square-foot conversion inside for a dining space, as well as an outdoor dining space.
There’s no word in the application of what restaurant or retail could move in, and an attorney representing Asana Partners could not be reached for comment.
The building is part of the new Old Town North Arts and Cultural District and the applicant has identified a 1,300 square foot space on the eastern side of the building that will house an arts and cultural tenant for at least 15 years.
“The Applicant’s proposed building renovations and site improvements will activate the Property and the surrounding area by establishing community-serving retail, restaurant and arts
and cultural uses,” the application said. “Approval of the requested SUPs will contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood consistent with the City’s vision for Old Town North.”
The application is scheduled for review at the May 3 Planning Commission meeting.
Image via Google Maps
Recent Stories

If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
Family Fun Fall Fest
Mark your calendars and join us for the Family Fun Fall Fest on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 11am – 2pm!
This FREE in-person event will be held at the Shoppes at Foxchase, located at 4641 Duke St, Alexandria, VA
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.