The Electra America Hospitality Group (EAHG) has filed an application to open a new cafe with outdoor seating at Hotel AKA — an Old Town North Holiday Inn replacement at 625 First Street with a dark exterior.
The amendment to allow a cafe is bundled in with an official change of ownership special use permit headed through the city review process.
The hotel is currently under construction and is scheduled to open sometime this winter. One of the most notable parts of the application process was the proposal to paint the exterior of the building fully black, though concept renderings on the Hotel AKA website show the exterior as a lighter grey.
“The Applicant is requesting a minor amendment to the existing SUP to add 40 outdoor dining seats,” the application said. “The Applicant is in the process of completing interior and exterior renovations to the existing hotel and plans to re-open as the Hotel AKA Alexandria.”
The new hotel will have 180 guest rooms with various amenities, including the new cafe if the permit is granted.
“The cafe will offer coffee, pastries, and similar beverages and light fare typically offered in coffee shops,” the application said. “The cafe will include a total of 40 outdoor dining seats in an outdoor seating area on First Street.”
The hotel will also include a lounge area and bar on the ground floor near the lobby. There are 148 parking spaces on-site, and the application said that’s expected to remain the same.
Recent Stories
It was another busy week in Alexandria. This week’s top stories focused on development projects all over the city, from Old Town North to Carlyle and in the West End….
All of Bishop Ireton High School skipped classes today for a good cause. More than 700 students, teachers and administrators participated in a cleanup of 30 sites in and around…
The Truist bank at 2809 Mount Vernon Avenue is temporarily closed today (Friday) after an alleged altercation with a former employee. A former employee who had been terminated allegedly told…
Just Listed includes a 6 BD/4.5 BA home with 10ft ceilings, a gas fireplace and a private balcony.
For Immediate Release
Progress for All Announces Inaugural Black Men Vote Virtual Town Hall
Date: April 19, 2024
Il Porto Ristorante is thrilled to announce that a new executive chef has joined our team! Hailing from Sicily, Italy, Chef Giuseppe’s culinary journey began at home, where he was immersed in the rich aromas and flavors of homemade Italian cuisine from a young age. His culinary skills flourished further in Piedmont, Italy, where he had the privilege of learning from esteemed chefs renowned worldwide. Under their mentorship, he refined his craft and developed a unique culinary style that marries classic Italian traditions with contemporary flair. Now, Chef Giuseppe proudly brings his exceptional talents to Il Porto, infusing each dish with his distinct blend of tradition and innovation. Chef Giuseppe is introducing brand new dinner specials and entrees, so make a reservation to enjoy his culinary excellence, today!
Pro Coro Alexandria – To the Sea
Join Pro Coro Alexandria, the chamber choir of the Alexandria Choral Society, this Saturday for our concert, “To the Sea.” Experience a variety of songs from beloved choral classics like “Shenandoah” and “What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor?”
Del Ray Kitchen Confidential Design Tour
Please join us for Del Ray Kitchen Confidential – a walking tour of recently renovated kitchens in Del Ray with the experts who make the magic happen! FA Design Build owner Rob Menefee and Design Consultant Melissa Fielding walk us