New West End senior living community aims for 2024 launch

A new senior living community in the West End has hit a construction milestone and has targeted a 2024 opening.

The project recently “topped out” — meaning the superstructure of the building was finished. Benchmark at Alexandria will include 89 assisted living apartments and 26 memory care units with personalized care for those who need it once it launches sometime next year.

Benchmark at Alexandria is Benchmark Senior Living’s first outing in the Washington region.

“We’ve always thought of ourselves as a New England to Washington company, but we think of Washington as a natural extension of our geographic footprint,” said Benchmark Senior Living CEO Tom Grape.

Benchmark is coming to an area of the West End — near the intersection of N. Beauregard Street and King Street at the northwest tip of Alexandria — that’s become another development hotspot. While it hasn’t gotten the same attention as Landmark or Potomac Yard, that area’s seen significant new development, including affordable housing and a Harris Teeter.

“It’s an exciting area with lots of things happening,” Grape said. “We’re at a prime intersection in a mixed-use development with other activities, including retail uses and other residential uses. It’s a happening, vibrant spot.”

Grape said the notion of senior living as isolated communities is an outdated one.

“Our residents want to be able to access the things they’ve accessed for many years,” Grape said. “It will be a terrific convenience to go downstairs or go to the diner, and it will be convenient for adult children to visit. There’s a childcare center in the development to help with intergenerational activities.”

Grape said the new development will feature rooftop space and community amenities, like a club room and bistro.

The project is scheduled to launch in 2024. Grape said prices for units in the development have not been finalized yet.