Alexandria’s efforts to turn Old Town North into an arts hub has hit some hurdles in recent years, but the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) is making a renewed effort to entice arts and cultural organizations to move into the neighborhood.
The district was created in 2017 but so far, the ambitious plan to fill mixed-use development spaces with arts uses has only had one notable success: The Art League’s relocation to a new 800 Slaters Lane location (technically outside of the bounds of the district) along with a home in the new Muse development.
AEDP said the City is now accepting ‘expressions of interest‘ for spaces available at below-market rent.
“On behalf of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), is offering a unique opportunity for artists, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the City’s emerging Old Town North Arts & Cultural District. Expressions of interest are now being accepted for below-market rent spaces in the area,” a release said.
The AEDP website said the City is “seeking passionate creatives and cultural organizations with a proven track record of success across a range of artistic disciplines—both traditional and non-traditional.”
According to the website:
That could include, but isn’t limited to:
- Arts & Cultural Organizations (nonprofits, collectives, and community-driven initiatives)
- Experiential Concepts (interactive exhibits, digital arts, and tech-driven experiences)
- Workshop Hosts (hands-on creative learning and maker spaces)
- Artists & Makers (studios, co-ops, and collaborative workspaces)
- Culinary Arts (food as a dynamic artistic & cultural medium)
- Performing Arts (theater, dance, music, and entertainment productions)
- Visual & Digital Arts (multidisciplinary & emerging media)
The plan back in 2017 was to offer bonus density to developers in exchange for utilizing some of the ground floor space for arts uses. Part of the challenge for the region has been the cost to do a build-out for what is being delivered as a cold dark shell — meaning there’s no HVAC, no lighting, no bathrooms, just an empty space.
That hurdle tripped up MetroStage, an arts organization that had been set to open in The Venue. The group is still fundraising to raise the needed $3 million to build out the space. They’ve raised over $2 million as of last month, but The Venue is listed as one of the available spaces awaiting arts activation on the AEDP website. AEDP said the request for “expressions of interest” is one step toward getting a request for proposal (RFP) for the site.
Carolyn Griffin, producing artistic director for MetroStage, said in an email that their plan is to still begin a build-out this year.
“The current property reflects the design as developed by our architect in conjunction with the developer’s design team. It is designed for a theatre,” Griffin said. “We will begin our build-out this year and appreciate all those who have supported us in the past and will continue into the future.”
The website listed sites in the area with arts space reserved via density agreements:
- The Potomac River Generating Station
- The Art League (Muse studios)
- Tidelock
- The Venue
- Madison Place
- Montgomery Center
- 901 N. Pitt Street/427 Montgomery Street
The full message from AEDP is below:
On behalf of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), is offering a unique opportunity for artists, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the City’s emerging Old Town North Arts & Cultural District. Expressions of interest are now being accepted for below-market rent spaces in the area.
Located along the Potomac River waterfront, with easy access to Metro, Arlington, DC, and the rest of Old Town, Alexandria, Old Town North is blossoming as an arts-centric destination, anchored by the Art League, a cornerstone of Alexandria’s creative community for more than 70 years. The district, created by the Old Town North Small Area Plan in 2017, will serve as a cultural hub, enhancing access to the arts and fostering community connections.
AEDP has played a critical role in making this vision a reality. Thanks to a creative financing solution developed by AEDP and the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of the City of Alexandria, the Art League secured funding to expand its presence with new classrooms in the Muse condominium building at 1201 N. Fairfax Street, making them the first official district tenant.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting new chapter in Alexandria’s creative landscape,” said AEDP Business Development Manager and project lead Kelly Martin. “The Old Town North Arts District offers a dynamic space for artists and entrepreneurs to contribute to the neighborhood’s cultural fabric while benefiting from reduced rent to access a growing audience in a prime location.”
The approved spaces in the Old Town North Arts and Cultural District vary in size and availability timing, offering flexibility for a wide range of businesses and organizations. Potential tenants can lease spaces ranging from 1,200 to 13,500 square feet, with flexible lease terms dependent on the specific space. These ground-floor, street-fronting locations offer potential tenants an opportunity to help shape the future of the district as a destination for arts and cultural programming.
In addition to its prime location, Old Town North boasts a dynamic community of young professionals, families, retirees, and high-income earners, with nearly a quarter of residents making over $120K annually. The district sees an impressive 3,040 average daily visitors, underscoring its appeal to an engaged audience. Home to vibrant local businesses and new development, with a Walk Score of 85, Old Town North is where culture, business, and community come together.
“We are looking for creative individuals and organizations that are committed to active programming and community involvement,” said Martin. “This is not just about occupying space—it’s about contributing to the cultural of Old Town North and engaging with the community.”
For those interested in learning more or applying for available spaces, submit an expression of interest via the AEDP website by March 31, 2025.
The full response from MetroStage:
MetroStage was designated as the Arts Anchor in Old Town North and a property attached to the Venue condominiums of approx 8300 sf was designated as the new theatre ever since the Old Town North Small Area Plan was approved by City Council and our former home of 20 years was torn down. The current property reflects the design as developed by our architect in conjunction with the developer’s design team. It is designed for a theatre. We understand that there has been a serious time lapse from that early approval to now and that many projects have been delayed (due to a pandemic) and costs have doubled (also due to the pandemic and resulting economic challenges). And the city is frustrated. And the residents are frustrated. But we continued our fundraising efforts when the cost to build out the theatre rose from $1.5M to $3M. Currently we have raised over $2.2M (over $400,000 was just donated at the end of the year) and continue to pursue the final funds needed to begin construction. We are committed to bringing our professional artists and productions to Old Town North (having offered professional theatre to Alexandria since 1984). And as an Artistic Director, I have committed my professional career to serving the arts in many capacities in this city for over 40 years. We will begin our build-out this year and appreciate all those who have supported us in the past and will continue into the future. They understand what the arts bring to a community, both culturally and economically. It is the opinion of MetroStage that this is the time to support our efforts, recognizing our long-term commitment to the arts and this city and not be looking for an outside organization to step in with no ties to the city. The city is an Arts Destination City because of institutions like MetroStage.
Carolyn Griffin
Producing Artistic Director
MetroStage
Photo via The Art League/Facebook
