Alexandria launching long-anticipated City Hall and Market Square redesign project this fall

Alexandria has been talking about much-needed repairs to City Hall for a decade, but that process is set to officially launch this fall with a design process running over a year.

In a release, City Manager James Parajon said a design team, international firm Leo A Daly, will take the lead on the renovation of City Hall. Alexandria firms Rust Orling Architecture and LandDesign will tackle the redesign of Market Square.

Leo A Daly has tackled multiple projects around D.C., from managing the National WWII Memorial project to the new HB Woodlawn school in Rosslyn, winning an award for the latter.

Both of the firms tackling the Market Square project have done extensive work in Alexandria.

The release said the design process is scheduled to run through early 2026 with construction taking place from 2026-2028.

“This is an exciting first step in a long-awaited process,” Parajon said. “City Hall and Market Square should reflect this great city, our history, and the commitment to equitable services that our community expects. We look forward to reimagining how to ensure 301 King Street is a source of pride for our employees and residents.”

While the full cost will be determined in part by the design process, it will very likely be an extremely costly project.

The City of Alexandria also set dates throughout this month for public engagement related to the project. According to the City website:

FARMERS’ MARKET POP UPS 

Old Town Farmers’ Market 
Saturday, September 14
7am-12pm

Del Ray Farmers’ Market 
Saturday, September 14
8am-12pm

Old Town North Farmers’ Market
Sunday, September 15
10am-2pm

Four Mile Run Farmers’ & Artisans Market 
Sunday, September 15
9am-1pm

West End Farmers’ Market 
Sunday, September 15
8:30am-1pm

COMMUNITY MEETINGS 

City Hall 
Thursday, September 19
6:30-8pm

Del Pepper Center 
Monday, September 23
6:30-8pm

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center 
Monday, September 30
6:30-8pm