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Office conversion to 143-unit apartment project tops out in Old Town North

In the latest of Alexandria’s office-to-residential conversions, a project in Old Town North is making progress.

A vacant 1980s building at 1201 E. Abingdon Drive is being developed into a 143-unit multifamily residential building. The conversion of the 95,000-square-foot building will provide seven junior one-bedroom, 100 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom apartments. The project, approved by City Council in February 2024, will yield seven affordable housing units and 160 parking spaces.

The team behind the project includes developers The Pinkard Group and Akridge and design firm KTGY.

“Bridging the past with an evolving present, 1201 E. Abingdon Drive represents a meaningful step toward expanding access to high-quality housing in the heart of Alexandria’s Old Town North,” said Ben Kasdan, principal at KTGY. “We look forward to seeing the project completed and welcoming first residents.”

The development team worked with the city to design the existing penthouse into residential units and amenity space. The design will also provide a new wing, turning the building into a U-shaped configuration with a courtyard. The converted building will have six stories plus one below grade.

Amenities will include a rooftop deck with grilling stations, fire pits and outdoor seating; a clubroom, library, fitness center, coworking space and pet spa.

Completion is expected in summer 2027.

About the Author

  • Emily Leayman is the editor of ALXnow and contributes reporting to ARLnow and FFXnow. She was previously a field editor covering parts of Northern Virginia for Patch for more than eight years. A native of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, she lives in Northern Virginia.