Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Building Next to Old Town Theater to Receive Restorative Facelift

Published December 28, 2020 at 4:30PM

Current brick exterior of 815 King Street (photo via Google Maps)

With the Old Town Theater getting a makeover as a Patagonia, the building next-door could be getting a visual overhaul as well.

According to an application headed to the Board of Architectural Review next month, 815 King Street owner Asana Partners is hoping to restore the building’s original limestone facade — at least in color.

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Hail and Farewell: Gains and Losses in Alexandria Businesses This Year

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2020 at 3:45PM

It’s been a rough year all around and local businesses faced a difficult recovery from the pandemic, but there were also some islands of good news as well.

ALXnow asked the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) and The Chamber ALX what they saw as the highs and lows for local business this year.

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Metrobus Free Rides End This Week

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2020 at 2:45PM

Metrobus in Old Town Alexandria near King Street metro (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Starting this coming Sunday, Jan. 3, riders on Metrobus will have to start paying for their fare once again.

During the pandemic, WMATA briefly ended charging fares for travel on Metrobus. But with the Metro facing a “doomsday scenario” in its budget, the city is planning to start reinstating fare collection and front-door boarding on Sunday.

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Police: Car Stolen at Gunpoint Outside Duke Street Giant

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2020 at 1:30PM

A person had their vehicle and phone stolen in a morning carjacking on Sunday outside Giant on Duke Street.

According to Amanda Paga, Public Information Officer for the Alexandria Police Department, the carjacking took place on Sunday around 7 a.m. on the 3000 block of Duke Street, where Giant is located.

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Poll: Did You Watch Wonder Woman 1984?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2020 at 10:30AM

Two years after it filmed in Alexandria’s Landmark Mall and D.C., Wonder Woman 1984 was released on HBO on Christmas.

The revived Landmark Mall is featured in an early action sequence, thought the exterior shots of the mall changed the name and Fairfax County police — not Alexandria — are featured in the scene. In 1984, the mall would have also been an outdoor mall, as the mall was only enclosed in 1990. The film also features several scenes in Georgetown and other parts of D.C.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 28, 2020 at 9:15AM

Travel and Leisure Promotes Alexandria as Road Trip Destination — “An easy four-hour drive from New York and just ten minutes from the nation’s capital, the waterfront city balances the sophistication of an urban metropolis with the neighborly vibes of a small town.” [Travel and Leisure]

Inova Could be Rezoned as Single Family Homes — “Current plans call for the hospital property to be sold and rezoned for single family homes and townhomes, according to information provided by the City of Alexandria.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

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Flash Flood Watch Issued for Alexandria on Christmas Eve

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 2:30PM

Alexandria could face a rainy Christmas Eve, giving locals yet another reason to stay at home for the holidays.

Transportation and Environmental Services warned locals on Twitter to take the time to ensure downspouts flow away from homes and water can flow into drainage areas. The city has already faced several floods this year, and T&ES warned melting snow could create another.

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Poll: What Are Your Holiday Plans?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 11:30AM

We’re coming up on an unusual Christmas at the end of 2020.

Thanksgiving gatherings resulted in an increase in coronavirus cases and — while Inova is holding steady with hospitalizations — there is a continued increase in COVID-19 cases in Alexandria.

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Port City Doubles Delivery Radius and Offers Same-Day Holiday Delivery

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 10:30AM

A sale of Port City's Tidings beer (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Local brewery Port City Brewing Company has expanded its delivery radius to ten miles around Virginia and is offering same-day delivery for beer sales made before noon — twice the usual distance and extending as far as McLean and Lorton.

Most of the beers available are $11.75, though Port City is also offering a $23.50 variety pack with 12 bottles of various types. The offer is only valid through the end of today (Wednesday).

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2020 at 9:00AM

What’s Open and What’s Closed Over Holidays — “All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24, and Friday, December 25, in observance of Christmas; and on Friday, January 1, 2021, in observance of New Year’s Day.” [Zebra]

City Releases Guide to Safely Celebrating Holidays — “This year, the best gift for friends and family is continued good health. With COVID-19 cases surging, it is more important than ever to stay home, wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of distance, and wash your hands frequently.” [City of Alexandria]

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BREAKING: Landmark Mall to be Redeveloped as Inova Medical Campus

By Vernon Miles

Published December 22, 2020 at 4:15PM

The City of Alexandria announced today that it has reached an agreement with Inova Health System and the Landmark Mall property owners to create a new hospital campus and mixed-use development at Landmark Mall.

The new campus would relocate the existing hospital on Seminary Hill and expand to over 2,000 healthcare workers. Construction could begin as soon as 2023 with the first parts of the campus coming online in 2025.