News | ALXnow - Part 120

Wonder inks sublease for first Alexandria restaurant

Published September 8, 2025 at 12:15PM

Wonder will open seven D.C.-area locations this year. (via Wonder)

Wonder has signed a sublease for its first Alexandria restaurant, securing 3,458 square feet in a Potomac Yard Center building it will share with Chase Bank, according to reporting by the Washington Business Journal.

The food hall concept, which partners with celebrity chefs to recreate their dishes for dine-in or takeout, will occupy roughly half of the 7,000-square-foot building at 3625 Richmond Highway. Chase Bank occupies the remaining 3,500 square feet of the building that formerly housed Hops Grill & Brewery, which closed in January 2020.

Landlord of popular Del Ray beer garden files eviction lawsuit

By James Cullum

Published September 8, 2025 at 11:45AM

The Garden at 1503 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (staff photo by James Cullum)

The landlords of a popular beer garden in Del Ray have filed a civil claim for eviction against their tenants in Alexandria’s General District Court.

The filing from Twenty-Third Street Corridor LLC cites that the owners of The Garden (1503 Mount Vernon Avenue) are paying the default rent and operating on a month-to-month lease. Before the filing, The Garden’s owners, Jeremy Barber and Justus Frank, filed a suit in the Alexandria Circuit Court against the landlord, who listed the property available for rent.

Alexandria reduces footprint of controversial waterfront pump station

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 8, 2025 at 9:48AM | Updated September 8, 2025 at 11:43AM

Waterfront Pump Station (Credit: City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria announced preliminary progress on reducing the size of its controversial waterfront pump station, responding to months of community pushback against flood mitigation infrastructure planned for Waterfront Park.

In a design update posted Sept. 3, project officials said they anticipate reducing the building’s length by approximately 18 to 22 feet, with potential total structure reductions of about 55 feet if the building canopy is eliminated entirely from the design.

Notes: Eisenhower Partnership announces 2nd annual Rock the Avenue Block Party

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 8, 2025 at 8:12AM | Updated September 8, 2025 at 9:25AM

Eisenhower Partnership Announces 2nd Annual Rock The Ave Block Party at Carlyle Crossing (Credit: Eisenhower Partnership)

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Monday, Sept. 8, the 251st day of 2025. There are 114 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 75 degrees. North wind around 7 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Clear tonight, with a low of around 54 degrees. Light north wind.

Eastbound Duke Street closed after rollover crash

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 7, 2025 at 10:04AM

Eastbound Duke St is closed in the 1600 block due to a single car rollover. (Credit: Alexandria Police Department)

A single-vehicle rollover accident closed eastbound Duke Street in the 1600 block Sunday morning, according to Alexandria Police.

The incident, which occurred before 8:56 a.m., resulted in minor injuries to the driver, police said in a social media update. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Alexandria City Council to vote on permanent closure of 200 block of King Street

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 7, 2025 at 9:12AM

200 block of King Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Council will vote Tuesday on permanently closing the 200 block of King Street to vehicular traffic, following a pilot program that drew overwhelming public support.

The ordinance, which will receive its first reading at Tuesday’s meeting, would make the closure permanent beginning Oct. 1. A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13.

Water main break shuts down N. Beauregard Street in Alexandria

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 7, 2025 at 8:58AM

Due to a water main break, north Beauregard Street is shut down between Armistead St and Lincolnia. The water company is on scene. (Credit: Alexandria Police Department)

A water main break has closed a stretch of N. Beauregard Street on Sunday morning, Alexandria police said.

The roadway is shut down between Armistead Street and Lincolnia, police announced on social media at 7:50 a.m.

Vintage Packards, rare ‘orphan’ cars on display at Lyceum Sept. 20

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 6, 2025 at 1:47PM

The Alexandria Lyceum (Staff photo by Airey)

The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will host a free classic car show Sept. 20 featuring dozens of vintage vehicles, including rare models from defunct manufacturers.

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the museum’s parking lot at 201 S. Washington St. in Old Town.

Alexandria police investigate death on W. Braddock Road

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 6, 2025 at 9:16AM | Updated September 6, 2025 at 11:57AM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria police are conducting a death investigation Saturday morning in the 3500 block of West Braddock Road.

The Alexandria Police Department announced the investigation in a social media post at 8:10 a.m., noting there is a “heavy police presence” in the area.

Alexandria seeks public feedback on plans for West End transit hub

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 6, 2025 at 8:25AM

Image: Figure 9 from the 2019 Landmark/Van Dorn Small Area Plan Chapter of the Master Plan, Chapter 10 indicating proposed location of Transit Center. (Credit: City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is asking for public feedback on a proposed transit center that will serve as a key transportation hub in the city’s West End.

The new West Alexandria Transit Center will be located on the site of the redeveloped Landmark Mall, which is being transformed into a mixed-use community called WestEnd. The Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) is seeking input on conceptual designs for the new facility, according to a press release sent to ALXnow.

Alexandria’s Black Family Reunion, Chalk-A-Block highlight packed weekend schedule

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 6, 2025 at 7:59AM | Updated September 7, 2025 at 8:31AM

Photo from Chalk-A-Block 2024 (contributed photo)

Alexandria is set to have a bustling weekend with a variety of events for all ages, though you might want to bring an umbrella.

According to the National Weather Service, isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day Saturday, with some storms capable of producing heavy rainfall. The high will be near 89 degrees with a chance of precipitation at 80%. One of the day’s key events is the third annual Alexandria Library Black Family Reunion at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free community event aims to preserve the city’s African American history by encouraging attendees to bring family photos and documents to be digitized for the library’s archives. The reunion will also feature food trucks, music, dancing, games, and opportunities to record mini oral histories.