News | ALXnow - Part 720

Torpedo Factory overhaul gets a price tag and timeline

Published December 8, 2021 at 10:05AM

The Torpedo Factory in Old Town (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

After taking some flack for not having the financial impacts at-hand; Diane Ruggiero, director of the Office of the Arts, returned to the Waterfront Commission on Monday with pricing for modernizing the Torpedo Factory.

Julian Gonsalves, assistant city manager for public/private partnerships, talked through the cost estimates for the Torpedo Factory overhaul. Continuing as-is, with relatively minor building repairs funded over time with artist space being left mostly untouched, was priced at $16 million.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 8, 2021 at 5:00AM

City seeking an aquatics coordinator — “The Aquatics Recreation Coordinator works with the Aquatic Manager and Chinquapin management team in overseeing and leading programs and staff for all aquatic facilities.” [Washington Post Jobs]

Alexandrian publishes book on local Scottish history — “Hamilton began research on the project in 2016, spending over a year diving into Alexander’s book, his citations, and other archival sources related to the migration of Scots to America.” [Zebra]

ACHS Principal: Social media posts about Minnie Howard campus investigated; no threat to school found

By Vernon Miles

Published December 7, 2021 at 3:50PM

(Updated 4 p.m.) In a note to Alexandria City High School (ACHS) students, families and friends, Principal Peter Balas said a potential threat to the school was investigated this morning by school security and school resource officers but determined there was no credible threat.

The post in question was a potential threat aimed specifically at the Minnie Howard Campus, a branch of Alexandria City High School that serves 9th-grade students.

Alexandria surpasses 15,000 cases of COVID-19, goes back to ‘High’ transmission rate

By James Cullum

Published December 7, 2021 at 2:30PM

Alexandria’s COVID transmission rate has risen from “Substantial” to “High”, as the number of reported cases has surpassed 15,000.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 7, there have been 15,056 reported cases of COVID-19 in the city, according to the the Virginia Department of Health. There has also been another death since last week, bringing the death toll from the virus to 155.

JUST IN: The Sushi Bar closing in Del Ray, reopening soon as Christmas-themed pop-up bar

By James Cullum

Published December 7, 2021 at 1:00PM

The Sushi Bar at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue is closing for good tonight (Dec. 7), and will soon reopen as a Christmas-themed pop-up bar, owner Bill Blackburn informed ALXnow.

“Joy On The Avenue – A Christmas Pop-up Bar” will open in its place sometime next week, Blackburn said.

West End home invasion suspects captured on video, police investigating

By Vernon Miles

Published December 7, 2021 at 12:30PM

West End home invasion attempt caught on video. (Via Ring)

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a home invasion in a West End neighborhood that may have been caught on tape.

In a press release, the police department said they’re investigating a robbery that took place at 5:18 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, on the 1400 block of Catlin Drive in the West End.

Clarence Tong won’t seek reelection as chair of Alexandria Democratic Committee, Sandy Marks gets key endorsements

By James Cullum

Published December 7, 2021 at 11:00AM

Clarence Tong won’t seek reelection for a fifth two-year term as chair of the Alexandria Democratic Committee, he announced in a virtual meeting with the organization’s members on Monday (Dec. 6).

Tong says he didn’t know a single Alexandria Democrat when he went to his first ADC meeting a decade ago with the intent to do his part to reelect then-President Barack Obama.

Juvenile charged with felonious assault after man stabbed in Landmark area parking lot

By James Cullum

Published December 7, 2021 at 9:45AM

Alexandria Police at night (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 15-year-old Alexandria male was charged with felonious assault after allegedly stabbing a man twice in the parking lot in the Landmark area of the West End.

The incident occurred Monday, October 11, at around 10 p.m. in the parking lot of 101 S. Whiting Street.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 7, 2021 at 5:00AM

The Daughters of the British Empire Pimm's and Poppies Chapter marches at the 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (staff photo by James Cullum)

George Washington’s Mount Vernon releases first 18th century-inspired beers — “George Washington’s Mount Vernon is releasing its first 18th century-inspired beer. The first two releases are Mount Vernon Virginia’s Porter and Mount Vernon Rye Cask Aged Porter.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Audrey Davis talks about museums and black history in Alexandria — “Audrey Davis, director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, stops by Speak Easy this month.” [Alexandria Times]

ACPS says snow days may be a thing of the past in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published December 6, 2021 at 3:40PM

Snow at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The days of making offerings to ancient winter deities in hopes of summoning a snow day could be a thing of the past for Alexandria students. Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) said in a newsletter last week that the schools may continue virtual learning for various winter weather conditions.

ACPS said in a newsletter that school buildings may close as usual, but instruction will continue virtually at home, Alexandria Living Magazine first reported.

JUST IN: Banana Republic and Gap Outlet closing in Old Town on January 24

By James Cullum

Published December 6, 2021 at 2:15PM

Banana Republic at 628 King Street and Gap Outlet at 622 King Street closed Jan. 24, 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

After decades at the corner of King and Washington Streets in Old Town, national retailers Banana Republic and Gap Outlet are closing their doors forever on January 24, 2021.

All merchandise is currently marked between 20% and 40% at Banana Republic (628 King Street), and up to 70% off at Gap Outlet (622 King Street).