News

A new retail project is launching this week at 550 S. Pickett Street in Alexandria, near the Landmark development.

Marcus Barnett’s development group is leading the charge on this 9,380-square-foot building that’s designed to be flexible for various uses.


News

Alexandria City Council held its second City Council Town Hall of the year on Thursday (June 12).

Approximately fifty people were present at the Charles Houston Rec Center Gymnasium as City Council members answered questions submitted by both the in-person and virtual audience.


Sponsored

Only four remain: Inside Brooks Estate’s luxury townhomes in Old Town Alexandria

One private-elevator residence remains, with special low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs available.

By Brett Rice

Only four residences remain at Brooks Estate, a collection of 13 luxury townhomes in Old Town Alexandria, just two-and-a-half blocks from King Street–Old Town Metro. The homes are complete and available for immediate purchase—and only one remaining residence includes a private elevator.

For buyers considering a move, the builder is offering special incentives, including low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs, subject to eligibility and offer terms. It is an opportunity to purchase a fully appointed new home with a two-car garage, a rooftop terrace and the convenience of Old Town living.

Brooks Estate’s remaining residences range from approximately 2,600 to 2,900 square feet across four spacious levels. Each is designed for four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, with home-office and open-loft options that accommodate different ways of living. Pricing now starts at $2,197,500, with all existing upgrades and options included in the listed price.

At Brooks Estate, luxury comes standard. Buyers can see the finishes, experience the spaces and understand what is included before making their decision.

Four distinctive residences. One final elevator home.

The remaining collection includes The Kendall at 109 N West Street, offered at $2,197,500; The Claire at 107 N West Street, offered at $2,400,000; The Masonic View at 1330 Cameron Street, offered at $2,435,000; and The Henry at 121 N West Street, offered at $2,735,000.

The Henry is the final available residence with a private elevator and also features a rear yard. The Claire serves as the furnished model home and is itself available for purchase.

All four homes include two-car garages and private rooftop terraces—features that bring everyday convenience and outdoor space to a historic urban setting. Buyers can explore the floor plans and finishes at BrooksEstateOT.com or arrange a personal walkthrough with Brett Rice of RE/MAX Executives.

Traditional architecture, thoughtfully finished interiors

Brooks Estate blends modern comfort with architectural details that complement Old Town Alexandria. Graceful arches connect living spaces, while crown moldings, custom millwork and carefully selected materials give the interiors a distinctive character.

Custom cabinetry, polished quartz surfaces and professional-series Thermador appliances create chef-inspired kitchens made for quiet mornings and lively gatherings. Custom-built rift- and quarter-sawn white oak range hoods and island surrounds add warmth and craftsmanship.

The hardwood flooring, supplied and installed by Arlandria Floors in Del Ray, is 5-inch-wide European white oak, sanded and finished on site. Nine- and ten-foot ceilings and generous windows enhance the sense of light and space.

Spa-inspired baths feature tiled walk-in showers, soaking tubs in select bathrooms and Wi-Fi-controlled heated floors in the primary bath.

Smart features that make daily life easier

Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the homes, including Wi-Fi-connected Lutron Caséta lighting controls, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth entry locks and high-efficiency HVAC systems with temperature sensors and smart thermostats.

The two-car garages are spray-foam insulated and temperature controlled, with custom-painted floors, EV charging readiness and Wi-Fi-controlled garage door openers with cameras.

(more…)


Around Town

This weekend in Alexandria offers a profound mix of somber reflection, vibrant celebration, and civic action. As the city hosts “The Wall That Heals,” a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica, residents and visitors will also flock to Waterfront Park for the 47th Annual Alexandria Jazz Festival.

Meanwhile, City Hall is set to be the backdrop for both a critical City Council meeting on Saturday and an anti-Trump protest, underscoring a weekend packed with diverse and significant events for every interest.


News

After serving as the executive principal of Alexandria City High School for two years, on Thursday, Alexander Duncan III announced his departure, effective June 30.

Duncan said that he has accepted another role, and thanked staff in an email. Duncan was the ACHS Minnie Howard Campus administrator, and replaced ACHS Executive Principal Peter Balas after his departure in 2023. Duncan will start his new role as principal of Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington.


Event

Join us for our second annual CatRad Halloween Eve! A night of ghoulish fun, spooky treats, and a wicked good time!

It's time for CatRads 2nd Annual Halloween Eve! Join us at St. Elmo's Old Town North for an evening of Halloween fun. Join us for:


News

The Alexandria City School Board gave the green light to a $392.3 million Combined Funds Budget for the 2026 fiscal year during its school board meeting on Thursday (June 12.

The CF budget focuses on “improvements in staff compensation and benefits, increased key school-based staff positions, operations and safety enhancements, technology integration and funding to support redistricting efforts”, according to a press release from Alexandria City Public Schools.


News

WASHINGTON (AP) — Virginia Democrats will settle a crowded six-way primary for lieutenant governor on Tuesday as well as a contested nomination fight for state attorney general. Meanwhile, voters across the commonwealth will choose nominees for the state House of Delegates.

The winners will advance to the general election in November, when Republicans will defend their seats for the three top statewide offices, including governor, while Democrats will try to cling to their narrow majority in the state House. In Virginia in the year following a presidential election, candidates from the president’s party historically have faced strong headwinds at the ballot box.


News

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Friday, June 13, the 164th day of 2025. There are 201 days left in the year.

⛈️ Today’s weather:  Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89 degrees. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 60%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.


Weather

A Flood Watch is in effect for Alexandria and surrounding communities from Friday evening through late tonight (June 13).

The National Weather Service is warning of heavy rain and possible flash flooding across parts of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.


News

The Wall That Heals, a traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, opened to the public Thursday (June 12) at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, marking a rare opportunity for local residents to experience the memorial outside its usual touring schedule.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) relocated several of its annual ceremonies from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to Alexandria due to logistical challenges posed by the scheduled military parade.