Karl W. Moritz, Alexandria’s Director of Planning & Zoning, is retiring after 16 years with the city, including 11 years in his current role.
City Manager James Parajon today announced the retirement, which marks the end of Moritz’s 40-year career in planning.
Alexandria can look forward to a warm, if breezy, start to the weekend, but umbrellas will be essential as chances for showers and thunderstorms increase Saturday afternoon and become highly likely throughout a cooler, soggy Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Expect highs near 88 degrees Saturday before widespread rain arrives Sunday, when temperatures will only reach the upper 70s and the chance of precipitation climbs to 90 percent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
City officials are preparing to showcase updated designs for the ongoing Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project at a series of public meetings scheduled throughout May and June.
Residents will have multiple opportunities to view and learn about the latest plans for protecting key areas, including Point Lumley Park, Waterfront Park, and the King Street waterfront area, starting with a presentation to the Board of Architectural Review on May 7th.
Alexandria is making waves in energy management, earning a 2025 Better Practice Award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative. The city’s Building Performance Program for City Facilities caught officials’ eyes, showcasing innovative energy efficiency approaches.
The award, presented in Washington, D.C. on May 1, highlights Alexandria’s commitment to smart energy practices. Jeremy McPike, Director of the Department of General Services, points out that the city has already cut energy use by about 16% in the last five years. This new program aims to build on that success, keeping Alexandria at the forefront of sustainability efforts.
High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!
Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
The air is thick with anticipation, not just mint julep aromas, as the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches tomorrow (May 3). While Alexandria might not have a horse running for the roses at Churchill Downs this year, the city’s rich history and iconic scenery provide ample inspiration for a dream field of contenders we can cheer for in spirit.
As racing fans nationwide pick their favorites, we decided to have a little hometown fun. What if the Derby contenders drew their names not just from pedigrees, but from the very streets, landmarks, and neighborhoods that make Alexandria unique?
Good Friday morning, Alexandria!
🌥️ Today’s weather: Isolated showers before 8 a.m., then scattered showers after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87 degrees. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight – Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., then isolated showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66 degrees. South wind 5 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Virginia voters can begin casting ballots Friday, May 2, as early voting opens for the June 17 primary elections. These primaries will determine party nominees for key statewide offices and legislative seats ahead of the November general election, which could reshape the state’s political landscape.
While Virginia’s gubernatorial race between Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is set, Democrats still have to settle their tickets for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Trump administration told a federal judge Thursday that a Georgetown University scholar’s lawsuit against deportation should be moved from Virginia, where it was filed, to Texas, where he’s jailed over allegations of “spreading Hamas propaganda.”
U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles seemed skeptical of the government’s request, which would involve her dismissing the case in Virginia. She raised concerns that a dismissal in her court would void her order in March to keep Badar Khan Suri in the U.S. while his First Amendment case plays out.
Dozens of Uber and Lyft drivers from around the region boycotted both companies today by turning off their apps in Alexandria.
The boycott was part of an international May Day effort calling on Uber and Lyft to be more transparent in regard to fees, fares, and more. Over four hours today, the drivers gathered at the New Virginia Majority office (3801 Mt Vernon Ave) and made speeches, ate lunch, held a poetry reading and talked to each other.
