News

Akeno Sushi Bar wants to open before the end of the year at 611 King Street in Old Town, but it has to get a few paperwork issues squared away with the City of Alexandria to make that possible.

The interior renovation of the former home to Java Grill hasn’t started, as the local business is asking the city for an allowance to install a new HVAC system on the roof without a mechanical screen. The proposal going to the Planning Commission on Wednesday (April 16) would replace two HVAC units, add a third unit, and install an exhaust fan.


News

If Mulberry Lane in Del Ray didn’t close, Molly Szmak says she and her family would never leave.

Neighborhood Restaurant Group opened the supervised “play cafe” for one-to-six-year-old kids last November at 2016 Mount Vernon Avenue. The facility can hold up to 24 kids, with a 1:5 staff ratio that lets parents work or dine nearby.


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

The Study at Morrison House (116 South Alfred Street) is gearing up for a unique “Banned Book Speakeasy” event from April 23 to 26, 2025. They’re mixing things up by offering cocktails inspired by controversial books, with a dollar from each drink going to the Virginia Library Association.

The hotel’s website teases, “We want to let you in on our little secret… The Study at Morrison House is filling its shelves —and cocktail menu—with banned books. As a haven for storytelling, we’re celebrating the power of literature in all its forms while supporting local libraries”.


News

The City of Alexandria is inviting Landmark/Van Dorn residents to join a “Walk & Talk” event on Saturday, April 26, to share their thoughts on community health. The two-hour gathering starts at 2 p.m. at the ALIVE! Food Hub on S Van Dorn Street, where participants will take a one-mile loop around the neighborhood in small groups.

This event is part of Alexandria’s 2024 Community Health Assessment (CHA), which will shape the city’s next five-year Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). City staff will be on hand to listen to residents’ concerns and ideas for change.


Event

Curious about strength training but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you're looking for a more efficient alternative to traditional gyms?

Imperium Strength & Longevity invites the Alexandria community to an Open House on Sunday, November 1, from 11 AM to 2 PM.


News

Good Monday morning, Alexandria!

🌧️ Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72 degrees. Calm wind becoming south around six mph in the afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms tonight before 2 a.m., then scattered showers. Low around 60 degrees. East wind around seven mph becoming west after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.


News

Good Sunday morning, Alexandria!

🌧️ Today’s weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 63 degrees. Northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Increasing clouds tonight, with a low around 47 degrees. Calm wind. Monday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 73 degrees. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.


News

The Alexandria Police Department announced on Saturday (April 12) that the suspect wanted for Friday’s armed robbery of the Stage Door Deli (1324 King Street) in Old Town has been safely apprehended.

According to APD:


News

Music enthusiasts lined up for hours – some overnight – outside Crooked Beat Records (2417 Mt. Vernon Ave.)  in Del Ray on Saturday for the annual Record Store Day celebration, hoping to score limited-edition vinyl releases.

By 8:39 a.m., approximately 120 people had formed a line outside the independent record store. The first customers had arrived nearly 12 hours before the doors opened at 9 a.m.


News

Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!

🌧️ Today’s weather: Scattered showers, mainly after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 54 degrees. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%. Tonight, there will be scattered showers, mainly before 8 p.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. It will be mostly sunny on Sunday, with a high near 63 degrees—northwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.