Firefighters in Alexandria have had a busy weekend, responding to a variety of incidents.
On Sunday morning, Engine 208 rushed to the 5200 block of Duke Street after an automatic alarm went off. When they arrived, they found smoke coming from a one-story strip mall connected to a high-rise building. More units were called in to help put out the fire.
Good Sunday morning, Alexandria!
☀️ Today’s weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 80 degrees. South wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Tonight, we’ll see scattered showers, mainly after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 65 degrees. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. On Monday, there’s a chance of showers before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m.. High near 79 degrees. South wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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.
Alexandria City Council members gathered for their first town hall of 2025, addressing resident concerns ranging from school funding to infrastructure projects and the city’s economic challenges.
The first City Council town hall of 2025 brought together Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, and all council members to field questions from residents on a wide range of topics affecting Alexandria.
Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!
☀️ Today’s weather: Scattered sprinkles between 10 a.m. and noon. Patchy smoke between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84 degrees. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 63 degrees—south wind around eight mph. On Sunday, there’s a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78 degrees—south wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
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.
It’s been another busy week in Alexandria.
Amid the impact of federal worker cutbacks, looming budgets and crime, our top story this week was on the popularity of a new Taylor Swift-themed pop-up bar in Del Ray. Lines are wrapping around the block at Eras (2312 Mount Vernon Avenue).
The City of Alexandria is rolling out additional speed safety measures on four key roads this spring in an effort to improve roadway safety.
The city plans to expand its School Zone Speed Camera Safety Program and lower speed limits in certain areas.
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the graduation of 19 local residents who recently completed the Sheriff’s Community Academy spring session. Sheriff Sean Casey presented each graduate with a certificate of achievement and a Sheriff’s Office challenge coin during the March 22 ceremony, marking the conclusion of the four-week educational program.
This ninth session of the Sheriff’s Community Academy, which began on March 1, provided Alexandrians with an interactive opportunity to explore the office’s role in the local criminal justice system. Participants spent their Saturday mornings learning about various aspects of Sheriff’s Office operations through engagement with sworn and professional staff.
Alexandria’s effort to ditch school buses and put high school students on city-run DASH buses is not without controversy.
On Tuesday, City Council Member Abdel Elnoubi expressed frustration on how Alexandria City Public Schools has addressed the issue.
According to a project update released Friday, The Heritage at Old Town development is moving forward. Construction at 505 S. Alfred St. will begin in the second quarter of 2025. The development, known as Block 4, will include 310 apartment homes and more than 14,000 square feet of amenity space.
Construction is expected to continue through the third quarter of 2027, extending the timeline previously established for the project. The development team attributes the extended timeline to permitting impacts.
