Alexandria is renewing its commitment to international friendship through its sister city relationship with Caen, France, as Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Councilman John Taylor Chapman recently returned from celebrating the French city’s 1,000-year anniversary.
The visit, which took place in mid-March, provided an opportunity for Alexandria officials to strengthen ties with their French counterparts and discuss future collaborations between the two historic cities.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner expressed shock and dismay over what he calls a “colossal screw up” by Trump administration officials who discussed classified military plans on an unsecured Signal group chat.
During a remote media availability on Wednesday (March 26), the Virginia Democrat said the incident represents a pattern of incompetence that puts American lives at risk and damages relationships with allies.
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.
The Alexandria Fire Department has been busy the last couple of days. Between Saturday, March 22, and Monday, March 24, firefighters extinguished six vehicle fires.
The incidents are unrelated and accidental in nature, according to AFD.
Sweeping plans to modernize George Mason Elementary School (2601 Cameron Mills Road) will soon head to the Alexandria Planning Commission.
Alexandria City Public Schools anticipates relocating staff and students three-and-a-half miles away at the end of this school year to swing space 1703 N. Beauregard Street. If the project timeline stays on track, ACPS will cut the ribbon on the new two-story building in the summer of 2027.
If you are interested in learning more about Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as "Life Plan Communities"), whether for yourself or for a loved one, please join our free workshop on Wednesday, November 4 from 5:00-7:00 at the Arlington office of Long & Foster. We are hosting this workshop in conjunction with Lisa Bates of the Williamsburg Landing community, which is a particularly excellent model of the way these communities work, and one you may wish to consider!
– How do Continuing Care Retirement Communities work?
– What do they offer?
– How much do they cost, and what are the financial models offered?
– How do you how to evaluate them, and choose the one that's right for you?
– How do you make a plan for a move like this?
– How do you handle a lifetime's worth of possessions?
All 320 students at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology stepped into spring in brand new shoes on Wednesday (March 26).
For the second time this month, Operation Warm visited an Alexandria school to outfit hundreds of students with new shoes.
The Center for Alexandria’s Children is undergoing a leadership change, with Executive Director Giselle Pelaez stepping down after 16 years at the helm. Terri Cheshire, M.A., who joined the center full-time in 2021 after working as a consultant, will take over as Acting Executive Director.
In a press release, the organization’s Board of Directors praised Pelaez’s dedication and impact, noting her key role in bolstering child advocacy efforts in Alexandria and fostering a collaborative, compassionate approach to addressing child abuse.
The Alexandria City Council received concerning projections about potential federal workforce reductions and their economic impact on the region during Tuesday’s legislative meeting.
The council heard presentations from Clark Mercer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), and Jill Kaniff, Senior Regional Demographer for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), who outlined potential consequences of federal job cuts.
Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!
🌤️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58 degrees. Northwest wind 7 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 36 degrees. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Thursday will be sunny, with a high near 61 degrees. West wind 3 to 8 mph.
Two regional planning experts delivered sobering news to the Alexandria City Council on Tuesday (March 25) about the potential impact of federal workforce reductions, warning that the city faces significant economic challenges if proposed cuts materialize.
Clark Mercer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), and Jill Kaneff, Senior Regional Demographer for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), presented data showing Alexandria’s vulnerability to federal job cuts.
