ALXnow - Alexandria Now

Developer wants to keep pump house at former power plant site in Old Town North

Published May 5, 2026 at 3:45PM

View from the proposed pump house roof deck at the former PRGS site in Old Town North (via HRP Group)

HRP Group wants to keep the pump house at the former coal-fired Potomac River Generating Station property in Old Town North, representatives said during meeting last night (Monday).

The developer rolled out the plan for Blocks B and C of the sprawling project in an hour-and-a-half-long Zoom meeting. The development is spread across six blocks, and entails the full deconstruction of the former power plant, replacing it with more than 10 acres of public open space, as well as mixed-use apartment and retail buildings.

Around Town

Croatian stamp exhibit unveiled in Alexandria as city prepares to host Team Croatia during World Cup

By James Cullum

Published May 5, 2026 at 2:45PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Rare Croatian stamps will be on display at the Torpedo Factory Art Center this week as part of a cultural exchange with Croatia, as Alexandria is expected to host the country’s national soccer team base camp during the 2026 World Cup.

The exhibit marks the first time that the stamp collection, “Discover Croatia: A Journey Through Tiny Windows of History,” has been moved outside of its home country. The exhibit by the Croatian Post and the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs was unveiled yesterday (Monday) at a ceremony with Croatian Ambassador to the U.S. Pjer Šimunović and Mayor Alyia Gaskins.

A 5-star workday in the heart of Old Town Alexandria

By Sponsor

Published May 13, 2026 at 12:45PM

Image from A 5-Star Workday in the Heart of Old Town Alexandria

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News

Stinging criticism leveled against proposed beekeeping regulations in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 5, 2026 at 1:45PM

A bee at Windmill Hill Park in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

A new proposal to regulate beekeeping in Alexandria is creating some buzz as it heads to the Planning Commission tonight (May 5).

The Planning Commission is slated to consider new rules that would limit the number of hives allowed on properties, create 5-to-10-foot setbacks for those hives, and allow beekeeping equipment as accessory structures.

Around Town

Annual ALX Craft Beer Festival coming to Atlas Brew Works this month

By Katie Taranto

Published May 5, 2026 at 11:50AM | Updated May 5, 2026 at 1:04PM

Atlas Brew Works beer (courtesy of Atlas Brew Works)

Several regional breweries will come together later this month for the annual ALX Craft Beer Festival, offering a taste of their signature brews.

The festival will feature a variety of ale, lager, pilsner and other beers from local makers, including host Atlas Brew Works. The festival is scheduled from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Atlas Alexandria Brewery & Tap Room at 2429 Mandeville Lane.

Event

Afternoon Matinee Movie – Under the Tuscan Sun (At (Germantown, MD))

May 31, 2026 2:45 pm -6:00 pm

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

News

Alexandria’s unemployment rate eases but remains elevated in new data

By Scott McCaffrey

Published May 5, 2026 at 9:15AM

Help wanted sign (photo by Eric Prouzet/Unsplash)

Though still up more than 50% from the final days of the Biden administration, the total number of Alexandria residents recorded as unemployed in February was the second lowest over the preceding year.

A total of 3,323 city residents were counted as seeking jobs in February data reported last week by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.

News

Morning Notes for May 5, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Published May 5, 2026 at 7:30AM

Sunny day in Old Town (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Cinco de Mayo in Alexandria — “At Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street), the celebration of Mexico’s defeat over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 begins with 5-cent frozen margaritas from 9-10 a.m. … Elsewhere in Alexandria, events will feature extended happy hour deals, live music and specials on food and drink, including all-day $3.50 tacos at Taqueria Picoso.” [ALXnow]

Thousands of Virginians to Regain Voting Rights — “A federal court ruled earlier this year that Virginia’s current disenfranchisement of anyone with felony convictions violates laws that required former Confederate states to guarantee voting rights for newly-emancipated Black residents.” [Virginia Mercury]

Around Town

Live music, 5-cent margaritas featured at Cinco de Mayo events in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 4, 2026 at 3:45PM

A margarita at Tequila & Taco at 540 John Carlyle Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

Taco Tuesday this week promises to be something special in Alexandria as it coincides with Cinco de Mayo.

At Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street), the celebration of Mexico’s defeat over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 begins with 5-cent frozen margaritas from 9-10 a.m. The restaurant will also give out hundreds of straw sombreros and allow outdoor patio drinking until 10 p.m.

News

New shuttle between King Street Metro and George Washington’s Mount Vernon launches Friday

By James Cullum

Published May 4, 2026 at 2:45PM

George Washington's Mount Vernon estate (via Facebook)

A new shuttle service will soon make it easier to travel to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate from the King Street Metro station in Old Town.

Starting this Friday, May 8, $10 roundtrip shuttle tickets will be available with service to Mount Vernon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June. Each shuttle departing the King Street Metro station can hold up to 20 passengers for an approximately 20-minute ride to the historic estate.

Around Town

Hank’s Pasta Bar launching dine-in service in Old Town this week

By Katie Taranto

Published May 4, 2026 at 2:00PM

Hank's Pasta Bar in Old Town (courtesy of Deb Lindsey Photography)

An Italian takeout and delivery spot in Old Town with customizable pastas is preparing to celebrate the launch of its new dine-in service.

Hank’s Pasta Bar, located above Hank’s Oyster Bar at 600 Montgomery Street, is officially launching dine-in service this Thursday, May 7, with a grand opening celebration scheduled next Thursday, May 14. The restaurant, an “elevated casual eatery,” has a full bar and offers a menu of “traditional Italian fare with contemporary touches,” according to a press release.