Catholic University of America (CUA) is planning to open up a new branch in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood.
According to an application headed to the Planning Commission in September, CUA is hoping to renovate the second floor of 2050 Ballenger Avenue to create a new location specifically for students in Alexandria, Arlington, and other Northern Virginia locations.
Over 13 years since it was originally proposed, a plan to turn the quiet southeastern corner of the Eisenhower corridor into a pair of mixed-use towers is coming back with some new proposed uses.
A project called 765 John Carlyle proposes turning the empty grass lot near what is still Eisenhower Circle — for now — into “two mixed-use towers conjoined by the common podium” according to an application by Carlyle Plaza, LLC.
Alexandria formally moved into the second phase of its economic recovery today (Friday), and while some businesses are embracing the easing of restrictions, others are taking a slower approach.
Even though there was only one new reported case of coronavirus in the city today, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said that phase 2 does not mean that the city is out of the woods just yet.
Alexandria is putting many of the city’s homeless in hotel rooms for the foreseeable future.
“While many of our hotels are suffering significant losses of their own, they have been willing to partner with the City to assist in the response,” Mayor Justin Wilson told ALXnow. “To ensure that our homeless populations can maintain safe social distancing, these hotel partnerships have been critical.”
Governor Declares State of Emergency — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said he is watching how other states are handling COVID-19 testing and that drive-thru testing may be an option. [NBC 4]
ALIVE! Might Shutter Programs, Needs Donations — “We continue to operate as normal, but anticipate that at some point we may advise volunteers to stay home and close programs. We are doing our best to ensure food supplies are adequate and are increasing deliveries to our regular drop off sites while we are able. Donations to support our food reserves are critically important at this time, as we are sending out everything to our regular clients to help them prepare while we are still able to do so.” [ALIVE!]
The party is scheduled tomorrow (Saturday) from 6 p.m.-midnight at Sweet Fire Donna’s (510 John Carlyle Street).
“We’re turning back time to celebrate our 6th year anniversary!” the restaurant said on an event post. “Pull out your swankiest sixties garb and get ready to groove. We’ll also be featuring a Tap Takeover with Two Roads Brewery!
City Faces Dozens of Lawsuits — “Between 2014 and 2019, 101 lawsuits were filed against the city, and 20 of those cases are still active, according to data the Alexandria Times acquired through the city… Over the last six years, the city has faced 37 claims cases, 20 land-use cases, 15 civil rights cases, 12 employment cases, 11 real estate assessment cases, two FOIA cases, two mandamus cases and two procurement cases.” [Alexandria Times]
Restaurants That Locals Still Miss — “When you talk with locals about restaurants they miss, there’s usually at least one place they can name… We’ve received nearly 40 responses covering Old Town and other areas of the city. Places mentioned by multiple people included Austin Grill, Overwood, Mango Mike’s, Flying Fish and Geranio.” [Patch]
The annual Alexandria Warehouse Sale is set to return next Saturday, Feb. 8 in Carlyle.
The sale brings boutiques from across the region to the Westin Hotel (400 Courthouse Square). It’s free to attend and is scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Carlyle Diner is set for a soft opening at the end of this month.
The new restaurant is part of The Carlyle Club (2050 Ballenger Ave.), a nightclub featuring jazz and comedy shows and serving alcohol and classic American cuisine for dinner. The retro-style diner promises to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the form of pancakes, shakes, burgers and an assortment of pies.
A new pilates studio in Carlyle is hoping to help locals get a head start on their New Year’s fitness resolutions.
Club Pilates, a pilates chain, planning to open at 1725 Jamieson Avenue, just a block south of Whole Foods. The location is scheduled to have a grand opening early next year, but the new studio is offering free preview sessions next week.
Four historical sites around Old Town and beyond will participate in this year’s Yuletide by Candlelight event.
The holiday event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, from 5-9 p.m.
