Charles Houston Recreation Center

Townhouse development pitched on vacant lot, barbershop site in Parker-Gray

Published March 18, 2026 at 2:45PM

Rendering of new development proposed for 724, 726 and 728 N. Patrick Street in the Parker-Gray District (via City of Alexandria)

A proposed conversion of a vacant lot and a one-story barbershop in the Parker-Gray Historic District into five four-story townhomes is headed to city review.

Eric Bernstein and Kirby Holdings are proposing to build the homes at 724, 726 and 728 N. Patrick Street, located at the intersection with Madison Street. The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review will conduct a public hearing on the concept review proposal at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, at Charles Houston Recreation Center, which is directly across the street from the site.

Around Town

Councilwoman Greene hosting free women’s health forum this weekend

By James Cullum

Published March 5, 2026 at 2:30PM

School Board Member Jacinta Greene announces her candidacy for the Alexandria City Council at the Alexandria Democratic Committee meeting on Feb. 5, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A free forum focused on women’s health is coming to the Charles Houston Recreation Center this weekend.

The EmpowerHer Women’s Health Forum will feature panel discussions, curated vendors and breakout sessions to discuss mental, sexual and reproductive health. The event will be held at the recreation center at 901 Wythe Street from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Around Town

Hopkins House preschoolers share songs, crafts with seniors for Valentine’s Day

By Katie Taranto

Published February 13, 2026 at 2:45PM

Students from Hopkins House's k-prep class met with seniors on Friday, Feb. 6, for a Valentine's Day celebration (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, preschoolers from Hopkins House brought joy and laughter to The Senior Center at Charles Houston during an annual celebration last week.

The k-prep class from Helen Day Preschool Academy joined Alexandria seniors for a lively morning of crafts and dancing on Friday, Feb. 6. About a dozen students made handmade valentines for seniors, many of whom are regular visitors to the center.

News

City bans youth mentor from rec centers for second time

By James Cullum

Published September 18, 2025 at 6:30AM | Updated September 18, 2025 at 10:11AM

Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

Jackie Surratt, the founder of the Alexandria Fatherless Coalition nonprofit, has been banned from recreation centers in the city for a year.

It’s not the first time Surratt has been banned. In 2022, he admitted to stepping out of bounds when he yelled at a staffer at William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) for not observing pandemic-related rules while trying to play ping-pong, resulting in a two-year banishment. This time, he says that the most recent ban, which went into effect last month, is unjust. Surratt says he’s peaceful, and wants the ban lifted in order to administer his mentorship program to Alexandria boys. He’s taken his case to city leaders, City Manager Jim Parajon and City Attorney Cheran Ivery.

News

Finding Faith: There’s a new men’s only Bible study group in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published July 24, 2025 at 12:00PM | Updated July 24, 2025 at 2:19PM

A new men's bible study group at Charles Houston Recreation Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

There’s a new bible study ministry in Old Town, and it’s just for men.

Every second and fourth Wednesday, more than a dozen men and boys talk about the Bible and staying on the right path at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street). The group “Men Seeking God” was founded earlier this year by lifelong Alexandria resident Bruce Anderson, boxer Tony Suggs and an old friend he met at the Alexandria jail, Reverend Myron Contee.

News

Alexandria Community Cookout moves indoors due to storm advisory

By Ryan Belmore

Published July 9, 2025 at 2:00PM

Charles Houston Recreation Center at 901 Wythe Street in Old Town (photo via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria’s Community Cookout, initially scheduled for the Andrew Adkins Public Housing Community tonight (July 9), has been moved indoors to the Charles Houston Recreation Center due to a thunderstorm weather advisory, city officials announced on Wednesday.

The event, organized by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA), will take place at 6 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center located at 901 Wythe Street. Residents can expect a variety of free activities, including games, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and learn about city services and programs.

News

Dozens attend second Alexandria City Council Town Hall of the year

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 13, 2025 at 12:45PM

Alexandria City Council Town Hall on June 12 (Staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Alexandria City Council held its second City Council Town Hall of the year on Thursday (June 12).

Approximately fifty people were present at the Charles Houston Rec Center Gymnasium as City Council members answered questions submitted by both the in-person and virtual audience.

News

Six Alexandria recreation centers closed next week for deep cleaning and more

By Vernon Miles

Published August 8, 2024 at 10:00AM

Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

Any regulars at some of Alexandria’s most popular recreation centers might have to take next week off.

Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) said the following recreation centers will be closed from Monday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 18:

News

Bench honoring Martin Luther King Jr. to be donated to Charles Houston Recreation Center in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published May 13, 2024 at 11:00AM

Charles Houston Recreation Center at 901 Wythe Street in Old Town (photo via City of Alexandria)

A $5,000 bench honoring Martin Luther King Jr. is being donated to Charles Houston Recreation Center in Old Town.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association is making the donation in recognition of the civil rights leader, which City Council will approve at its meeting on Tuesday.