The City of Alexandria will select nine locals via lottery for a chance to buy one of the handful of affordable condos built near the new Potomac Yard Metro station.
The units are committed affordable units — part of a trade for extra density from new development — in the Dylan Condominiums development at 701 and 737 Swann Avenue.
The new development is just a few blocks from the new Metro station, scheduled to open sometime next year after being derailed by delays.
“Dylan is a new residential condominium development in Potomac Yard proximate to the new Potomac Yard Metro Station and Metroway bus rapid transit, retail, parks, and other neighborhood amenities,” the city said in a release. “In total, nine condominium units will be available to income-eligible, first-time homebuyers at this new community, which is located at 701 and 737 Swann Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia.”
To qualify, buyers must live or work in Alexandria. In a telling indicator of local home prices, the city’s website said the qualifying income is “a gross annual household income up to 100% of the area median income.” In Alexandria, that’s $99,700 for one person.
According to the city’s website, the sale pries and monthly condo fees for the affordable units are:
- One bedroom and one bath at $175,000, with a monthly condo fee of $406
- Two bedroom and one bath at $225,000, with a monthly condo fee of $510
- Two bedroom and two baths at $225,000, with a monthly condo fee of $630
- Two bedroom plus den and two baths at $275,000, with a monthly condo fee of $630
“The City will accept applications for the units starting November 15 through December 15, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.,” the release said.
Image via Dylan Condominiums/Facebook
The Alexandria Beautification Commission announced its 2022 Alexandria Architecture Award winners Monday.
The commission asked for nominations and also toured the city looking for candidates that “speak to the character and future of the City, inspire others to enhance the beauty and architecture of their properties and help make Alexandria a creative, dynamic community.”
Properties were evaluated on criteria including aesthetic improvements through creative design, historical restoration or commitment to the art of architecture and sustainable design practices, according to a news release.
“Architecture says a lot about a neighborhood and City and the value residents and business place on the community in which they live and work,” Commission Chair Steve Cohen said. “Great architecture, like those recognized this year, encourage us to get out, enjoy our City, and meet our friends and neighbors. It also inspires each of us to do our part to make Alexandria an even more amazing place to live, work, and visit.”
Cohen said he was impressed with the diversity of this year’s recipients, which represented a range of architectural style and purposes.
The award winners were:
Robinson Landing, featuring 26 condominiums and 70 townhomes, was recognized for its innovative architectural design, that incorporates historical elements and lessons, and creates a beautiful public gathering place for all Alexandrians and visitors. Judges also took note of the great care and time your firm took in the archeological work during the excavation phase.
Eisenhower Square development by Toll Brothers, featuring a modern 67-home luxury development, was recognized for its innovative architecture that enhances the City with a walkable, visually stimulating neighborhood.
Beaconcrest Homes and the owners of 128 and 128A East Walnut Street were recognized for an innovative architectural design that expands our notion of a residential duplex, with modern, clean lines and a refreshing style.
The Adams’ residence at 1208 Trinity Drive was recognized for a design that incorporated modern, clean lines and style while incorporating historical elements that evoke the sense of tradition, history, and neighborliness Alexandria is known for.
A new luxury condominium community in Potomac Yard has reportedly sold 30% of its properties — without any of its 138 units yet built.
The FORTIS Companies of Washington, D.C. owns the Dylan property, and is selling one-to-three bedroom condos for between $600,000 and $1.2 million. The condos have been designed by Lessard Design International of Vienna and Akseizer Design Group in Alexandria, and will be built next year. In the meantime, interested buyers can see a fully-sized model at their sales gallery at 2316 Richmond Highway.
Over the next several years, Potomac Yard will completely transform into a bustling commercial district home to a new Metro station, the massive Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, and a revamped shopping center — all next door to Amazon’s HQ2 development in Crystal City.
The new Dylan development will be located adjacent to Potomac Yard Park.
“As we anticipated, the excitement around Amazon’s HQ2 and Virginia Tech is generating strong interest in Dylan,” said FORTIS Vice President Matt Bunch. “Dylan’s convenient, walkable location is a big draw. It is just a five-minute walk to the new Potomac Yard Metro Station opening early next year, which will connect residents to Regan National Airport just one stop away. Residents also will have walkable access to a variety of new shops, restaurants, employment centers, and recreational options within Potomac Yard and on Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus.”
Bunch continued, “We recognize that many residents will appreciate the option of working from home, so we ensured that 80 percent of Dylan’s plans include generously sized dens or home offices. Dylan also will feature an onsite business center for those residents who want to meet clients, take calls privately, or just get some work done outside of their homes.”
Courtesy The FORTIS CompaniesÂ
Animal Welfare League unveils van for onsite surgeries — “Biscuit, an eight-year-old gray and white cat, was the first to receive surgery.” [Zebra]
Free food distribution this Saturday — “On Sat, Apr 24, 8:30-10:30am, @ALIVE4AlexVA will distribute food in Cora Kelly Elem School parking lot and parking lot B-1 of NOVA-Alexandria Campus (map at alive-inc.org, if college closes due to weather, distribution cancelled). More resources alexandriava.gov/115053.” [Twitter]
Sales center opens for the Muse development — “The eight-story Muse condominium will feature 73 units at 1201 Royal Street. Choices include 29 unique floor plans ranging from one bedroom to two bedroom with a den. Ten of the floor plans have spacious outdoor terraces, and the largest penthouse residences are 2,200 square feet. Prices start in the $800,000s.” [Patch.com]
Today’s weather — “Partly cloudy (during the day). High 56F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible… Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 38F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Parliamentarian — “National PTA is committed to effectively follow proper procedures when conducting its Board meetings and annual convention. The association has been utilizing the guidance of a Professional Registered Parliamentarian in accomplishing that goal. Candidates are being considered for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 with the possibility of a one-year extension.” [Indeed]
Photo by Mark Haney
The owner of a hookah lounge has filed a special use permit to operate a hookah lounge and restaurant in the West End.
Diko Bar and Lounge would take over at the former home of the all-vegan Chez Hareg Cafe at 5245 Duke Street. The 1,200-square-foot location is next door to Shooter McGee’s, across the street from the Canterbury Square Condominiums and near the Alexandria Fire Station 208.
The location can accommodate 47 people inside, 18 people outside and has a 145-space parking lot. The SUP was requested for a new use at the space, which is the former home to Sangeet Alexandria Halal Meat and Grocery and Chez Hareg Cafe.
Owner Diko Woldehawariate could not be reached for comment, and details are scarce. The business has no website or social media. Woldehawariate wants to run it from noon to 2 a.m. seven days a week, according to the application. The menu includes beef and chicken shwarma, kabobs, Ethiopian dishes and desserts.
Public comments on the application are open until March 4, 2021, after which the application goes before the Planning Commission and then City Council for final approval.
Beyer says New White House Science Report is Misinformation — “This kind of ridiculous misinformation is something you would expect to see from the government of North Korea.” [Twitter]
Senator Amy Klobuchar Attends GOTV Event in Alexandria — “Glad to join @AlexVADems, @C_Herring, @AmyJacksonVAÂ and Councilwoman Del Pepper at an early voting event in Alexandria, Virginia for Sen. Mark Warner and VA candidates up and down the ballot. Everyone, please make a plan and go vote!” [Twitter]
New Luxury Condos Near Amazon HQ2 and Virginia Tech in Alexandria — “Just minutes from Amazon’s new HQ2 complex in Northern Virginia, The FORTIS Companies of Washington, DC has broken ground on a 138-unit luxury condominium community called Dylan. Its planned 2022 delivery coincides with the highly anticipated opening of the new Potomac Yard Metro Station, a five-minute walk from Dylan’s front door. Dylan’s spacious one- to three-bedroom condos will average 1,200 square feet and will be priced from the $600,000’s to over $1 million.” [Zebra]
Upland Park Development Gets BDAC Approval — “On Monday evening, the Beauregard Design Advisory Committee (BDAC) hosted its the final meeting to discuss Phase 1 of the Upland Park development project, giving approval to the plans to build a new townhome community.” [Alexandria Living]
Fire Department Recommends Battery-Operated Candles this Halloween — “If you have fall/Halloween decorations, use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns & keep all decorations away from open flames to prevent home fires. Read more about celebrating safely & preventing the spread of COVID-19 during your festivities.” [Twitter]
Today’s Weather — “Cloudy (during the day). High 73F. Winds light and variable. Rain showers in the evening will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Document Control Specialist — “Use knowledge of the legal process and legal terms to analyze the content of legal documents and determine the status of investigative or court proceedings; recognize documents that are missing; and work with attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants to obtain and organize documents for filing.” [Indeed]
Arlandria Condos to Have French Flair — “A small condo project in Alexandria’s Arlandria neighborhood is looking to employ the name of one of the area’s most confusing roads —Â but make it fancy. ‘Le Glebe,’ as proposed, would have four condominiums over about 2,500 square feet of retail at 226 and 228 W. Glebe Road, according to an application submitted to Alexandria planners.” [Washington Business Journal]
T.C. Williams Briefly Evacuated — “T.C. Williams High School King Street Campus is being evacuated due to smoke on the 3rd floor. Fire department en route.” [Twitter, Twitter]
Hotel Being Converted to Condos — “CIM Group has announced that it has begun the redevelopment of the 12-story, former Crowne Plaza Hotel at 901 N. Fairfax in Alexandria’s Old Town North neighborhood, into a 13-story, 122-unit residential condominium tower dubbed Venue.” [Alexandria Living]
Alexandria Marks ‘Mentoring Month’ — “The City of Alexandria invites the public to celebrate National Mentoring Month in January. Join the Alexandria Mentoring Partnership in raising awareness about the benefits of mentoring programs and the positive effects of mentoring Alexandria’s young residents.” [City of Alexandria]
Snow in the Forecast Today — “Computer models this afternoon and evening show an increased likelihood of a period of heavy snow in many parts of the Washington region between about 3 and 6 p.m. on Tuesday. We have upped our accumulation forecast to a coating to two inches along the Interstate 95 corridor and one to three inches for our northern and western areas.” [Capital Weather Gang]
