development | ALXnow

City Council approves new energy standards for developments in Alexandria

Published January 27, 2026 at 11:50AM

Attendees at City Council's Jan. 24, 2026 public hearing (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria City Council approved new environmental standards for the development review process on Saturday, following testimony from dozens of public speakers on climate change and impacts on housing development.

The new Green Building Plan is an update to the 2019 Green Building Policy, which set standards for new public and private renovations needing site plan or special use permit approval. The plan focuses on a measure of energy used by a building called Energy Use Intensity (EUI), rather than specific sustainability certifications like LEED.

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Old Town property owner wants to convert boating supply store into powerlifting gym

By James Cullum

Published January 26, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated January 26, 2026 at 6:55PM

619 S. Patrick Street in Old Town (via Google Maps)

A 24-hour Scandanavian-inspired bodybuilding gym is being proposed to replace the West Marine boating supply store at 601 and 619 S. Patrick Street in Old Town.

Desiree Marvin, the owner of Valhalla Property Holding, LLC, is asking the city for permission to renovate the existing building and convert it into an “upscale bodybuilding gym” with personal trainers, an open-concept layout, heavy lifting equipment and cardio machines, according to an application.

News

Townhome complex proposed on vacant lot near church in Seminary Hill

By James Cullum

Published January 23, 2026 at 2:45PM

N. Quaker Lane and Duke Street (via Google Maps)

A developer is proposing to construct 11 three-to-four-story townhomes on a vacant lot that is shared with a church in Seminary Hill.

Development company 614 Westbrad, LLC, wants to build 45-foot-tall three-story townhomes with roof-level lofts, terraces, and parking garages at 11 N. Quaker Lane, 21 N. Quaker Lane and 3369 Duke Street.

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City Council approves plan to boost Alexandria’s economic growth amid challenges

By Emily Leayman

Published January 14, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated January 14, 2026 at 3:48PM

Stephanie Landrum, CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus ribbon cutting, Feb. 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a roadmap for Alexandria’s economic future last night (Tuesday) as the city tries to strengthen its economic competitiveness.

The ALX Forward framework will shape how the city pursues economic growth, from development to business recruitment and retention. It details strategies like leveraging economic opportunities in Old Town North, Eisenhower East, the West End, and Potomac Yard; retaining local businesses; attracting industries like artificial intelligence and strengthening support for entrepreneurs.

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Nonprofit seeks city approval to convert Old Town office headquarters into townhomes

By James Cullum

Published January 6, 2026 at 1:45PM

415 N. Alfred Street (via Google Maps)

After more than 20 years in Old Town’s Parker-Gray Historic District, a nonprofit wants to demolish its headquarters and replace it with five three-story townhomes.

The Society of Defense Financial Management — formerly the American Society of Military Comptrollers — has owned and used the office building at 415 N. Alfred Street since 2004. Now real estate developer PT Blooms is asking the city for permission to tear down the entire structure and build five new townhomes with roof decks and rear-loaded two-vehicle garages.

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Alexandria to host City Hall pre-construction meeting as relocations are underway

By James Cullum

Published January 5, 2026 at 1:45PM

A rendering of the proposed City Hall and Market Square renovation (via City of Alexandria)

The city of Alexandria will host a virtual meeting this Thursday covering the pre-construction phase of renovations at City Hall and Market Square.

Currently in its architectural and engineering design phase, the multimillion-dollar project includes renovations at City Hall, a redesign of Market Square and an underground parking garage. More than 300 city employees have already relocated to temporary swing spaces, and the rest are expected to do so by the end of the month, according to a city announcement.

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City to discuss future land usage on Duke Street during work session tomorrow

By James Cullum

Published January 5, 2026 at 9:15AM

The Duke Street Land Use Plan will cover the area between Alexandria's Union Station and the former Landmark Mall property (via City of Alexandria)

The Planning Commission will host a work session tomorrow (Tuesday) on a draft plan for the future of Duke Street.

Still in its infancy, the Duke Street Land Use Plan is intended to guide city officials in the development of the Duke Street corridor from the former Landmark Mall to Alexandria Union Station. The document is expected to be ready for City Council consideration and adoption from late 2026 to early 2027, according to the city.

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Woodbine health care center receives three-year extension for stalled expansion project

By James Cullum

Published December 29, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated December 29, 2025 at 11:16AM

Woodbine expansion plans (image via City of Alexandria)

The stalled expansion of a nursing home in Alexandria’s Rosemont neighborhood just got a three-year extension from the Alexandria City Council.

The Council has unanimously re-approved a 2022 plan by Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center to build a three-story, 31,909-square-foot addition. The development permits expired in October and were held back by increased construction costs and interest rates, Woodbine said in its application.

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Alexandria seeks to streamline office-to-residential conversions

By James Cullum

Published December 29, 2025 at 9:30AM

The conversion of 601 Wythe Street in Old Town from office to residential was approved in 2025 by City Council (via Google Maps)

Alexandria city staff want to establish a standard permitting process for commercial-to-residential conversions.

Amid a struggling office real estate market, the city has seen a number of old office properties convert to residential use over the last several years. The proposal to create a special use permit (SUP) process for the conversions will head to the Planning Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

News

Plans to replace the Old Town Pool headed to Board of Architectural Review

By James Cullum

Published December 18, 2025 at 1:45PM

Old Town Pool (via City of Alexandria)

After 40 years in operation, Alexandria has submitted plans to replace the Old Town Pool, bath house and equipment building.

The 144,000-square-foot Old Town Pool site at 1609 Cameron Street was built in 1975 and is “nearing the end of its usability,” according to a presentation that will go before the Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

News

Alexandria city government services will relocate next month for City Hall renovation

By James Cullum

Published December 17, 2025 at 3:45PM

Alexandria City Hall (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The last moves of Alexandria’s City Council and staff have been announced, as the years-long renovation project at City Hall and Market Square is just around the corner.

The various arms of the city government will be operating from swing spaces until 2028, when the project is expected to be completed. With more than 300 city staffers already moved to temporary offices, the project will start construction this spring, according to the city.