King Street | ALXnow

New report examines how King Street pedestrianization fits into waterfront plans

Published October 24, 2022 at 3:55PM

Unit block of King Street pedestrian zone (image via City of Alexandria)

Ten years after adopting a plan with suggestions for turning the Waterfront into a cultural hub, the City of Alexandria is poised to move forward with one of them: making the streets closest to the river pedestrian-only.

Ahead of a potential vote to close the unit block of King Street and part of The Strand to traffic, a new report suggests that these street closures are supported by the 2012 Waterfront Small Area Plan and are broadly popular among locals. The unit block of King Street, the block closest to the Waterfront, is a one-way street connected to the two-way street called The Strand that runs parallel to the Potomac River.

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Juice bar and café coming to Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published October 24, 2022 at 9:30AM

Zenn Press, a wellness-focused juice bar and cafe in Fairfax, is planning to open a new location in the heart of Old Town.

Zenn Press’ owner filed a special use permit application to open a new cafe at 806 King Street — formerly a Galt & Bro. jewelry store.

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Rosemont neighborhood nursing home expansion heads to City Council

By Vernon Miles

Published October 13, 2022 at 3:45PM

Woodbine expansion plans (image via City of Alexandria)

The Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Facility (2729 King Street) could be getting a significant expansion that should help make it a little less crowded.

The facility isn’t adding any new beds, but a new three-story front addition would allow the nursing home to offer more private homes for residents.

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The Tasting Room reopens after two-and-a-half year break in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published October 13, 2022 at 2:15PM

After a two-and-half year hiatus, The Tasting Room (1602 King Street) has reopened in Old Town.

The 2,500-square-foot restaurant is owned by Lorien Hotel & Spa, which also owns BRABO (1602 King Street) next door. Both restaurants are run by Executive Chef Fredy Garciaguirre, who was promoted from executive sous chef over the summer.

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Massachusetts-based bakery coming to Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published October 12, 2022 at 11:30AM

Coffee and pastries at Tatte Bakery (image via Tatte Bakery/Instagram)

An Old Town office building slated for an overhaul could be getting a bakery as part of that revitalization, Washington Business Journal first reported.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe has leased space at 515 King Street, the office building in Old Town with the giant clock on the side of the building. Tatte Bakery & Cafe is a small chain based out of Massachusetts with several locations in D.C. The Alexandria location will be the second Northern Virginia location after one in neighboring Arlington.

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Alexandria School Board asks City Council to reduce speed limits to 15 mph in school zones

By James Cullum

Published October 7, 2022 at 2:15PM

The scene of a crash outside Jefferson Houston Elementary School, March 29, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Things are about to slow down in school zones.

The Alexandria School Board on Thursday (October 6) unanimously approved a resolution requesting a reduction from 25 miles per hour to 15 mph in school zones.

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Alexandria looking to loosen up a little for on-street dining

By Vernon Miles

Published October 5, 2022 at 3:45PM

With the City of Alexandria returning to regulating on-street retail and restaurant uses, including adding a price tag for the benefit, the City Council is also scheduled to review a few changes to make the process a little less onerous.

At a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Council is set to take a look at some changes to reduce redundancies and streamline the process for businesses hoping to make use of sidewalk and street space.

News

Survey finds widespread support for expanded King Street pedestrian zone

By Vernon Miles

Published October 5, 2022 at 1:15PM

Unit block of King Street pedestrian zone (image via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria said a survey collecting feedback on the new expanded King Street pedestrian zone showed overwhelmingly positive.

After the 100 block of King Street was permanently converted into a pedestrian zone last year, the program was extended via pilot into the unit block of King Street — the one closest to the waterfront — and an adjacent stretch of road called The Strand.

News

King Street redevelopment approved, but earns Council scorn for lackluster affordable housing contribution

By Vernon Miles

Published September 22, 2022 at 2:45PM

615-621 King Street development proposal (image via City of Alexandria)

The Mansly, a redevelopment of the Walgreens and a bank at 615-621 King Street, got its approval from the City Council — but not without some heavy side-eyeing and one “nay” vote after the Council criticized the underwhelming affordable housing contribution.

Technically, affordable housing didn’t and legally couldn’t have anything to do with the Council vote. The city has a trade set up, securing affordable housing units or contributions in exchange for extra density, but the staff report said the development wasn’t requesting density or height above what’s already recommended in the Old Town Small Area Plan and applicant The Silverman Group hit the bare minimum requirements for affordable housing contribution.

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King Street Walgreens replacement headed to City Council

By Vernon Miles

Published September 13, 2022 at 11:10AM

615-621 King Street development proposal (image via City of Alexandria)

A new development replacing a former Walgreens and a Burke & Herbert Bank is headed to City Council review with a strong endorsement from city staff.

The new development, called The Mansly, will change relatively little of the King Street-facing exterior. The most notable change being the white painted brick restored to Old Town’s iconic redder hue.

News

King Street pedestrian zone in Old Town extended into November

By Vernon Miles

Published September 13, 2022 at 9:30AM

Unit block of King Street pedestrian zone (image via City of Alexandria)

A pilot project to convert the unit block of King Street — the part closest to the waterfront — into a pedestrian-only zone has been extended for another two months.

The pilot started over Memorial Day weekend and was scheduled to shut down after Labor Day, but Alexandria Transportation and Environmental Services announced on Twitter that the pilot was being extended to Nov. 20.