What a news-filled week in Alexandria.
Things got off to a snowy start on Monday and Tuesday, as the city was under a winter weather advisory.
King Street
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Some unscheduled bridge repair has led to a section of King Street near the eponymous Metro station being temporarily closed.
“Unexpected bridge repair work has closed King St. between Callahan Dr. and Commonwealth Ave,” police said in a tweet. “It’s unknown how long repairs will last. Follow detours and traffic direction in the area.”
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Erik Muendel wants the new ESP Tea and Coffee to be what the old Killer E.S.P. should have been.
The coffee shop at 1012 King Street was a beloved, hip hangout spot in Old Town featuring sorbet, pie and espresso, that latter from which the bistro derived its name. Behind the scenes, however, its controversial owner Rob Shelton clashed with staff who alleged inappropriate behavior toward women and minors working at the shop. The conflict culminated with the entire staff quitting in early 2020 followed by the replacement staff quitting just months later.
A manager who led 2020’s second walkout from Killer E.S.P. told her full story to Mother Jones.
The site included a writeup of Mary Gmaz’ exit from Killer E.S.P. in a series of profiles on people who quit their jobs in 2020.
With the Old Town Theater getting a makeover as a Patagonia, the building next-door could be getting a visual overhaul as well.
According to an application headed to the Board of Architectural Review next month, 815 King Street owner Asana Partners is hoping to restore the building’s original limestone facade — at least in color.
Women’s clothing and jewelry store Francesca’s (631 King Street) has permanently closed its store at the intersection of King Street and Washington Street.
The store replaced sushi restaurant BumbleFish in 2013. The store is one of 140 across the country being closed as the company files for bankruptcy. The Francesca’s was on the ground floor of the Alfriend Building — constructed in the late 18th century.
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(Updated at 1:20 p.m.) The Alexandria Police Department said a portion of King Street is closed due to a gas leak.
“The Alexandria Police Department is assisting the Fire Department with a road closure in the 2500 block of King Street due to a gas leak,” police said in a press release. “Expect police and fire activity in the area.”
That was fast.
Pizzeria Paradiso officially closed its doors at 124 King Street on October 4, and three days later Emmy Squared Pizza submitted a special use permit (SUP) application to start business at the prime spot in Old Town.
What a week it’s been in Alexandria.
Our top story this week was the report that Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. sends one of his children to Bishop Ireton High School. In case you missed it, the story first broke in Theogony, the T.C. Williams High School newspaper.
There’s a new tobacconist on King Street in Old Town, and it’s right across the street from another tobacconist.
Old Virginia Tobacco Company unsuccessfully tried last year to buy the The Scottish Merchant/John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King Street. The deal was in the works for months, and ultimately fell through. Instead, Old Virginia Tobacco moved across the street to the vacant storefront at 210 King Street.
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(Updated 12:10 p.m.) Alexandria Nearing 4,000 cases of COVID-19 — “The latest update from the City on COVID-19: Positive tests up 6 to 3,938 in the City (84 in last 7 days) 7-day Positivity Rate down to 4.0% 0 new hospitalizations Still safer at home, wash hands and wear masks.” [Twitter]
The Majestic Reopens After 8-Month Hiatus — “Diners can expect an all-new menu offering seasonal dishes such as Roasted Parsnip Agnolotti with black truffle, bacon jam and parmesan ($12), vegetarian Preserved Smoked Beet Tartare ($9) with crispy capers, horseradish yogurt, shallots and almonds, and of course there’s the Majestic Burger ($17) or Rigatoni & Eggplant for $18.” [Alexandria Living]