A restaurant and bar with a focus on spirits has closed after nearly two years in Old Town North amid a legal battle with the landlord over rent.
The MacMillan Spirit House is no longer in business at 500 Montgomery Street, the MacMillan Restaurant Group confirmed to ALXnow. The spirit house first opened in late March 2024, as a sister establishment to the MacMillan Whisky Room at the Mosaic District in Fairfax County.
Leaders from religious communities, development groups and financial institutions are gathering in Old Town North today (Tuesday) for a summit on faith-based housing development.
The sold-out event, “Restoring Hope and Building Opportunities,” is taking place now at United Way Worldwide’s Alexandria headquarters, where speakers and attendees “will examine how faith-based institutions can move beyond advocacy to serve as structured development partners — leveraging land, capital, and community trust to address housing shortages and expand economic opportunity,” according to a release.
A new memorial in Alexandria will honor the lives of the 67 people killed in last year’s midair collision over the Potomac River, which happened one year ago today.
A bench, newly planted trees and plaque bearing the names of the 67 victims will be installed on the Potomac waterfront on the northeastern portion of Rivergate Park, Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced last night (Wednesday) during a ceremony in D.C. honoring the victims, their families and first responders from the tragic night.
Foodies will have two opportunities to score dining deals from restaurants across Alexandria in the coming weeks.
In Alexandria, 11 eateries plan to offer prix-fixe menu deals through the Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week, which returns Monday, Jan. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 25. Hosted biannually in the winter and summer by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, the week features multi-course meal deals at participating D.C.-area restaurants.
The National Park Service is seeking input on a proposal to redesign intersections, add new trail connections and expand waterfront access in Old Town North, among other changes.
The agency is planning a slate of future upgrades along the GW Parkway, Mount Vernon Trail and Potomac waterfront, aiming to make the areas “safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone,” according to a press release. Plans include trail bridge replacement, new bike lanes and crosswalks and “improved views” of the waterfront.
How are you ringing in the new year in Alexandria?
A number of local bars and restaurants are doing it up in style on Dec. 31. From Old Town to Del Ray, Arlandria and the West End, here’s a roundup of shindigs that will send you into the early morning hours of 2026.
A proposal for the conversion of a five-story Old Town office into a 20-unit apartment building is headed to the Planning Commission next month.
The 27,000-square-foot office at 732 N. Washington Street has been home to the American Statistical Association (ASA) for 20 years. Now ASA is asking for the city’s permission to convert it into an apartment building with a roof deck and apartment balconies/patios with the following units.
An annual walking tour with Old Town North’s Urban Design Advisory Committee this month will highlight several new developments in the area.
During the walk on Wednesday, Nov. 12, city staff will provide participants with information on the mixed-use development project at Robinson Terminal North, redevelopment of the Montgomery Center and the Ladrey Apartments, among other developments.
D.C.-based real estate investment company Carr Properties has been awarded Alexandria’s top archeology award.
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the City Council will announce the award and commend the company for its “commitment to the highest quality archaeological preservation at the site of the Alexandria Canal in Old Town North,” according to a proclamation. Carr Properties partnered with the city after uncovering part of Alexandria’s history as it worked to redevelop a 1980s-era office building into a mixed-use apartment building.
The Old Town North Community Partnership will host its annual Dogtoberfest celebration Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Montgomery Park, featuring live music, costume contests and activities for pets and families.
Local performer Mike Seti will perform from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Music in Montgomery Park concert series. The free, pet- and family-friendly event will take place at 901 North Royal St. A rain date is scheduled for Nov. 2.
It’s been quite a week, Alexandria. Here’s a look at our top stories.
Our most-read story this week is on Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley sermonizing against President Trump’s decision to fly flags at half-staff across the country for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, Wesley condemned the Sept. 10 assassination, but said he should not be expected to honor Kirk, who he called an “unapologetic racist who spent all of his life sowing seeds of division and hate into this land.”
