Old Town

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

The fight to preserve Douglass Cemetery — “While the location’s rich past and personal connection served as an emboldening force for Johnson, he said he’s sorry that anyone’s final resting place could wind up in such a dilapidated state.” [Alexandria Times]

Advice from Old Town Books’ Ally Kirkpatrick — “We talked to Ally Kirkpatrick, founder and owner of Old Town Books, about curling up with a good read when the weather gets cold and finding the perfect book to give as a gift.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

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Week-long series of Alexandria retail events and discounts starts this Friday

By Vernon Miles

A series of daily events starting later this week will have the dual benefit of helping out local businesses and Alexandrians looking to get some Christmas shopping done.

The ‘Shop Small Week’ started as a mostly digital event last year to help local businesses slammed by the pandemic. The retail events, put together by Visit Alexandria, start on Friday, Nov. 26, with “Plaid Friday” followed by a Small Business Saturday event on Nov. 27.

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News

UPDATED: Body found floating near Old Town pier

By Alan Henney
Police looking at the body found in the water, near the unit block of Duke Street (via social media)

The body of what appears to be a woman was recovered from the Potomac River this morning in Old Town Alexandria.

The discovery was made just before 10:30 a.m. off Point Lumley Park near the Barca Pier, at the bottom of Duke Street. The woman was fully clothed and wearing shoes, video shared with ALXnow shows.

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ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles
(Left to right) Alexandria Vice Mayor-elect Amy Jackson, Mayor Justin Wilson, Stonebridge Principal Douglas M. Firstenberg and Inova Alexandria Hospital President Dr. Rina Bansal at the groundbreaking for Inova Oakville at Potomac Yard, Nov. 15, 2021. (staff photo by James Cullum)

This week was a mix of big plans for the future in Alexandria and concerns about public feedback on city projects.

The top story this week was on Sunday, when a driver struck and killed local resident Roy Saravia Alvarez. The driver, Fredy Ortiz-Dominguez of Hyattsville, Maryland, was arrested last night and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

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Inova to host blood drive in Old Town next week with Starbucks gift card as reward for donating

By Vernon Miles

Forget a cookie or a sticker: donors at a blood drive next week in Old Town can get a $10 Starbucks gift card for giving blood to Inova Blood Donor Services.

The blood drive is scheduled for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, outside City Hall (301 King Street). Those interesting in donating can book an appointment online. Inova also has an eligibility checklist available online.

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News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Old Town Books to open ‘Juniors’ pop-up shop — “Old Town Books is opening a winter pop-up shop called Old Town Books Juniors this month.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Public invited to help lay wreaths at Alexandria National Cemetery Dec. 18 — “On Saturday, Dec. 18 — the same day as the wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery — there is another gathering planned for Alexandria National Cemetery.” [Zebra]

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Multi-use development at 1300 King Street could be finished by late 2022, says developer

By James Cullum
1300 King Street could reopen by November 2022, according to developer Holladay Corp. (staff photo by James Cullum)

The four-story, three part development at 1300 King Street could be finished by this time next year, according to a partner in the joint venture.

The former homes to Pines of Florence and Aftertime Comics at 1300 and 1304 King Street (at the corner of S. Payne Street) are now shells of their former selves. The buildings were erected in the early 19th century and are in the process of being restored by developers The Holladay Corporation and The Foundry Companies.

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Turkish Coffee Lady brewing up new Old Town location

By Vernon Miles
1001 King Street (photo via Google Maps)

A Tysons coffee shop specializing in Turkish blends is planning to move into a former chocolatier space in Old Town.

Turkish Coffee Lady is a cultural and coffee/tea kiosk in Tysons Corner Center that is applying to open a store at 1001 King Street, Zebra first reported. Owner Gizem Salcigil White has filed a special use permit (SUP) for a change of ownership for the building that once housed Blüprint Chocolatiers and, more notoriously, white nationalist Richard Spencer.

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Shop Made In VA joins crowd of local makers and opens on King Street

By James Cullum

In the market for a cutting board in the shape of Virginia, Bloody Mary mix, candles and jewelry? You’re in luck.

Shop Made In VA opened for business last Thursday at 1121 King Street, offering workshops and products from more than 120 small business owners in Virginia.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles
Deep orange fall colors in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Hank’s Oyster Bar moving to Old Town North — “Award-winning Chef Jamie Leeds spoke up on a social media post this morning to confirm that yes, Hank’s Oyster Bar is moving to the Old Town North neighborhood, into the space formerly occupied by Hank & Mitzi’s, an Italian restaurant named after her parents, that she closed in June 2020.” [Zebra]

Safeway donates to ALIVE! — “This morning, [the] Safeway Foundation presented ALIVE! with a $9,159.38 grant to ensure children in the City of Alexandria, VA have access to a healthy breakfast this fall 2021. [ALIVE!/Twitter]

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