townhomes | ALXnow

Old Town townhouse proposal prompts debate over city’s development review process

Published September 8, 2026 at 2:45PM

The parking lot of 330 N. Washington Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Old Town neighbors say a pending townhouse development application exemplifies why the city needs to better align the Board of Architectural Review process with development special use permit reviews.

The BAR continues to consider a concept review of Merion Row at 330 N. Washington Street, where the property owner seeks to build six three-story townhomes with rear-loading parking garages and rooftop terraces. The homes would take the place of two of the three drive-thru banking aisles at the Wells Fargo bank.

Alexandria’s home sales, prices rose in May amid strengthening real estate market

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 16, 2026 at 1:45PM

Couple moves into new home (via Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash)

Increases in sales and average prices in May propelled Alexandria’s homes market to a nearly 15% year-over-year increase in sales volume.

A total of 220 Alexandria residential properties went to closing during the month, up from 206 in May 2025, according to figures reported June 10 by MarketStats by ShowingTime, based on data from Bright MLS.

City Council backs plan to replace Old Town office with 32 townhomes

By James Cullum

Published April 21, 2026 at 11:45AM | Updated April 22, 2026 at 10:20AM

Proposed townhomes at 333 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town (courtesy of EYA, LLC and Simpson Development)

On Saturday (April 18), Alexandria City Council approved an office-to-residential conversion that will bring 32 four-story townhomes to Old Town.

Without discussion, City Council unanimously approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation to tear down the Essex Building — an office building at 333 N. Fairfax Street built in the 1970s — and replace it with townhomes. A parking garage and lot will also be demolished. Plans for the 1.4-acre site from EYA and Simpson Development reveal four-story homes with two-car garages and roof decks just a few blocks from King Street and the Potomac River waterfront.