West End | ALXnow

Public comment period closing on three Duke Street Transitway options

Published October 24, 2022 at 2:35PM | Updated October 24, 2022 at 5:25PM

Traffic backup heading eastbound along Duke Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria planning staff say there’s no preferred option for the Duke Street transitway, but the three choices offer varying impacts on drivers.

This month, city staff have conducted meetings in a public engagement process to talk about the project and gather input on the three options before a plan is finalized for City Council to consider. City staff will conduct a final open house to discuss the entire project on Wednesday, October 26, at 5:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue).

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No injuries after shots fired on Duke Street Sunday night

By James Cullum

Published October 17, 2022 at 11:00AM

There were no injuries after shots were fired in the West End on Sunday night (October 16).

Police reported the incident at 8:35 p.m. in the 4100 block of Duke Street.

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NVTC meeting tomorrow tackles Falls Church connection for new West End bus rapid transit

By Vernon Miles

Published October 10, 2022 at 2:15PM

Envision Route 7 BRT concept, photo via NVTC

A new bus rapid transit (BRT) system could connect Alexandria’s Mark Center with Tysons along the second-busiest corridor in Northern Virginia.

BRT systems are a way of potentially redesigning a roadway to favor fast and accessible bus travel, sometimes separating the bus into its own lane as in the Potomac Yard Transitway. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) has scheduled a community discussion tomorrow to look at the planned Route 7 BRT system.

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Developer opens up about next steps for Landmark Mall redevelopment

By Vernon Miles

Published October 3, 2022 at 2:45PM

Current state of Landmark Mall (image via City of Alexandria)

Landmark Mall is gone, so what’s next?

A representative from developer Foulger-Pratt spoke at the Eisenhower West Landmark Van Dorn Implementation Advisory Group earlier this week to provide a bird’s eye view of what’s going on at the project.

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West End car repair shop expanding with new dealership

By Vernon Miles

Published September 29, 2022 at 3:55PM

Former National Tire and Batter (image via Google Maps)

A former National Tire and Battery (NTB) in the West End could be transformed into a used car dealership if the repair shop next door can get approval.

Koons of Alexandria has filed an application for a special use permit to establish a used car dealership at the former NTB building at 5800 Edsall Road, just off S. Van Dorn Street.

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City considering new pedestrian bridge to connect West End with Landmark development

By Vernon Miles

Published September 26, 2022 at 2:45PM

Tentative location for Landmark pedestrian bridge (image via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is looking into building a pedestrian bridge over I-395 to connect the Landmark Mall site to neighborhoods west of the highway.

Last week, the Transportation Commission reviewed a potential grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide funding to study the potential bridge.

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14-year-old arrested after allegedly pistol-whipping and robbing juvenile in West End

By James Cullum

Published September 22, 2022 at 1:15PM

A 14-year-old Alexandria boy was arrested and charged with robbery after allegedly pistol-whipping a juvenile in the West End.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 5, in the 400 block of N. Armistead Street. Police found the juvenile victim with a “large amount of blood” on his hands, as well as abrasions on his head and cheek, according to a search warrant affidavit.

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Former Braddock lighting shop reopening with ‘European-style coffee shop’ in the West End today

By Vernon Miles

Published September 22, 2022 at 10:50AM

Alexandria Lighting + Design (courtesy photo)

After relocating from the Braddock neighborhood, Alexandria Lighting + Design is hosting a grand opening in the West End today.

The opening is the debut of the shop’s new showroom and coffee shop at 444 S. Picket Street.

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City opens up with new info about ‘West End City Hall’ plans

By Vernon Miles

Published September 21, 2022 at 9:50AM | Updated January 24, 2023 at 8:45AM

4850 Mark Center Drive. (Courtesy photo)

Starting next year, Alexandria residents in the city’s West End won’t have to go into Old Town or various offices scattered around the city to access services.

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), currently spread out into eight locations across the city, is coming together with a few other city departments in the new Redella S. “Del” Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive) — named for the longtime City Council member who retired last year.

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NOVA Parks takes control of Winkler Botanical Preserve

By James Cullum

Published September 16, 2022 at 11:10AM

(Left to right) Randall Kell, chairman of the Winkler Botanical Preserve, Cate Magennis Wyatt, chair of NOVA Parks, Mayor Justin Wilson and interim ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt at the deed signing for the Winkler Botanical Preserve, Thursday, September 15, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Boosted by multi-million dollar endowment, ownership of the 45-acre Winkler Botanical Preserve (5400 Roanoke Avenue) was signed over to NOVA Parks on Thursday (September 15).

Mayor Justin Wilson was joined by members of City Council, interim Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt, City Manager Jim Parajon and city staff for the deed signing ceremony.

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NOVA Parks takes over a hidden gem in the Alexandria’s West End

By Vernon Miles

Published September 13, 2022 at 3:45PM

Winkler Botanical Preserve, via NOVA Parks/Facebook

The Winkler Botanical Preserve (5400 Roanoke Avenue) has been a tucked away, isolated enclave of natural beauty not far from the Mark Center, but with a new acquisition it could be thrust into the limelight.

Regional parks organization Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority (NOVA Parks) announced today that it will take over ownership of the 44.6 acre nature preserve.