Cold plunges, battle ropes, and 92 townhomes on Planning Commission docket
Five projects head to Feb. 3 hearing, including 92-unit Upland Park development and 'Scandinavian design' fitness center
The Alexandria Planning Commission will consider five development proposals at its Feb. 3 public hearing, ranging from a major townhome development seeking a time extension to an upscale bodybuilding gym with a rooftop workout area.
The hearing begins at 7 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive. Items approved by the commission will advance to City Council on Feb. 21.
Upland Park
On the consent calendar, the commission will consider a three-year extension for the first phase of the Upland Park development, originally approved in March 2021.
Alexandria Development Associates LLC is seeking to build 92 townhouses and an approximately 0.85-acre public park on a 9.6-acre site bounded by Foster Avenue, Seminary Road, and Fairbanks Avenue. Buildings would reach up to 45 feet in height, with 184 parking spaces provided at two per unit.
The project requires amendments to Coordinated Development District #21 to align with the Alexandria West Small Area Plan. The applicant cited financing challenges, supply chain disruptions, construction costs, and market uncertainty as reasons for the delay, stating in its application that final site plans have been submitted, and existing buildings on the site have been demolished.
Duke & Quaker townhomes
Developer 614 Westbrad LLC is proposing 11 townhouse-style units at 11 and 21 N. Quaker Lane and 3369 Duke Street, on a vacant lot shared with the New Apostolic Church in Seminary Hill.
The project requires removing an existing 1981 proffer that limited the site to commercial office development. The applicant is also seeking a special use permit for a 45-foot building height and bonus density in exchange for one affordable housing unit priced at $375,000.
The 24,760-square-foot property will maintain 22 shared parking spaces for the adjacent church.
North Columbus Street townhomes
Three new townhouses are proposed for 806 N. Columbus St., requiring a subdivision to reconfigure three existing lots. The applicant, 732 and 806 Development LLC, is seeking variations to lot areas, widths, and frontages.
Del Ray subdivision
Alabama Ave LLC is seeking to divide one residential lot into two at 102 E. Monroe Ave. in Del Ray. The 6,750-square-foot property, zoned R-2-5, would become two lots of 3,375 square feet each.
South Patrick Street gym
Valhall Property Holding LLC is seeking a special use permit for a rooftop outdoor workout area at 601 and 619 S. Patrick St., the former West Marine location, where it plans to open a Scandinavian-inspired upscale bodybuilding gym.
The gym itself is a by-right use. The 24-hour facility would feature heavy-lifting equipment, cardio machines, locker rooms with hot saunas, cold plunges, and red-light therapy, and a posing room for athletes to practice competition routines. Personal trainers would be on staff.
The rooftop area requiring the permit would include battle ropes, tire flipping stations, push-pull sleds, and a walking lap with glass railings and green turf.
“We have basic gyms and grungy gyms in Alexandria, but nothing that combines both heavy lifting and an upscale ‘spa-like’ appeal,” the applicant wrote in its filing.
Looking ahead
The March 3 Planning Commission docket includes a proposal for a 365-foot residential tower at 2425 Mill Road in Eisenhower East, which would require a Master Plan amendment to increase height limits in the area. The commission will also elect its new chair and vice chair at that meeting.
The public may submit comments to PlanComm@alexandriava.gov or register to speak at the hearing. The full docket and supporting documents are available at alexandriava.gov.