OTNA July Events Round Up (Arts & Cultural District Updates, Development Updates, & More)
ARTS & CULTURAL DISTRICT UPDATES
MetroStage Announces Selection of Architect For Final Phase of Design of New Theater at Venue
Rendering of new MetroStage Theater design (image courtesy of MetroStage)
MetroStage has selected Winstanley Architects for the design of their new theater at Venue. Winstanley Architects is well-versed on the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District, as they previously partnered with the Old Town North Alliance to develop a master plan for an Arts & Cultural District Walk, which formed the basis for the Old Town North Alliance Art and Culture Walk.
If you would like to make a donation to help support this final phase, visit:
Royal Restaurant Reveals New Mural by @amuse.126
New mural at Royal Restaurant by @amuse.126 (image courtesy of Royal Restaurant)
As part of their recent transformation of Royal Restaurant (730 N. St. Asaph St.), Alexandria Restaurant Partners wanted to contribute a “vibrant, living work of art to our community.” They have done so beautifully with this mural created by @amuse.126, which graces the front of the restaurant and flows inside the walls of the outdoor patio. Stop by and check out this latest addition to the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District in person!
Save-the-Date for the 2nd Annual Chalk-A-Block
Sunday, September 7th, 11am - 3pm
Chalk artist Nicole von Kuhl creates a caramel apple in Montgomery Park at Chalk-A-Block (2024) while Mars Rodeo performs (image courtesy of the Old Town North Alliance)
This beloved community arts event hosted by the Old Town North Alliance returns on Sunday, September 7th from 11am to 3pm at various locations throughout the neighborhood! Chalk artists, live music, and local artisans and makers will bring the neighborhood alive with their art! This year our partners include Hotel AKA, West Elm, Salon deZEN, St. Elmo’s Old Town North, Royal Restaurant, Alexandria House, The Frontier, Alejandro Villareal, Dina Wise of @dinas_doodles, and more! Don’t miss this great event!
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Robinson Terminal North Project Approved by City Council
Robinson Terminal North, a two-phase mixed-use project in Old Town North, has been approved by City Council.
The Alliance submitted letters to the Planning Commission and City Council offering our strong support of the Robinson Terminal North development, but emphasizing the need for further attention and commitment from the developer with regard to Public Art and the integrated development of Open Space, Site Activation, Streetscape, and the Oronoco Street End. OTNA Treasurer Tommy Volk spoke at the Planning Commission Meeting last month to articulate these points.
For more information about the Robinson Terminal North project, visit:
https://rooneypropertiesllc.com/project/robinson-terminal-north/
HRP ALX Project (Former Power Plant Site) Concludes Series of May and June Meetings
HRP Group has completed a series of May and June Meetings addressing the “refresh” of their HRP ALX Project (former power plant site). These meetings have focused on revisions to the DSUP submissions for Blocks A, B, & C as well as the Waterfront and Rail Corridor Open Spaces. This has all been done in preparation for meetings before the Planning Commission and City Council this fall.
For more information about the HRP ALX Project, visit:
Now through Monday, September 22nd
Royal Restaurant presents: A Rosé Tasting Journey
Can’t get away this summer? No problem! Sip, Stamp, and Travel the World right here in Alexandria across all 8 ARP Restaurants from now through September 22nd. Sample rosé wines from 8 different countries, get your "passport" stamped at all 8 restaurants, and earn a $25 ARP gift card plus the chance to win a $1,000 ARP gift card! A limited number of “passports” are available, so get yours now!
Royal Restaurant (730 N. St. Asaph St.) will be featuring rosé wines from Portugal. More information is available on the Royal Restaurant instagram: @royalrestaurantalx.
To make a reservation, visit
https://royalrestaurantva.com/
Wednesday, July 2nd
St. Elmo’s Old Town North presents: Wine Window Wednesday
529 Montgomery St.
5pm - 7pm
Offering a new spin on Wine Wednesday, this month’s event features Wine Window Wednesday. Stroll up to the inviting window at St. Elmo’s and sample four different wines. Buy a glass to drink on the patio, a bottle to take home, or both! The perfect opportunity to treat yourself and stock up for your 4th of July celebration!
Wednesday, July 2nd - Wednesday, August 13th
Made in ALX presents Free Crafts for Kids
415 King St.
10am - 4pm
A different creative craft every Wednesday all summer long! Crafts are suitable for ages 2-12. All children must be accompanied by a teen (16 or older) or an adult. Continues through Wednesday, August 13th.
For more information, visit:
https://www.madeinalx.com/s/stories/free-crafts-for-kids-every-wednesday-this-summer-2
Friday, July 11th - Saturday, August 10th
The Art League presents: “Réservoir”
“Flux,” by artist Nada Romanos Abizaid (image courtesy of The Art League)
1201 N. Royal St. (Muse Studio One Window Gallery)
This window gallery exhibit at Muse Studio One features an array of ceramic works weaving together the natural elements - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Nada Romanos Abizaid’s sculptures “reinterpret perceptions of storing and pouring while inviting you to muse about sources, reserves, flow and balance within the natural world.”
Saturday, July 12th
Volunteer with Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail to Remove Invasive Kudzu on the Mount Vernon Trail
Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail volunteers work to remove invasive kudzu along the Mount Vernon Trail (image courtesy of Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail)
Meeting Point (On the Mount Vernon Trail just north of Old Town North)
9am
Join Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail and help remove invasive tree-killing kudzu on the Mount Vernon Trail near the Potomac River Generating Station.
For more information and to register to volunteer, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/invasive-kudzu-removal-on-the-mount-vernon-trail-tickets-1381222627059
Saturday, July 12th
The Art League presents: The Art of Cleaner Comedy (PG-13) at Muse
Comedian Winston Hodges performs at “The Art of Comedy” at Muse (image courtesy of The Art League)
1201 N. Royal St.
7-9pm
Enjoy a night of laughter and fun suitable for the whole family! After the show, stroll over to Oronoco Bay Park to enjoy the firework display and music from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (see below).
To purchase tickets, visit:
Saturday, July 12th
Alexandria’s 276th Birthday Celebration Featuring the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
Fireworks at the Alexandria Birthday Celebration (image courtesy of Visit Alexandria)
Oronoco Bay Park
5pm
Alexandria’s 276th Birthday Celebration in Oronoco Bay Park will feature fireworks and a free concert from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra accompanied by vocalist Mandy Brown. Guest conductor John Devlin will lead the orchestra in performances of the Armed Forces Medley, patriotic favorites, and a variety of film and Broadway selections. The grand finale will pair Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with a spectacular fireworks display and live cannons.
The event, sponsored by the City of Alexandria, Ourisman Automotive of Virginia, Chadwicks, and RiverFront Wealth Advisors, is free and open to the public. The park opens at 5pm with food and drink vendors and live music starts at 6pm. Arrive by 8pm for free cupcakes and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performance starting at 8:30pm. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.
For more information, visit:
https://alexsym.org/performance/alexandria-birthday-celebration-concert/
Tuesday, July 15th
Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss Changes to the Sidewalk and Mount Vernon Trail Access Point at the Intersection of E. Abingdon Dr. & Slaters Lane
Interested community members are invited to attend this virtual presentation at 6:30pm on Tuesday, July 15th covering construction plans, work hours, parking restrictions, lane closures, and more. The virtual meeting will also include a Q&A session.
To register for the meeting, visit:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XZCmuepNSOeIrZPAhXliJQ#/registration
For more information about the project, visit:
AUGUST PREVIEW OF EVENTS
Saturday, August 2nd
Volunteer with Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail to Remove Invasive Kudzu on the Mount Vernon Trail
For more information and to register to volunteer, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/invasive-kudzu-removal-on-the-mount-vernon-trail-tickets-1417794213659
Monday, August 18th
MetroStage at the Lyceum presents: Soulmates in Song - A Musical Journey with Roz and Shanti
201 S. Washington St.
7pm
Enjoy an evening of R&B, Blues, Jazz, and Soul from Roz White and Shanti Walker, as they tell the story of their 35 year friendship through song: a celebration of the enduring bond of friendship and the music that unites us all.
To purchase tickets, visit:
Friday, August 22nd - Saturday, August 31st
Visit Alexandria Presents Alexandria Restaurant Week
More information about participating Old Town North restaurants and menus coming soon!
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
Congratulations to Salon deZEN for being recognized as an Eco-City business by the City of Alexandria. Salon deZEN demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility with its refill bar, EcoHeads, recycling programs, and low-tox products.
Congratulations to Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail for winning a grant from the National Park Service as part of The Collective Campaign for National Parks to help support their work on the Mount Vernon Trail.
This is the perfect time of year to explore the special menu offerings on the Terrace at Jula’s on the Potomac. Check out their special Summer BBQ and Date Night Tasting Menus and enjoy beautiful waterfront views.
To see the menus, visit the “Jula’s Terrace” section at the link below:
https://julasotp.com/alexandria-old-town-jula-s-on-the-potomac-food-menu
Tennis Court Repairs Completed. The repairs to the tennis courts in Montgomery Park have been completed and the courts have now re-opened.
Congratulations to Hotel AKA Alexandria for earning a spot on the ballot for Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards!
To vote for Hotel AKA Alexandria, visit:
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/vote-readers-choice-awards
Don’t miss these regularly scheduled events in and around
Old Town North!
Farmers Market on Thursdays (4pm -7:30pm) and Sundays (9am - 1:30pm). Presented by Old Town North Community Partnership in Montgomery Park.
Free Yoga in the Fresh Air presented by River’s Edge Yoga - Sundays from 11am - 12pm under the gazebo in Montgomery Park.
Made in ALX classes. To register, visit: https://www.madeinalx.com/shop/classes-events/68
Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco St.). Various historical events including the return of the Trivia Nights at Historic Sites series on the 2nd and 4th Fridays in June and July. This month features Alexandria History (July 11th) and Hunger Games (July 25th). For more information, visit: