Help Shape the Future of Market Square
The renovation project will be supported by a robust community engagement plan to ensure nearby residents, businesses and all Alexandrians are part of the design process.
If you are interested in learning more about the renovation project or providing input on the future design of Market Square, visit a pop-up event or participate in an upcoming community meeting at a location near you.
New events will be added to this list, so be sure to check back periodically.
Virtual Meeting on October 10
Join our virtual meeting on October 10 at 7 p.m. to learn more about the project and share your feedback. Register to receive the access link.
Meet us at the Old Town Farmers' Market
Find us at the Old Town Farmers’ Market each Saturday in October from 9 - 11 a.m. to learn more about the project and share your feedback.
Future Engagement Dates Being Scheduled
OCTOBER SERIES
October 28 & 29
DECEMBER SERIES
December 2, 3, 4 & 5
Details coming soon.
Community Engagement & Design Timeline
Past Community Engagement Events
Community Meetings
- September 19, 2024
Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. - September 23, 2024
Del Pepper Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Dr. - September 26, 2024
Minnie Howard Campus, Alexandria City High School - September 30, 2024
Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center, 25 W Reed Ave
Pop-Ups
- September 14, 2024
- Old Town Farmers' Market
- Southern Towers Farmers' Market
- Del Ray Farmers' Market
- September 15, 2024
- Old Town North Farmers' Market
- Four Mile Run Farmers' & Artisans Market
- West End Farmers' Market
Design Process Begins
City of Alexandria City Manager James Parajon is pleased to announce the design team has been selected for the renovation of City Hall and Market Square. International design firm LEO A DALY will take the lead on the renovation of the 153-year-old City Hall building. Long-established Alexandria firms Rust Orling Architecture and LandDesign will bring local knowledge to the design of Market Square. Design is anticipated through early 2026, with construction taking place 2026-2028.
“This is an exciting first step in a long-awaited process,” City Manager James Parajon said. “City Hall and Market Square should reflect this great city, our history, and the commitment to equitable services that our community expects. We look forward to reimagining how to ensure 301 King Street is a source of pride for our employees and residents.”
Market Square has been the center of civic activity for Alexandrians since the City’s founding in 1749. The current Market Square Plaza and Garage require significant structural repairs, resulting in an opportunity to evaluate the design and function of the garage and plaza alongside City Hall.
The current City Hall, built in 1871, is a great source of community pride and serves as a workplace for more than 300 City employees. After many years of service, major updates are needed throughout City Hall to repair aging building components, improve operating systems, optimize space utilization, improve building circulation and wayfinding, enhance security, and facilitate community engagement.
The City Hall Renovation Project will provide a revitalized safe and sustainable environment to better serve City staff, Alexandria residents, and visitors well into the future. The City of Alexandria is committed to maintaining City Hall as the seat of government for many years to come.
Current Project Phase
Architectural and Engineering Design of City Hall and Market Square
The Department of General Services is currently working on early design and programming activities with Leo A Daly. Civic engagement opportunities are being offered to the community to be part of the design process.
Future Phases
Stay tuned to learn more about City Hall design, construction planning, interim and permanent moves, and more as the renovation project moves forward.
Project History
Urgent City Hall Repairs Started
In Spring 2014, the City engaged an architectural/engineering consultant to conduct a feasibility study addressing required immediate and priority City Hall repairs. As a result of this investigation, the following projects have been undertaken, with more initiatives to follow:
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Latrobe Bell Tower Structural Monitoring
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Roof and Attic Framing Repairs
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Repairs to Exterior Walls, Windows, and Roof Trim
Workplace Guidelines Developed
In 2015, the City developed Workplace Guidelines and studied current and future space needs for each City Hall department. Space is at a premium in City Hall, and the post-renovation usable square footage is not expected to accommodate the future needs of the current functions and occupants. This presents an opportunity to examine which functions best serve Alexandria in City Hall and which would provide better service at other locations.
Ad Hoc Joint City-Schools Facility Investment Task Force (the Task Force)
The Task Force study, released in 2018, challenged the City to actively consider alternatives to the traditional means of doing business and look for opportunities to co-locate City services in a more central location. This aligns with the City's initiative to examine how and where services are provided, in preparation for the City Hall Renovation Project.