City Hall Relocations
City Hall, an Alexandria landmark, is well over 100 years old. Market Square has been a civic gathering place since the City’s founding in 1749. Both facilities need significant updates to repair aging building components, improve technology and accessibility, enhance security, and bolster community engagement.
Continuing through January 2026, in preparation for the upcoming renovation of City Hall and Market Square Plaza, all departments currently residing in City Hall will need to relocate. Some will move to temporary ‘swing’ spaces, while other departments will permanently vacate City Hall to consolidate their services in new locations.
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Request a pop-up or speaker at your venue, event, or organization meeting, where we can share details about the project and get feedback from your group or members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What work is being done? Why is it important?
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. City Hall will require HVAC, plumbing, and electrical upgrades. We are also creating more modern workspaces for City staff to serve residents and visitors.
The current City Hall and Market Square are Alexandria landmarks, with centuries of history. But, both facilities need major updates to repair aging building components, improve operating systems, optimize space utilization, improve building circulation and wayfinding, enhance security, and facilitate community engagement.
When will construction start? How long will construction take?
Construction is currently anticipated to begin in the spring of 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 2+ years.
Who will be designing the new City Hall and Market Square Plaza?
The City has contracted design firm LEO A DALY to lead the renovation of the 153-year-old City Hall building, while long-established Alexandria firms Rust Orling Architecture and LandDesign will bring local knowledge to the design of Market Square.
Will City Hall remain open during construction? Where will City Services be relocated to during construction?
City Hall will be closed during construction. City Services will be relocated to nearby facilities.
The following City services will be relocated to 421 King Street:
- City Manager Office
- Office of the Mayor and City Council
- City Clerk
- City Attorney's Office
- Office of Communications and Community Engagement
- Planning & Zoning
- Office of Performance Analytics
- Office of Management and Budget
Office of Climate Action
The following City services will be relocated to 100 North Pitt Street:
- Finance
- Housing
The following City services will be relocated to 2331 Mill Road:
- General Services
- Information Technology Services
- Department of Project Implementation
The following will be permanently relocated to 4850 Mark Center Drive:
Code Administration
The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services will be permanently relocated according to the following:
- Stormwater Management: AlexRenew
- Administration, Mobility Services, and Transportation Engineering: 2900 Business Center Drive
Read more at alexandriava.gov/CityHallRelocation.
How will the Farmers Market be accommodated during Market Square Plaza renovation? Will Market Square Garage be accessible during construction for Farmers Market customers?
The Farmers Market will remain open during the renovation, operating next door at Tavern Square and along the portion of Royal Street between King Street and Cameron Street.
Market Square Garage will be closed during the renovation, so it will not be available on Market days. Additional nearby garage options are available at Tavern Square, located at 418 Cameron Street, or at the Courthouse, located at 111 South Pitt Street. Parking is free at Tavern Square Paring Garage during Market hours.
How can I receive future announcements and updates about this project?
Subscribe to the “City Hall Renovation” eNews topic to learn more about the Alexandria City Hall, Market Square Garage, and Plaza Renovation Project. You can also follow the City’s social accounts on Facebook, X and Instagram for periodic meeting reminders and project updates.
In the new City Hall, will there be direct access from the garage to the building? A covered walkway?
The current design does not include a direct covered path from the garage directly into the building. There will be an elevator from the garage to the Plaza level then visitors will walk to the building entrance.
Where can I park as an alternative to Market Square as City Hall undergoes renovations? Will bus service increase to meet the need of residents who used to drive and park at Market Square?
The City is in the process of arranging alternative placements and reassignment for current parking garage employees. This process is being coordinated through the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, who manages the garage contract. The same parking management company also manages the Alexandria Courthouse, the City's assets on North Royal Street as well as numerous other locations throughout the City, which can be found at alexandriava.gov/Parking.
Additionally, parking will be free for Farmers Market patrons during the market times only.
Bus frequency is not expected to increase as a result of parking loss.
Where will Motorcoaches move and will this affect parking?
The relocation of the motorcoach bus loading/unloading to the 400 Block of King Street has been approved by the parking board.
Tavern Square offers more room and some covered areas, where visitors or kids on school trips can gather. Parking will also be available in front of our construction site on King Street.
Will early voting at the Registrar’s Office be affected? Where will I vote now that my location at City Hall is no longer available?
Early Voting at 132 N. Royal Street will not be affected by construction. The new location for residents who voted at City Hall will be at Lyles Crouch School (530 S Saint Asaph Street).
Where will construction workers and subcontractors park? What are you doing to ensure workers are using the Primary Haul Route?
Parking for workers will be available at the Torpedo Factory Garage on Union St.
Primary Haul Routes will be approved via the Haul Permit. The selected haul route will be indicated on project signage, as well as a requirement of contractors & their delivery drivers. The approved route will be reviewed in depth with each contractor prior to their start on the project. The alternate route is indicated in case there are road closures or instances where the primary haul route is unavailable
Was there any consideration for other locations for City Council meetings?
Parking and transportation options were big considerations in selecting alternative locations for commission meetings. The Del Pepper Resource Center has great parking capacity, and the Mark Center Transit Hub offers many transportation options.
Will there be a webcam to capture live monitoring of the construction activities?
The project team plans to set up a webcam. More details will be provided once it is set up.
What is being done to mitigate environmental impacts of construction, including noise, asbestos, weight of trucks and covering truck loads? What about hazardous waste removal?
A haul route permit will be applied for, reviewed, and approved through the City. Trucks leaving the site with soil, debris, etc. will have covers and there will be a washing station at the project site to limit soil / tire tracks on adjacent streets. Noisy work will be performed according to the City of Alexandria noise ordinance.
Community Engagement & Design Timeline
Current Project Phase: Architectural and Engineering Design of City Hall and Market Square
The City is currently working on early design and programming activities as part of the community engagement process.
Past Community Engagement Events and Meetings
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 - October 10, 2024
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Presentation - October 28, 2024
Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. - October 29, 2024
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Presentation - December 9, 2024
Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. - December 12, 2024
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Presentation - February 20, 2025
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Presentation - April 16, 2025: Board of Architectural Review Concept Review #1
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Action Docket - June 18, 2025: Board of Architectural Review Concept Review #2
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Action Docket - June 23, 2025: Planning Commission Meeting
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Action Docket - January 8, 2026: Pre-Construction Public Meeting
Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Presentation
Pop-Ups
- August 3, 2025
- West End Farmers' Market
- August 2, 2025
- Old Town Farmers' Market
- July 12, 2025
- Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration
- 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
- October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
- Old Town North Farmers' Market
- November 2, 2024
- Old Town North Farmers' Market & Beatley Central Library
- November 9, 2024
- Old Town Farmers’ Market
- November 10, 2024
- West End Farmers’ Market
Project History
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.
2025 Regulatory Meetings and Approvals
- Concept Review #1 of 301 King Street, City Hall BAR Case #2025-00074 on April 16, 2025: The City of Alexandria requested BAR Concept Review for the renovation of the City Hall building and the Market Square Plaza. Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Action Docket
- Concept Review #2 of 301 King Street, City Hall BAR Case #2025-00074 on June 18, 2025: This is the second BAR Concept Review before the Board for the proposed renovation of City Hall and Market Square. Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Action Docket
- Planning Commission Meeting on June 23, 2025: The City of Alexandria presented the Development Site Plan application #2025-00005 for the renovation and expansion of City Hall, the renovation of Market Square plaza and replacement of the existing below-grade parking garage with a new below-grade parking garage to Planning Commission. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. Watch the Virtual Meeting | View the Action Docket
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.