City of Alexandria Announces First-Ever Project Labor Agreement for City Hall and Market Square Renovation

Page updated on September 9, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Translate icon
City Council announcing the new PLA

A historic step toward community-focused development and workforce investment was taken today as the City of Alexandria announced its first Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the renovation of City Hall, Market Square Plaza, and the underground garage.

The agreement — signed between Grunley Construction Company, Inc. and the Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council (BDCBT) — marks a major milestone in Alexandria’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality infrastructure.

“This Project Labor Agreement is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in people,” said Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “We’re making sure Alexandria’s most iconic civic space is built by skilled union workers who earn strong wages, receive real benefits, and have a voice on the job. It reflects our commitment to equal opportunity and excellence in public service for our community.”

Grunley Construction will serve as the Construction Manager at Risk, with work beginning in January 2026. The firm brings extensive experience in historic preservation and public infrastructure projects using PLAs.

“Grunley is proud to have been a part of the negotiations and ultimate success of achieving a Project Labor Agreement for the Alexandria City Hall, Market Square Garage, and Plaza Renovation project,” said Chip Scott, President of Grunley Construction. “With it, we can champion a highly skilled workforce, strengthen partnerships with local trades and businesses, and maintain a competitive edge in our industry.”

BDCBT, representing 22 construction unions across the greater Baltimore-Washington-Northern Virginia region, will serve as a key labor partner throughout the project.

“This agreement ensures that skilled union labor will play a central role in revitalizing Alexandria’s City Hall and Market Square,” said Greg Ackerman, President of the BDBCT. “We look forward to partnering closely with the City and Grunley to deliver a successful project that supports local workers, promotes apprenticeship programs, and sets a strong example for future development.”

This PLA establishes clear labor standards, promotes workforce development, and positions the City Hall renovation to serve as a regional model for equitable public infrastructure.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.