Planning Commission backs Whitley Phase II condo conversion at 802–808 N. Washington with conditions

The Planning Commission recommended approval, 7‑0, of three applications from 808 Washington LLC to convert a partially constructed, entitled hotel at 802–808 North Washington Street into a 49‑unit condominium building (Whitley Phase 2) and to authorize a small encroachment for a portion of a front stair and balconies.

Planning staff described the proposal as a major amendment to a prior hotel approval; the applicant bought the entitlement for a 98‑room hotel and proposes to convert the partly built structure into condominium units. Staff said the proposal keeps the previously approved height, scale and massing and that some elements constructed when the hotel work began—an underground garage and lower structural elements—remain in place. The residential plan requires open space; the applicant proposes ground‑level and rooftop open space to meet the requirement for the new use.

The project sits in the Old and Historic Alexandria district and is subject to review by the Board of Architectural Review. Staff said the new architecture provides increased articulation and streetscape improvements, removes a curb cut on North Washington Street and proposes a single on‑site for‑sale affordable unit. The applicant also agreed to relocate the garage entrance on the site to improve access and to provide public‑art funding pending final decisions about on‑site placement.

Melissa Cannon, a resident and former small‑area‑plan participant, urged the commission to apply Old and Historic design principles and to ensure onsite public art honors the Old Town North arts district: "Contemporary design doesn't utilize any of the historic elements of ornamentation or detail," she said, and asked the commission to press for a design that better respects the historic character along North Washington.

Ken Wire, attorney for the developer, said the owners did not originally plan to convert the hotel but decided to complete and adapt the site rather than leave a partially built structure. Wire confirmed the team will make concessions requested in the staff conditions and BAR review and said the developer will pre‑wire units to accommodate electric ranges while also allowing buyers the option of gas ranges. "We will look at the lighting," Wire said, noting the team will work with staff on fixtures and the planting plan at final site plan.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about mechanical systems and the building’s dedicated outside air system (DOAS). Dustin Smith, Green Building Manager in the Office of Climate Action, said earlier analyses on similar projects showed DOAS systems with a gas backup can be lower carbon than some all‑electric alternatives given the current electric grid mix, but he noted the grid will decarbonize over time under state law.

The commission recommended approval of the rezoning, the DSUP and the small encroachment by 7‑0; staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report and review by the Board of Architectural Review for final material and facade details.

Why it matters

The site is a visible gateway along North Washington Street. The conversion brings a stalled, partially built project back to completion, adds housing including one committed affordable for‑sale unit, removes a curb cut and aims to improve the pedestrian environment while keeping massing similar to the prior entitlement.

Next steps

The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for final action; the Board of Architectural Review will review facade details and materials during the certificate of appropriateness phase.