Planning Commission approves Market Square, City Hall and garage renovation project

The Alexandria Planning Commission voted 7-0 June 23 to approve a development site plan for the reconstruction of Market Square Plaza, renovation and limited expansion of City Hall and replacement of the below-grade parking garage.

The project, led by the City of Alexandria Department of General Services, will rebuild the plaza above a reconstructed garage, pursue a combination of on-site and off-site renewable energy measures, reconfigure vendor spaces for the farmers market and relocate several bus and trolley stops along King Street to reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. "This has been something that's been on the books for the city for probably 15 years," said Jeremy McPike, director of General Services, during the presentation.

Commissioners heard a roughly 90-minute briefing from city staff and the project team on design, accessibility and circulation changes before moving to the approval vote. The plan reduces the footprint of the existing central fountain in favor of a linear pop-jet feature that can be turned off and opened to events in winter, enlarges flexible, same-grade seating areas for universal access, and preserves more usable plaza area for the weekly farmers market.

Design and sustainability: The city registered…