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BAR grants partial approval for 601 Wythe conversion, defers brick stain decision
Summary
Developers received a partial sign‑off to convert the former Water Environmental Federation building at 601 Wythe into residences, while the BAR deferred a final decision on staining the brick and asked for mockups and site visits.
The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review voted to partially approve the conversion of the former Water Environmental Federation office at 601 Wythe Street into an 18‑unit residential building, but deferred a final decision on whether the building’s brick exterior will be permanently stained.
Architect Matt Lee told the board the project will convert an out‑of‑date 1985 office into luxury condominiums, add a new lobby and residential windows and balconies, and upgrade the exterior appearance. “We’re looking to bring the aesthetic forward to ’26 and change the building to meet modern living standards,” Lee said.
Board members praised changes to massing and the new entry, but several said staining the upper‑floor brick would permanently alter the character of the block. Members asked for physical mockups and on‑site review before making a final call on a permanent stain. The board accepted staff recommendations for the technical components of the application and authorized a partial approval that allows construction work to proceed on most elements while the stain and final exterior finish return for a later vote.
The applicant agreed to provide stain samples, participate in site visits and work with staff on color choices. The partial approval allows the developer to continue permitting for demolition, window and balcony work while the staining question is studied.
