5 Alexandria Business Proposals To Watch In September

After Labor Day weekend, the Alexandria Planning Commission will return to consider numerous business proposals and changes. The commission will meet Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Sister Cities Conference Room, 1101.

From proposed outdoor entertainment areas at Augie's Mussel House and Charlie's on the Avenue to a new arcade center, there are a lot of exciting business changes that could come out of September. If approved by the Planning Commision, the proposals go to City Council for a final OK on Sept. 15.

Here are five proposals to watch:

1. Entertainment Center at Seminary Plaza

Doyle's Outpost, LLC filed an application to open the entertainment center at the Seminary Plaza shopping center, 4550 Kenmore Avenue. The facility would feature laser tag, arcade games, virtual reality and dining. The business seeks to revitalize the shopping center and provide entertainment in the West End.

2. Outdoor seating at Charlie's on the Avenue

The upcoming Charlie's on the Avenue, run by the Live Oak Restaurant owners, is preparing to open at 1501 Mount Vernon Avenue. The site formerly housed FireFlies, which closed last December. In March, the city approved a change in ownership, paving the way for Charlie's on the Avenue. The restaurant is undergoing renovations at this time.

The proposal seeks 100 outdoor seats on adjacent lots at 1503-1505 Mount Vernon Avenue. The outdoor seating area would have a gaming area with cornhole, a bar, an outdoor charcoal grill and an herb garden. The restaurant also proposes staying open one hour later: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. indoors and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. outdoors.

3. Augie’s Mussel House and Patio changes

Augie’s Mussel House and Patio recently opened at the former Hunting Creek Steakhouse location (1106 King Street). It serves up a Belgian menu with a focus on mussels and craft beers.

Proposed changes include increased seating indoors from 108 to 140, outdoor seating from 45 to 86 and an additional bar area on the restaurant’s first floor. The restaurant also seeks approval to offer outdoor live entertainment and loudspeakers. The outdoor dining area would have access to an indoor/outdoor bar, live entertainment, loudspeakers, televisions and games like bocce and corn hole.

4. Episcopal High School faculty housing

The private school at 1200 North Quaker Lane is proposing construction of six houses for faculty on Goodwin Lane. The site is on the grounds of the school. The houses would be in a current a wooded area and would be screened from adjoining streets.

5. Misha's Coffee House rooftop

The Alexandria-based coffee shop is proposing a rooftop addition for extra indoor seats and rooftop deck seating outdoors at its second location (6 Prince Street). The location was approved in April by City Council, and adding rooftop seating could offer some spectacular views near the waterfront. The coffee shop would have 16 seats on the first floor, four indoor seats in an enclosed upper addition and 28 outdoor seats on an upper rooftop deck.

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