Ladrey High Rise Reconstruction Plan Prompt Meeting In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As plans are developed to rebuild Ladrey high rise into a mixed-income community with more units, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority and development partners will host a community meeting.

The proposal will replace the current 11-story, 170-unit Ladrey High Rise located at 300 Wythe Street in Alexandria, which largely serves seniors and people with disabilities. According to a presentation at a previous community meeting, the new mid-rise building could include about 100 new units in addition to replacement of the existing 170 deeply affordable units. All units would have income eligibility at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

Amenities could include a rooftop space with waterfront views, lounge, meeting room, break room for health aides and exercise room. About 120 parking spaces would be provided underground, double the current 60 surface parking spaces. There would also be a dedicated spot on Wythe Street for emergency vehicles and other pickups.

The project is a collaboration between developers Winn Companies and IBF Development and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The developers will cover costs of temporary relocation for current Ladrey residents. The residents will have the option to return to the rebuilt community at the same rent level.

Ladrey residents have also contributed to the concept plan. According to the development team, residents shared concerns of the current building having limited accessibility features and maneuvering clearances, outdated appliances in units, limited storage in units, no in-unit laundry, small unit sizes, and inefficient central air conditioning and heating systems.

The development team is refining its concept plan based on feedback from the community and the Urban Design Advisory Committee for Old Town North. A final submission could be submitted to the city in November, and public hearings could come in early 2024.

According to the tentative timeline shared at a previous meeting, relocation could begin in the second quarter of 2024 or early 2025. Construction could begin in the second quarter of 2025 with a tentative opening in early 2028.

Residents can join the next community meeting on the Ladrey redevelopment on Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hybrid meeting will be held virtually through Zoom and at the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority headquarters at 401 Wythe Street. To join the meeting through Zoom, use this link or meeting ID 811 6162 1724 with passcode 988912.