Pipe Bursts Close Gadsby's Tavern, GW Middle School

Update: George Washington Middle School will reopen Friday, Jan. 12. See more details here.

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Following days of below freezing temperatures and wind chills ranging around zero, the historic Gadsby's Tavern Museum and George Washington Middle School are among the buildings hit by pipe bursts.

City officials say a frozen sprinkler pipe burst Sunday, Jan. 7, causing flooding from the second floor to the basement at the 1785 historic site. As a result, museum tours may be closed through Jan. 24 and the Jan. 14 Facetime with History is cancelled. Tuesday night dance classes, the Federal Dress Workshop, and History by the Glass will happen as scheduled.

Museum staff and the city's Department of General Services are assessing the property but say there's minimal impact on the museum collection. The separate Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant is not affected.

In a separate pipe burst, George Washington Middle School has been closed since the evening Tuesday, Jan. 9. The school district announced it would remain closed Thursday, Jan. 11. All classes and activities on the campus have been cancelled, and the science fair is moved to Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the cafeteria from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The school says student can pick up crucial items between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday by entering door one near the flagpole.

The fire marshal has determined the building is unsafe until repairs occur. As of Wednesday, the pipe has been fixed, but the power is off in parts of the building because the electric panel is wet. In addition, this area houses the fire alarm system for the school.

Officials said in a note to families the building has been particularly affected by the freezing temperatures and are trying to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Whether classes resume Friday has yet to be announced.

"We understand your concerns and frustrations. The back draft from the HVAC system and burst water pipe are issues that are being experienced in aging facilities throughout the area and are not particular to GW," said Alexandria City Public Schools in a statement.

In related news, Tuesday's PTA meeting has been moved to T.C. Williams High School in the second floor rotunda. Attendees should enter through door 1 by the parking garage, head up the stairs in the middle of the cafeteria and turn left at the top. Interim superintendent Lois Berlin will be there to answer questions.

Patch will update this story when officials give an update on repairs.

Image via City of Alexandria