Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early buildings that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. There are more than 200 structures in Alexandria that were built before 1820--most of them in Old Town. There are only a few other communities in the United States that have as many existing examples of Georgian and Federal period architecture. Each Alexandria homeowner has the privilege and obligation of preserving the historic character of our town and the beauty of its architectural heritage.
Historic Districts and the Board of Architectural Review
The facades of Alexandria's historic houses and other buildings are protected by law. Owners wishing to make exterior changes to buildings in the Old Town and Parker Gray Historic District must present their plans to the City's Board of Architectural Review for approval. In the years since the establishment of the Historic Districts and the architectural review process, many valuable structures have been saved from demolition and inappropriate alteration.
For information on the Board of Architectural Review, call the Alexandria Department of Planning and Community Development 703-838-4666.
Alexandria Sites on the National Register of Historic Places
Currently 31 Alexandria districts, sites, buildings and structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the United States of America's official list of historic properties worthy of preservation.
Alexandria Archaeology reviews development projects and building permits to determine their impact on archaeological resources. The Archaeological Protection Code and Metal Detecting Ordinance, and the work of Alexandria Archaeology in research, survey and excavation, help to preserve the City's past for future generations. City archaeologists work with volunteers in this endeavor. For more information call Alexandria Archaeology at 703-838-4399.
Click to enlargeDuring the era of Federal Urban Renewal programs, which threatened the demolition of the oldest parts of the city, the Historic Alexandria Foundation initiated a program of marking early historic buildings with oval bronze plaques. Intense lobbying by the Foundation in conjunction with the Old Town Civic Association served to limit the advance of Urban Renewal destruction in the 1960s to three blocks along King Street, and today historic homes and shops are being restored instead of demolished.
This program continues today, with additional structures judged on their merits for inclusion within the ranks of plaqued houses. If you think your house merits a bronze plaque, call the Historic Alexandria Foundation at 703-549-5811 or the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4554 to learn more about this program.
A preservation easement is a means by which the owner of historic property can be assured of continued preservation after the property passes from his or her stewardship. Preservation easements also enable owners to realize significant federal, state, and local tax savings. For more information on this program, contact the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4554.
