ALEXANDRIA, Va – From electric vehicle chargers and rooftop decks to security systems and exterior lighting, a major update to Alexandria’s historic district design guidelines could shape how future improvements are reviewed throughout the city’s most treasured neighborhoods.
Residents, property owners, architects, contractors, and preservation advocates will have an opportunity to provide input when the City of Alexandria’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) Design Guidelines Committee staff hosts a public community meeting on Aug. 19, 2026, from 7- 9 p.m., at Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, to discuss proposed revisions to 11 Design Guideline chapters affecting both the Old and Historic Alexandria District and the Parker-Gray Historic District.
The meeting is open to the public, and testimony and comments will be accepted as part of the review process.
Modern Improvements Meet Historic Preservation
Alexandria’s historic districts are known for their distinctive architecture, streetscapes, and preservation efforts that connect the city’s past with its future. The proposed updates address the challenges of incorporating modern technology and changing property needs while maintaining the historic character that defines these neighborhoods…