Braddock Commercial
A new co-working space is opening in a historic property that once housed a grocery delivery company — beating Amazon to the concept by more than a century.
The Loop, a unique, dog-friendly co-working space that will help Alexandria residents "Work Better, Be Better, Do Better" will open in April.
The Loop is under construction on North Payne Street in the former Chec Soda & Refrigeration Co. complex near the intersection of Queen Street.
What makes The Loop unique compared to other co-working communities in Alexandria is its focus on the health and wellness of its members, said owner Chris Campagna while giving a tour of the venue this month.
The space will have an outdoor plaza and indoor cafe that will be open to the public and feature healthy options — a vendor has not been chosen yet, said Campagna, whose company Braddock Commercial is developing the space.
In addition, The Loop features a variety of health-focused areas for members, including indoor and outdoor gyms. Near the gym area, members will be able to take part in Fire & Ice sessions — thermal therapy in a sauna followed by an ice bath — with guided Wim Hof Method breathing.
Coworking members will have access to Breathr, as well. The virtual reality goggles provide a temporary, calming escape from a busy day and can help workers refocus.
The co-working space will feature multiple environments, including spaces to work inside and outside, flexible seating, private offices, conference rooms and private phone booths. Outdoor work cabanas near the outdoor gym area are a first in Alexandria (see the rendering below). Co-working members automatically have access to the outdoor and indoor gym, plus all health and well features, including showers for after that mid-day workout.
The building kept many of its historic elements — a window frame discovered in a wall adorns the new podcast recording studio, and the stairs use repurposed wood from the property's carriage house.
Braddock Commercial's goal is to "delight the customer and unlock the economic potential of people and properties," Campagna said.
Preview the Space
An open house is scheduled for this Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5 - 7 p.m. at 215 N. Payne St.
"The Best Kickoff" is to bring attention to The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund, which is working with Service Source to developed a unique and inclusive community employment program for adults with disabilities. BEST stands for Build Employment Solutions Together.
RSVP to jpmfbest@servicesource.org. Light refreshments will be provided.
Braddock Commercial
Outdoor work cabanas (left) and the outdoor gym area leading to an indoor gym at The Loop.
Braddock Commercial
The indoor work area, with the cafe space to the left.
Braddock Commercial
In this overheard space view, Queen Street is on the left side, Payne Street is to the bottom.
History of the Property
Braddock Commercial acquired the property in late 2018.
In the late 1800s, Harvey Ichabod Peck, a farmer from the Mount Vernon area, purchased the property at 235 N. Payne St. and built a grocery store. It grew several times under the guidance of Peck's son with new buildings. By 1906, the business had added a lumber and coal yard. The grocery changed hands multiple times in the early 1900s as the Leachman & Saum store and later the Uptown Market.
Pieces of the Peck's property empire, which included multiple lots on Payne and Queen Streets, were used at various times for short-lived nightclubs before housing the Alexandria Laundry Co. and the Southern Dry Cleaning Co. in the 1930s.
In 1975, Charles D. Curtis acquired the property. Curtis had started the Chec Soda & Refridgeration Co. in 1965. Curtis leased the corner store to Dorothy Ellers, who operated the Uptown Market & Deli until her death in 2009. Chec Soda & Refrigeration Co. closed after more than 40 years in business.
