Alexandria Living Magazine
Cooper Mill under construction this fall.
Housed in a brick building that once served as a mess hall and commissary during the Civil War, Cooper Mill will open its doors in early December along Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront.
One of the last remaining waterfront warehouses in Old Town, the building at 10 Duke St., was restored by Murray Bonitt of Bonitt Builders, who has restored other historic buildings in the area including one that houses Virtue Feed & Grain restaurant just down the street.
“It was an unsound building,” Bonitt said. “I went to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and told them I wanted to save the building.” The City Council, Planning Commission and others were also on board.
The building’s original bricks and roof were taken apart, cleaned and put back piece by piece.
The restaurant is a team effort with Bonitt, restaurateur Noe Landini and building and real estate executive Larry Nicholson.
Cooper Mill will serve not only as a restaurant but also as a market, tavern and event space. The name is a referral to the former mill there that created barrels for the Alexandria Flour Company.
The warehouse is two stories and 6,400 sq. ft. It will have a market at the back of the building, a casual tavern on the first floor and a private event space on the second floor. The market will feature grab-and-go breakfast foods and coffee, sandwiches, soups, prepared foods, fresh breads, and baked goods from Landini’s various venues, as well as beer, wine, and other items.
Image courtesy of Bonitt Builders
Rendering of proposed northeast corner of Cooper Mill.
“We are honored to be working together on what I think is the last ‘gem’ on the waterfront,” Bonitt said. “This year marks 40 years I have been in business in Alexandria renovating old houses and buildings, and Noe’s family recently celebrated their 40th anniversary on King Street. I am thrilled to have Noe as a part owner and the operator of the space.”
The warehouse is two stories and 6,400 sq. ft. It will have a market at the back of the building, a casual tavern on the first floor and a private event space on the second floor. The market will feature grab-and-go breakfast foods and coffee, sandwiches, soups, prepared foods, fresh breads, and baked goods from Landini’s various venues, as well as beer, wine, and other items.
The tavern will have a relaxed casual vibe surrounded by repurposed materials from the building. The special event space upstairs will be the crown jewel of the building, Bonitt said, with lots of light, exposed brick, balconies with views of the park and river, repurposed roof trusses and flooring, with the ability to host events up to 120 people.
“When Murray brought this opportunity to me and asked me to participate, it was a no-brainer,” Landini said. “An incredible building as it stands, but Murray shared his vision, and I simply couldn’t resist. It wasn’t long before we were drawing out a concept on the back of a napkin and before you knew it, we were off. Murray brings a lot to the table with his eye for restoration, particularly on timeless properties and more importantly, his creative ability to do great things with them. Taking a classic property, one that possesses charm and character and marrying it with a modern-day purpose, that’s the Bonitt way and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Noe:
