City officials are presenting a variety of options for space outside City Hall known as Market Square. In addition to important city events, the space is home to one of the country's longest-running Farmers' Market.
The 60-year-old garage underneath Market Square is in need of serious repair, and City Hall is undergoing a modernization project to replace things like a boiler from the 1940s and very old plumbing and electrical systems. While these projects are in progress, city officials are taking the opportunity to give a new design to the city's outdoor gathering spot.
City Hall was built in 1817 and burned down in 1871. What we know now as the Alexandria City Hall on the 300 block of King Street has been many things from a Masonic Lodge to a fire station to a state government building during the Civil War. Since the rebuilding of the City Hall building after the fire, approximately every 60 years, there has been a renewal of sorts of the building and the adjacent land.
Based on initial feedback, city officials have come up with four design concepts and are asking for feedback from residents through an online survey for the Market Square portion of the land.
The four concepts include some combination of a stage (or two), a water feature, shade and open space. The survey starts here. (There is also a webinar recording here that explains all four concepts.)
From feedback earlier this fall, city officials heard loud and clear that the Farmers' Market still needs a home at Market Square. Other priorities from residents included seasonal events, music, a water feature and a gathering space and space for local pop-up events.
Construction could start in the winter of 2026, depending on a variety of factors. A working group of farmers' market vendors and city officials are figuring out how to accomodate the farmers' market during construction.
Additional resident outreach is planned for December. Learn more at www.alexandriava.gov/CityHall.
