Photo by Susannah Moore
The Bank of Alexandria building
One of Alexandria’s historic buildings is undergoing a careful renovation to become a private, single family residence and offices for staff of NOVA Park's Carlyle House Historic Park, which is located next door.
The 10,000 square foot building, at 133 N. Fairfax St., is also known as The Bank of Alexandria building. It was constructed by the bank in 1806 to serve as their offices. The bank was essential in solidifying Alexandria’s role as a commercial center during the City’s early history, but it failed in 1834.
The bank building was purchased in 1848 by local furniture maker James Green, who also owned the neighboring Carlyle House at the time. The building was converted into the Mansion House Hotel and served as a Union Hospital during the Civil War. Green and the hospital were depicted in the TV drama series “Mercy Street,” which aired on PBS from 2016-2017.
NOVA Parks has owned the property since 1970, using it as office space and leasing the rest of the space to other companies. In 2019, NOVA Parks announced that it was marketing the sale or lease of the building. Stipulations of the sale or lease included the continued use of part of the building as NOVA Park offices, and the maintenance of the historic fabric and character of the building. The property in January 2021 sold for just $2.4 million, to Historic BOA Building LLC, C/O Oxford Finance LLC.
Alden Philbrick, who is president and CEO of Oxford Finance LLC, submitted an application to repair and reconstruct the historic property last year and convert it into a private residence. The application was approved by the City and the Board of Architectural Review. A report prepared by City staff admitted that the building had been poorly maintained over the years and was in great need of restoration.
As part of the approval, the applicant is required to retain the historic integrity of the building: “Any original materials that will be demolished and capsulated will be faithfully and appropriately reproduced by the applicant. The limited demolition proposed by the applicant will enhance the building’s historic value, rescue it from deterioration, and protect it for future generations,” reads the City report. Any significant structures or artifacts that may be discovered during the renovation must also be reported to Alexandria Archaeology.
Alterations and additions that are not directly related to the restoration of the building, include the creation of a private entrance for the residence which will span the basement level and second and third floors, the creation of a two car garage, a wood-burning fireplace and a rooftop deck.
The first floor of the building will house staff from the Carlyle House Historic Park museum. Visitors to Carlyle House will be able to see the historic bank lobby via guided tour once the renovation is complete, according to the application.
