Alexandria Living Magazine
The Old Town Theater sign may be designated historic by the Board of Architectural Review.
Update March 6, 2020:
The Board of Architectural review has delayed making a decision about the OLD TOWN sign above the former Old Town Theater as City staff continues researching its history.
Original story, Feb. 22, 2020:
Wednesday evening (Feb. 19), the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review (BAR) gave the iconic OLD TOWN sign above the former Old Town Theater a little bit more time. A final decision on the sign's fate is set for March 4.
Patagonia, the retailer taking up residence in the building this spring, submitted a request to BAR to take down the letters and replace them with a Patagonia sign. The building’s OLD TOWN letters could be cleaned up and become part of the retailer’s interior décor, building owner Asana Partners suggested in its application.
The request went in front of the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday, Feb. 19. “The applicant requests a Permit to Demolish/Capsulate (partial) and Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to install a new storefront system and add signage on the existing marquee at the former Old Town Theater at 815 ½ King Street,” according to the request.
Wednesday evening at the BAR meeting, the board voted to approve the application to remove the ticket booth structure at ground level outside the building.
However, the board voted to delay a final decision on the OLD TOWN sign until the March 4 BAR meeting.
Dylan Colligan, speaking on behalf of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission, read a statement on behalf of the Commission that said in part: "...It is the position of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission that the existing Old Town Theater sign remain in place on the exterior of the building in order to preserve the historic character of the block."
BAR member Robert Adams commented, "It is sort of defining element in Old Town to see the sign 'Old Town.'" He said he would "sort-of miss it" were it to be removed.
If the sign were designated historic in its own right, it would not count against 'signage area' allocated for the building, allowing Patagonia to have its own signs, as well.
Deferring a decision on the OLD TOWN sign will give staff additional time to research the OLD TOWN sign. In addition, BAR Chair Christine Roberts suggested that Asana Partners and Patagonia research design options that could incorporate the OLD TOWN sign without removing it.
The next BAR meeting is March 4 at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. The BAR meets at City Hall, 301 King Street. Residents unable to attend the meeting may contact BAR at Preservation@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3833.
