[Archived] City of Alexandria Purchases Henry Street Property to Develop Park

On February 16, City Council authorized City Manager James K. Hartmann to sign a contract for acquisition of the property at 600 North Henry Street. The City’s purchase of this half-acre property is the first step to successful implementation of the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Plan’s open space recommendation for a park in the area. The purchase price is $2.4 million and the City will use dedicated open space funds to acquire the property.

In March 2008, the City of Alexandria adopted the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Plan. The plan included a recommendation for a centrally-located, one-acre neighborhood park that provides quality, community-focused open space for residents. The “Post Office” block (at North Henry and Wythe Streets) was identified as the preferred location for this park. The City’s purchase of 600 North Henry Street fulfills a critical objective of this plan. The City has also begun discussions with the U.S. Postal Service about moving their distribution facility to another location, but keeping the post office retail operations on Wythe Street.  This would eliminate a postal vehicle storage lot and allow the park to eventually expand to approximately one acre.

Acquisition of this property is contingent upon approval by Alexandria’s Planning Commission, who will review the proposed property purchase at their regular meeting in March. Following the purchase of the property, staff will initiate a public process to consider the design and plan for the park. This public process will include a series of community meetings to provide input on the park’s concept and design. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Recreation for more information.