Groundbreaking March 8 for Mixed-Use Property in North Old Town Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- EDENS, one of the nation’s leading retail real estate owners and developers, invites the community to a groundbreaking for its 530 First Street project on March 8 at 10:30 a.m. The spot was formerly home to a Giant grocery store. The Virginia ABC Store that was there has moved to a new location down the street in the Saul Center at Washington Square, at 686 North St. Asaph St.

The development of the LEED-certified, 22,388 square foot center, located at 530 First Street in Alexandria, will include a community-focused retail and dining mix. The new property will occupy an entire city block bounded by North Saint Asaph Street to the west, First Street to the north, North Pitt Street to the east and Montgomery Street to the south.

The mixed-use development will feature 232 luxury residences, developed by Gables Residential, which will sit above 50,000 square feet of community-centered space. The development will include a West Elm home furnishings store.

"EDENS is excited at the opportunity to contribute to Old Town Alexandria's rich history," Steve Boyle, Managing Director of EDENS, said earlier when Gables Residential was announced as a partner on the project. "We believe the strong caliber of Gables Residential's neighborhoods coupled with EDENS' community-focused retail development approach will respect the fabric of what makes Old Town so special, while providing the Old Town North neighborhood a place of its own."

EDENS develops, owns and operates community shopping centers in primary markets across the country, including Mosaic and Arlington Ridge in Northern Virginia, and Union Market in the District.

The company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of more than 120 retail centers. EDENS has regional headquarters in Boston, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Columbia, SC.

PHOTO: Rendering of development courtesy of EDENS.