Board of Architectural Review Meeting – December 17, 2025

The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) met on December 17, 2025, at 7:02 PM (adjourned at 8:14 PM). Chair Scott, Ms. Pratt, Ms. del Ninno, and Mr. Adams were present; Mr. Spencer, Ms. Miller, and Vice Chair Zandian were absent. The board considered 15 docket items, including consent calendar approvals, after-the-fact alterations, additions, and a deferred concept review.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of December 3, 2025, approved 4–0.
• Items 4 (1022 King Street), 5 (400 King Street), 6 (1118 Prince Street), 7 (119 Wolfe Street), and 8 (1101 King Street) were approved by consent as submitted, each 4–0. Item 3 (311 North Alfred Street) was moved from the consent calendar due to a public speaker.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 311 North Alfred Street (Item 3): Brad Fleetwood, neighbor at 312 North Columbus Street, opposed the after-the-fact approval of a mini-split condenser placement. He argued the applicant, Al Cox, should have obtained prior approval, noted alternative locations, and stated the unit is unattractive and visible from the public alley. Applicant Al Cox responded that the replacement was an emergency due to an impending freeze, the location was the only viable option given property lines and zoning, and that a similar unit across the alley had been approved by the board.
• 821 South Lee Street (Items 11 & 12): Taroma Alleygood, neighbor at 822 South Fairfax Street, expressed concern about the addition’s scale relative to the Yates Garden neighborhood, stating the footprint is larger than other homes on the block and reduces privacy. Christine Roberts of the Historic Alexandria Foundation spoke in support, calling the addition an improvement.
• 107 North Fairfax Street (Items 13 & 14): Christine Roberts of the Historic Alexandria Foundation raised concerns about the addition’s visibility from King Street and the adjacent visitor center garden, requesting clarity on what would be seen.
• 802 Pendleton Street (Item 17): Applicant Erica Rideout explained that their door is faux wood (a violation) but requested approval to keep it until they can afford a wood replacement in the future.

Discussion Items

• 311 North Alfred Street (Item 3): After public comment, the board noted the structure is not historic (built 1977) and the condenser is located in an alley. Motion to approve the after-the-fact application carried 4–0.
• 814 Prince Street (Items 9 & 10): Architect William Cromley presented, clarifying that synthetic trim will be Boral (recycled fly ash) rather than PVC, and siding will be wood. Board members praised the design. Approved as amended with conditions: trim to be Boral, siding visible from the public right-of-way to be wood. Roll call vote 4–0 (Pratt, del Ninno, Adams, Scott all aye).
• 821 South Lee Street (Items 11 & 12): Architect Patrick Camus presented. Board discussed massing and zoning compliance. Approved with staff recommendations. Roll call 4–0.
• 107 North Fairfax Street (Items 13 & 14): Architect Patrick Camus presented. Ms. del Ninno and Mr. Adams expressed concerns about massing and visibility from King Street. Mr. Camus agreed to use wood siding, a dark paint color, and to work with staff on screening elements. Motion to approve with staff recommendations and additional conditions (wood siding, dark color, continued work on screening) carried 3–1, with Ms. del Ninno voting against.
• 229 South Payne Street (Items 15 & 16): Architect Chris Lyon presented replacement of a dilapidated fence and shed. Approved as submitted 4–0.
• 802 Pendleton Street (Item 17): Staff recommended approval with the condition that when the door is replaced, it be wood. Board discussed precedent but approved with that condition 4–0.
• 806 North Columbus Street (Item 18): Deferred to January 21, 2026, at the applicant’s request.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items approved as submitted (4–0 each).
• 311 North Alfred Street: Approved after-the-fact 4–0.
• 814 Prince Street: Approved as amended 4–0.
• 821 South Lee Street: Approved with staff recommendations 4–0.
• 107 North Fairfax Street: Approved with conditions 3–1 (del Ninno dissenting).
• 229 South Payne Street: Approved as submitted 4–0.
• 802 Pendleton Street: Approved with condition for future wood door 4–0.
• 806 North Columbus Street: Deferred to January 21, 2026.
• Appeals noted: City Hall approval appeal set for January 13, 2026, City Council hearing; 910 King Street appeal received, date pending.
• Meeting location: January 2026 meetings will be held at the Mark Center due to City Hall renovations; goal to return to an Old Town recreation center thereafter.
• Staff member Ms. Hellman retired; the board acknowledged her service.