Hawkins is president of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, a group of business owners, city officials and residents that promotes development in the Northern Virginia city. Does Alexandria’s small size make it more difficult to attract development?
No, I look at Alexandria as a portfolio of assets. It’s such a special place — Potomac Yards, Carlyle, Old Town and Del Ray. We are definable. We have four Metro stations, the waterfront, and we’re four miles from D.C. We’re one of the most densely populated areas in the region. … The city has done a tremendous amount to improve its business-friendly image.
Where do you see the most opportunity?
Potomac Yards is a huge opportunity. It’s been rezoned to about seven-and-a-half million square feet, and a new Metro station is on the way.
What is the biggest challenge?
The redevelopment of Landmark Mall is Alexandria’s biggest challenge. It’s value has diminished significantly. … The owner has been in Chapter 11 for some time.
What about long-awaited waterfront changes?
The plan is going to be published sometime in January. We’re trying to make the area more usable, more pedestrian friendly. People come to Alexandria and go to the 100 block of King Street, and it gets congested there.
What impact will BRAC have on Alexandria?
[The Mark Center} looks like it was dropped down from outer space. Everybody is still angry about the access issues. There’s 6,400 jobs, but it’s federally owned real estate. The city has no benefit from real estate taxes. It would have been better at the Victory Center.
Do you see an uptick in business coming soon?
We’re in the bottoming part of the market. By the beginning of next year, we’ll be in a rising market. We’ve seen much more activity in the last quarter.
– Brian Hughes
