Canal Place Condos For Sale, Alexandria, VA

Located in Alexandria’s Old Town North, just a block from the Potomac River, is a residential development known as Canal Place. These lovely antique Colonial Revival buildings were originally built in 1944 and more recently converted to condos for sale. The lush landscaped surroundings are tranquil and the waterfront is just steps away.

There are seven three-story structures here, commissioned by President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration as housing for Defense Department employees. Garden-style communities were blossoming all over Washington Metro at the time for the rapidly expanding World War II federal workforce.

The main address for the development is 1117 N. Pitt Street. The compound is bound by Bashford Lane to the north, N. Royal Street to the east, 2nd Street to the south and N. Pitt Street to the west in Alexandria’s 22310 zip code area.

A visitor arriving at the manicured grounds of Canal Place might assume it’s a school of some sort—perhaps a tony private campus with its stately brick buildings, mature trees and walkways. But there are actually 120 residences here with both one and two-bedroom models, and floorplans ranging from 624 to 800 square feet. Flooring depends on owners, with original parquet, carpet or newer strip hardwood. Wood-burning fireplaces, thick crown molding and classic mantels add to the charm, while the large country kitchens—many of which have been upgraded—are a rare treat in this day and age. Washers and dryers are included, and ground floor patios or second-story Juliet balconies add that nice touch of private outdoor space. Recent list prices have been in the low-to-mid six figures.

Old Town North has also been going through a transformative revitalization as the city continues to grow and as new residents arrive. In that sense, history is repeating itself here. But as is most often the case with historic waterfront districts, local government and developers strive to find a balance between the need of the expanding population and the old charm that is so much a calling card for this area.

The nearby Oronoco is one example of adaptive reuse—a sheet metal workers office building that was gutted and converted into stunning modernist condo flats for sale. Also in the works are plans to redevelop the 25-acre Potomac River Generating Station on Royal Street. And then of course, there’s Canal Place with its historic residences tucked away inside a landscaped oasis, along with a swimming pool!

Canal Place is named for the old canal with wooden locks at the nearby waterfront. The original canal is long gone but a replica stands in its place at the Tide Lock Park, containing many of the original canal wall stones. Local residents also enjoy bars and restaurants like A La Lucia and the Railstop Gastropub, as well as coffee shops, a Trader Joe’s and a Harris Teeter.