In Alexandria, Virginia, a quiet transformation is underway—one that’s turning obsolete office buildings into modern residences while preserving the City’s charm. One standout example? CityHouse Old Town: a 1980s office building in the process of being reborn as 199 luxury apartments in the heart of Old Town.
Turning Office Space into Home Living
Developed by American Real Estate Partners (AREP), a McLean-based institutional real estate fund manager and operating company, CityHouse Old Town is more than a real estate project; it’s a glimpse into how cities like Alexandria adapt to changing market conditions.
“This building was screaming to be residential,” said Mark Taylor, Managing Director, Residential at AREP, on the company’s motivation to capitalize on the growing industry trend of office-to-residential conversions with one of Alexandria’s most notable buildings. “You can’t beat the location—in the heart of Old Town just minutes from the King Street Metro, Whole Foods, the waterfront, and [Amazon] HQ2.”
Adaptive Reuse Meets Historic Charm
The once-vacant 200,000 sf office building at 1101 King Street has been transformed into a stylishly reimagined space that honors its architectural roots. Built before zoning restrictions limited building height, the King Street building boasts seven stories and a unique “tiered wedding cake” architecture, delivering panoramic views and enabling seventy percent of its units to feature private terraces. To maximize the residential potential of the location, two levels of the parking garage have been reconstructed into new floors with recessed terraces along N Fayette St, and portions of the seventh floor were demolished to accommodate a six-story open atrium as a striking centerpiece.
“We are elevating the past versus erasing it,” Taylor said. AREP worked closely with partners, including Hoar Construction, Cooper Carry, RD Jones, LandDesign, Bozzuto, Hickock Cole, and KLNB, to ensure that 1101 King Street’s unique history was respected and reflected, blending seamlessly with the existing Alexandria real estate.
That same philosophy extends far beyond just this project. In 2023, Alexandria garnered national attention as one of the most active cities in the country for office-to-residential conversions, second only to Los Angeles. Today, the City continues to hold the regional throne, alongside Washington, DC, in turning underused offices into new housing. With flexible conversion policies, Alexandria also incentivizes a streamlined path to redevelopment, having approved 3.6 million square feet of office space for conversion over the past decade.
“CityHouse Old Town is a great example of how Alexandria is able to breathe new life into obsolete office buildings,” said Christina Mindrup, Vice President of Commercial Real Estate at Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP). “It goes beyond just adding housing—it brings in more foot traffic, supports surrounding businesses, and contributes to the broader revitalization along King Street.” The ground-floor retail space will pair with neighborhood staples, such as Orangetheory Fitness and Fresh Baguette, creating a destination that serves both residents and the surrounding community.
Boutique Living with Five-Star Amenities
Designed to feel more like a boutique hotel than an apartment complex, CityHouse Old Town offers
- Condo-grade finishes
- High ceilings and curated art
- A 24-hour fitness studio with instructor-led classes
- Resident club room featuring a lounge, billiards, and access to an expansive roof terrace
The building is already drawing attention. Set to open in late 2025, over 500 people have signed up for updates. “There’s a curiosity and an appetite for what we’re doing,” said Taylor.
Ultimately, CityHouse Old Town is yet another stylish chapter in Alexandria’s larger story, a city that knows how to modernize without compromising its character. “When you talk about vibrant people with a sense of style and energy—that is Alexandria,” Taylor said. “And Old Town is the epitome of that.”
Photos courtesy of Neoscape and AREP.
To stay up to date on CityHouse Old Town or join the pre-leasing list, visit: www.cityhouseoldtown.com.
Curious about other redevelopment opportunities? Contact AEDP’s real estate team to learn how we can support your next project—from adaptive reuse to ground-up development in one of the region’s most connected, character-rich cities.