Proposed redesign of Alfred Street Baptist Church as viewed from the southwest corner. Image contributed
Alfred Street Baptist Church, one of the oldest faith communities in Alexandria, just passed the first major hurdle for ongoing plans for an expansion. Despite a mixed reaction in the public comment, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) for the Old and Historic District unanimously approved of the development at its Nov. 16 meeting. The board approval came with suggestions that ongoing redesigns work to make the structure more porous; opening the building up with alleyways and courtyards rather than as one monolithic structure. The proposal would add a new 2,000-seat sanctuary, additional programming space, and a two-story underground parking garage.
As with many new developments in Old Town, the Alfred Street Baptist Church’s expansion came under fire from nearby residents who said the mass and height of the building was not suitable for the historic neighborhood.
“Elephant in the room here is that they’re trying to pursue megachurch expansion model for a population that does not live in the city,” said Peter Glazer, a resident of Wolf Street. Glazer noted that the new Alfred Street Baptist Church would be the largest single structure in the old and historic district.
But unlike developers in Old Town coming to the BAR and facing backlash from local citizens, Alfred Street Baptist Church’s community also had a presence at the meeting that spoke up in favor of the church redesign.
“One thing I love about living here is consistency,” said Caroline Alexander, a member of the church. “Since 1895, seems like you guys have been pretty consistent with making sure church maintains code and zoning … I think the design adheres to the structure of what this city is all about. It will make Alfred Street an important functioning historic figure in the community but [will also] enhance the City of Alexandria as well.”
While some on the BAR said they understood concerns about the size of the building, the Alfred Street Baptist Church redevelopment falls within height and floor area ratio guidelines.
“I’m hearing what residents are saying about the size and I’m asking myself ‘does the church need this much space’ and I don’t know,” said Board Member Robert Adams. “But can they have it? They can, if we’re strictly going by the zoning.”
Most of the feedback from the BAR was enthusiastic support. The design was approved unanimously.
“I like that it adds another steeple to our city,” said Board Member Margaret Miller. “I had been concerned about mass and size, but on further study of the project, think it will integrate well. Overall, I think you’re doing a good job with architecture, height, scale and mass.”
“It’s popular to make everything look like 18th century townhouses but I’m not certain that’s appropriate,” said Board Member John Von Senden. “I think the city would be better served to have same massing on south end of Alfred Street read as a well composed solid block rather than a mix-match of little pieces when everyone knows that it’s not.”
The next step in permitting for the Alfred Street Baptist Church redevelopment will be approval from the Planning Commission in summer, 2017.