Former City Councilwoman Del Pepper, center, is joined by family and local officials as she cuts the ribbon for the new Redella S. “Del” Pepper Community Resource Center April 27 at 4850 Mark Center Drive.
Located at 4850 Mark Center Drive, the 10-story building was named in honor of Pepper’s 36 years on City Council, which ended with her retirement in 2021.
“This building is just plain awesome,” Pepper said to the crowd that included Mayor Justin Wilson and several local officials. “And I love telling people it is 10 stories high. If that doesn’t impress them nothing will.”
The building, which was taken over from the Institute of Defense Analyses, was purchased by the city and overhauled to serve as the new home to the Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Health Department and Neighborhood Health. Additionally, a Permit Center and Finance Department will be located in the building which will have 700 employees and serve 25,000 residents. Limited Clerk of the Court services will also be available.
“Mom has been in politics for at least 42 years,” said Pepper’s son Murphy. “I remember the two terms she was an aide to Mayor [Charles] Beatley. Then to serve 36 years on council – that is a long time and I think people appreciate that.”
Occasionally referred to as the West End City Hall, the new facility is served by several DASH and Metrobus routes. An adjacent parking garage will be free for the first year of operations.
“This is more than just a building for our community just like Del was more than just another member of the City Council,” Wilson said in his remarks. “This is an embodiment of the services we provide to this city, the heart of this city, just like Del was the heart of this city council for so, so long.”
While Pepper praised the new building, she saved her highest accolades for the work that will take place in the new facility.
“More than truly beautiful, this is a place of hope and help,” Pepper said. “The activities here and the services offered are life changing, or if you will game changing. Our workers are the brightest and the best. They are the most welcoming and helpful and that is what you’re going to need for the kind of activities that go on here: people who can hear the pain.”
In closing, Pepper said, “The building is awesome in so many ways. I am so very proud to have my name on it.”
Former City Councilwoman Del Pepper speaks at the April 27 ribbon cutting of the new Mark Center Community Resource Center named in her honor.