Occupying an entire block on North Washington Street in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA, a new mixed-use retail and office complex was recently completed by The Clark Construction Group Inc. Owned by the Saul Centers Inc. of Chevy Chase, MD, the $28-million, 500,000-sq.-ft. (45,000 sq m) facility includes two, four-story office buildings that are linked below ground by a shared parking garage.

The first level of each building is designated for retail space, with offices comprising the remainder of the complex. Designed by Shalom Baranes & Associates Inc. of Washington, D.C., both buildings, known as Washington Square at Old Town, feature a detailed facade design incorporating curtain wall at the main entrance, pre-cast and storefront on the first level, and brick with pre-cast accents and punch windows on levels two through four. An aluminum-clad canopy marks the entrances.

Each building has a three-story lobby with concierge desk and high end finishes including stone, glass, and millwork. Balconies on the top office level provide views of historic Old Town and an interior courtyard. A vibrant retail plaza complements the extensively landscaped courtyard.

Clark’s project team had to contend with a tight, urban site bordered by a busy thoroughfare. Careful coordination of deliveries and materials storage was required.

Joining Clark and the architect as members of the project team were SK&A of Washington, D.C., structural engineer, and R.G. Vanderweil Engineers of Alexandria, VA, mechanical/electrical engineer.