Alexandria Beautification Commission Announces 2023 Alexandria Commercial Beautification Award Recipients

For Immediate Release: July 21, 2023

The Alexandria Beautification Commission is pleased to announce the four winners of the 2023 Alexandria Commercial Beautification Award:

• The Time Travel Mural, 611 South Pickett Street
  • For transforming an otherwise unremarkable warehouse exterior into a masterpiece depicting the region's history and development.                  
• Alexan Florence, 400 Wythe Street
  • For converting an old bus shed into a dense community featuring modern and historical elements, ecological practices, and informative plaques.              
• Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, 200 Commerce Street
  • For carefully and faithfully restoring an old ice house into a vibrant ice cream parlor with historical charm and ecological seasonal plantings.             
• Tenant and Workers United building, 3801 Mount Vernon Avenue
  • For inspiring central Alexandria with two bright and colorful murals that illustrate the dreams and challenges of immigrant communities in the U.S.

The Commission solicited nominations from residents, the City, and Commissioners who toured Alexandria looking for exceptional commercial properties that contribute to the beautification of the City through restoration, innovative design, landscaping, and environmentally sustainable practices. Some companies go above and beyond to make Alexandria an inviting and dynamic place to visit and do business. These efforts enhance our services and economy by reinventing underutilized property, implementing sustainable practices, and promoting a vibrant cityscape. This provides value to all Alexandrians and visitors, encouraging others to enjoy and invest in the City. Commission members evaluated community projects based on criteria including:

• Beautification of commercial spaces through landscaping and color
• Effective utilization of architectural and design elements
• The reinvention of old or neglected spaces
• Inclusion of environmentally sustainable design practices
• Ongoing maintenance

"The 2023 Commercial Beautification Award winners used their businesses to create value for the entire City and all the patrons who visit Alexandria. Through proactive and consistent maintenance, implementation of sustainable design, and the production of public art, these businesses show how beautification efforts invigorate commercial spaces for the benefit of all. We applaud their exceptional accomplishments." said Steve Cohen, Alexandria Beautification Commission Chair. "It is wonderful to see businesses collaborate with local artists, implement ecological practices, and reinvent new spaces while honoring the past; truly a win-win," he said.

Please visit the Alexandria Beautification Commission webpage to see the photos of the four award winners from across the City and details of their award-winning projects.

The Alexandria Beautification Commission represents citizens' values in City beautification matters and coordinates projects to encourage and achieve a more beautiful, livable Alexandria. The Commission promotes projects encompassing landscaping, architecture, and sustainable environmental practices creating a healthier community, enjoyable lifestyle, and higher quality of life.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City's Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Oscar.Mendoza@alexandriava.gov or Virginia Relay 711.

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This news item can be found at alexandriava.gov/go/4776