Cooper Carry-Designed Industrial Lofts Open in Old Town Alexandria

Local developer CAS Riegler and architecture firm Cooper Carry recently celebrated the grand opening of The Mill at 515, a historical building with a storied past in Old Town Alexandria that has been transformed into 25 industrial chic apartments.

The five-story building, located at 515 N. Washington St., was originally The Mount Vernon Cotton Factory in 1847. Since then it has been used as a Civil War prison, bottling house, storage facility, spark plug factory, apartments, and most recently, office space. The entitlement and approval process involved collaboration with multiple agencies and committees including the Upper Old Town Design advisory committee, the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review, and the Historic Preservation and Washington Street Design Guidelines arms of the National Parks Service.

“The rich history and character of this building is rare in any city, but especially in the Washington, D.C. area, where historic industrial use buildings are highly uncommon,” said Adam Stifel, principal at CAS Riegler. “We were immediately struck by its authenticity and charm, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to contribute to its unique legacy.”

CAS Riegler enlisted Cooper Carry to adapt the office building into one and two-bedroom apartments with amenities such as an event room with kitchen and outdoor space overlooking the Potomac River and a park with art features and seating. Residents can enjoy a short walk to the Metro, waterfront parks and trails, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, retailers and Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter grocery stores.

“The project’s design celebrates and respects the historic nature of the structure,” said Brandon Lenk, associate in Cooper Carry’s Mixed-Use Specialty Practice Group and project lead. “Although the property’s ownership has changed over the past 170 years, much of the building’s original simplicity is in tact, and it remains a historical gem in Old Town Alexandria.”

The boutique, pet-friendly units vary in size from 450 to 2,000 square feet. They offer 12-foot ceilings with original wood, iron and steel features, high-end cabinets, hardwood floors and stainless steel kitchen appliances. Leasing is currently underway.

For more information on The Mill at 515, visit http://www.themill515.com. For more information on Cooper Carry, visit http://www.coopercarry.com.