During the era of Federal Urban Renewal programs, some of the oldest parts of Alexandria were threatened with demolition. The Historic Alexandria Foundation initiated a program of marking early historic buildings with oval bronze plaques. After intense lobbying in the 1960's the advance of Urban Renewal destruction was limited to three blocks along King Street. Since then historic homes and shops are being restored instead of demolished.
The program continues today, with additional buildings being judged on their merits for inclusion as a "plaqued house." If you think your house merits a bronze plaque, call the Historic Alexandria Foundation at 703-549-5811 or the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4554 to learn more about this program.
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you
I've seen similar programs in other parts of the country, but I have to tell you what struck me so funny about this. When I first read this, I was thinking to myself, now why would they give a plaque to a home that was plagued.
Nov 28, 2009 03:43 AM
Featuring Susan Craft, CRS, REALTOR® - McEnearney Associates - Alexandria, VA
Real Estate Editor
Hi Elizabeth - I had the same take when I first saw it. I was like . . . what kind of plague, and why would they want to keep that stigma on the house. But is is a really cool program and the local owners of these homes love it. Alexandria is just such a wonderful place to live, vacation, work or just hang out. And of course, everything in Washington DC is just minutes away.
Nov 28, 2009 05:07 AM
Rainer
67,123
67,123
Alexandria Virginia
Real Estate Editor
Real Estate Resources
Presenting a collage of information about Alexandria, Virginia . . . from real estate and homes for sale to restaurants, things to do and history.
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