Five-Alarm Fire Destroys Northern Virginia's South Alex Mixed-Use Project
A fire engulfed an under-construction development Saturday in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County.
The five-alarm fire at the South Alex development began just before 10 a.m. Saturday and caused significant damage, but no one was injured, Fairfax County Fire Chief John Butler told The Washington Post.
The South Alex development, near the intersection of Richmond Highway and North Kings Highway, broke ground in December 2018 on the site of the former Penn Daw Shopping Center. Developed by Combined Properties, the $135M project was planned to feature 400 apartments, 21 townhouses, an Aldi grocery store and 20K SF of additional retail. It was expected to deliver in the summer of 2021.
Combined Properties President Sri Velamati, in a statement Saturday, said the development was "destroyed," but the company is committed to rebuilding it, according to the Washington Business Journal.
"We are devastated by the massive fire that has destroyed our South Alex property and threatened nearby homes and buildings. We have long been a part of this community and are deeply committed to rebuilding and fulfilling our commitment to this neighborhood," Velamati said. "We are extremely grateful for the firefighters, police and other first responders who have been battling this blaze, and we are cooperating with officials as they try to determine the cause."
Many nearby residents posted pictures and videos of the fire on Twitter Saturday, and the smoke could be seen from throughout the region.
Fire half a mile from me in Alexandria. pic.twitter.com/VwXcqhPbu9
— Sam Rinde (@SamRinde) February 8, 2020
Fire in Alexandria. Can be seen from skyline in Falls Church. @fox5dc @ARLnowDOTcom @alexfiredept @AlexandriaVAFD #fire pic.twitter.com/mIQOjfRxn5
— Will Wiard (@WillWiard) February 8, 2020
This is a developing story.
