Public Hearings for Art League

Proposed Site Adjacent to Old Town North

Because of the planned redevelopment of the Montgomery Center, The Art League (TAL) must move from its current space in 2024. How exciting that TAL has found a new proposed home just across the street from the “official” boundary of Old Town North!

Proposed site for The Art League

TAL has applied to the City of Alexandria for a Special Use Permit (SUP) to relocate its private commercial school to 800 Slaters Lane. 

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the SUP on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 beginning at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The Code of Virginia states that a SUP is a privilege granted by the local jurisdiction. It is up to the applicant to demonstrate the appropriateness of establishing the special use on the specific property.

In its application, TAL states, “The Art League provides gallery exhibits and work spaces for artists, offers classroom education and workshops in the fine arts, and provides outreach programs for the local community. Students of all ages and skill levels are able to take courses in drawing, painting, watercolor painting, fiber art, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, photography, jewelry making, clay animation, silk screening, stained glass, and more. With an enrollment of almost 7,000 students per year, The Art League intends to establish 11 enclosed and 6 open studio spaces for artists and education opportunities in the existing building located at 800 Slater Lane.”

TAL plans to use the entire building space of about 16,500 square feet. Since the previous occupant was a print shop, TAL’s application states that the use category will not change from the City’s B (Business) designation in its Use and Occupancy Classification. The application provides the number of occupants at 382, with 20 staff on site. Hours of operation will be 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday, and 12 noon to 6pm on Sunday. There are 19 regular and one accessible parking spaces on the property. Equipment will include propane and acetylene tanks, used in making items like ceramics and stained glass. The activities will be confined to the building’s interior, so the use is not expected to generate noise or odors.

The meeting will be held both in person and online; to join online go to <https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9XK-IeriQnKl-l3b1GLZAw> after 6:30 PM.

Approval of this application would mean that the Art League can make plans for its future – including continued operations at the Torpedo Factory, relocation from Montgomery Center, its longtime annex, and use of gallery/studio spaces at Muse (1201 N Royal Street).