Contemporary architecture is not allowed in Alexandria. The designs for nine multi-family, mixed-use buildings in the Robinson Terminal South project were rejected by the Board of Architectural Review - Old and Historic for being too trendy and "almost disordered." While the developers will present a revised design to the board on Wednesday, the board recommended they understand that "the architectural design and character of the project should clearly read as being of Alexandria." The board hopes for architecture that is traditional and locally influenced as opposed to "generic or trendy magazine-inspired designs," according to a staff report.
Once approved, the finalized plans will be sent to the Planning Commission and City Council some time early 2015 with the final approval slated for March. The Robinson Terminal South project will take up three-and-a-half acres of land on the northwestern quadrant of Old Town waterfront
· Trendy, not 'of Alexandria': Robinson Terminal South design revised [Washington Business Journal]