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Hold the Torpedoes: Alexandria City Unveils the Revitalization Proposals for the Torpedo Factory Art Center

By Kelly MacConomy

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Recent press regarding rumored conversion of a reinvented Torpedo Factory envisioning a food hall or food court proved to be greatly exaggerated.

The extensive outline of the Action Plan for Vibrancy and Sustainability benefiting the landmark art center was made public at the end of work day Friday, October 17. Alexandria City Director of Communications and Public Information Craig T. Fifer shared the proposal with The Zebra Press, noting that the revitalization plans do not incorporate a food hall or food court. Proposals for improvements have been submitted to the City by Scott Shaw and Route 66 Ventures. Estimated capital funding needed to address the deficiencies and improvements are between $10 million and $15 million for the next decade.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center on October 15.

The Action Plan affirms that the Alexandria Office of the Arts will continue to manage and control long-term all aspects of the Torpedo Factory Art Center operations. Upcoming community meetings will be announced on the City website and the City calendar.

For the annual Patron Show fundraiser at the Art League it’s floor to ceiling original Torpedo Factory artist-donated artwork. Photo Kelly MacConomy

Boasting 83 open artist studios, the City Archeology Museum, the Art League educational programs, and two outstanding art galleries, (the Gallery of the Art League and the Target Gallery), the Torpedo Factory has been the centerpiece of the Alexandria waterfront for over 45 years. Welcoming as many as 500,000 visitors annually, the art center remains a top destination in the DMV. The converted 1912 munitions factory remains the treasured hallmark of repurposed public spaces for the greater good.

Third-floor Torpedo Factory studio artist Sermin Ciddi with Mayor Justin Wilson and his daughter Lena in front of the homage “Old Town Alexandria in the Moonlight.” A copy hangs in the Mayor’s Office. Photo Kelly MacConomy

To view the full Action Plan for Vibrancy and Sustainability regarding the Torpedo Factory Art Center click here.

RELATED: City Looks to Revitalize Waterfront Art Treasure

Kelly MacConomy

Kelly MacConomy is the Arts Editor for The Zebra Press.

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