Alexandria, VA – Last month’s Unseen Old Town was a look down an old, narrow, turned staircase in one of the oldest extant buildings in Alexandria. It was likely built in this fashion to take up the smallest footprint in this warehouse. If you saw the prior month’s Unseen Old Town, you may realize this is the site of the mechanical lift that moved the freight elevator in this building at the corner of South Union and Prince Streets. Some may recognize the site of the beloved former Christmas Attic. It was the sort of unique local shop that helped make Old Town special after the beginning of its renaissance in the late 1960s. The Norman Fitzhugh building started life as a warehouse to store and sell agricultural products, perhaps as early as 1827, according to the Office of Historic Alexandria. Before the Christmas Attic, I remember seeing guns stored here by the owners of Interarms, the largest small arms and munitions dealer in the country, whose offices were across the street.
Have you noticed this around town? Where is it? What do you know about it?
To see more quirky photos and close-up angles of secret and not-so-secret spots in Old Town Alexandria, jump in with guesses and comments, follow the discussion, and submit your own photos for consideration, join the Unseen Old Town Facebook group!
As for the photo above, we will reveal what it is and where it is in our next issue, along with a new one for you to ponder.
ICYMI: Call Your Mother is at 1300 King St. in Old Town Alexandria!
