Alexandria, VA – Our most recent image from Unseen Old Town is a rather unassuming one of a hole in the ground in the 100 block of Prince Street, and yet it has a rather interesting story to tell. This vacant lot at 122-124 has been that way since the great fire of Alexandria in 1827, which swept through several blocks of Alexandria.
The house next door at 126 Prince Street, whose handsome original random-width hand-sawn siding may be seen in the photo, may have at least partially survived that same fire.
On the other hand, the several small tenement houses at 122-124 were never rebuilt, until now. The new residence under construction is the first new building to be built on Captain’s Row since the 1970s. Previously, the only other modern infill houses were built in 1973 at 102 and 104, which you may not have realized were added more recently because their facades were constructed with old bric. This helps them blend with their neighbors. We will watch with anticipation as the new home rises from the ashes at 126 Prince 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, and 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 above, we will reveal what it is and where it is in our next issue, along with a new one for you to ponder.
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