Alexandria’s City Hall building and surrounding area is being prepared for renovation. Over 200 years old, updates to the electrical system, HVAC system and plumbing will be added alongside the addition of a more modern workspace. Renovations should take two to three years and are expected to improve the historical building and benefit the community.
The Old Town Farmers Market is a popular event that takes place on the property. Considered the oldest continuously operated market in the country, the exchange was established in 1753.
To not disrupt tradition, Old Town Community Farmers Market has been moved but is still running right across the street, on the 100 block of North Royal Street.
“I think that it is good that some place with such a rich history is getting an update without tearing down the historical relevance of it.” said farmers market vendor Nicholas Duran. “I think that is a positive thing.”
Duran works with Fresh Crunch Pickles, a locally cut and jarred pickle company with multiple kitchens in Virginia.
He is one of the many community business vendors impacted by the farmers market´s move.
“I think it is going to be interesting,” Duran continued, “It’s going to create a scavenger hunt mentality for a lot of our customers and devoted clients.”
Saturday, Jan. 14, was the market’s second week in its new location, still in full swing despite the wintery weather.
Lou’s Buns is a women owned D.C. business that sells many different flavored buns. John was representing Lou’s Buns and Alexandra Diggs the founder of the company at Saturday’s market.
“Based on the psychology of people, I think it will take a while for people to start populating here,” John said, in regards to the market’s move, “It’s going to take some time.”
The new location spans the 100th block of Royal Street and Tavern Square behind Gatsby’s Tavern. With the new space and many businesses, the location of vendors and their stands proves to be very important.
“I was in a nice prime location before but now I am out here, all by myself” said Billy, an Alexandria community member and longtime farmers market vendor of Billy’s Flowers.
Billy has been selling flowers at the Old Town Farmers Market for over 20 years.
His new location is on the 400 block of King Street, in front of a Taco Bell. Though still in the farmers market zone, there are not many other vendors around his stand.
“They put me all by myself,” he said. “I think I only took in 200 dollars today, which is a lot less than normal.”
Construction and renovations are predicted to start spring 2026 and take 2-3 years. Until then, facilities are closed and the Old Town Farmers Market moved to Royal Street.
“I think it will be good in the long run.” Duran said “They are renovating our city center, for the benefit of the facilities and for the benefits of the kids, who will be able to play in the water, so I think it will be a good thing.”
