Politics & Government

Ice House Conversion Receives Approval

Boyd Walker aims to turn historic Mutual Ice Company building into gelato and coffee shop.

The Alexandria Planning Commission approved an application on Tuesday to turn the small Commerce Street ice house into a gelato shop.

Boyd Walker, a Democratic candidate for City Council, owns the building and plans to restore the 280-square-foot, 1932 ice house for year-round operation, also serving coffee and baked goods.

The business, which is located at 200 Commerce Street, will accommodate seven indoor seats and 30 seats outside.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Walker and city staff settled on hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Walker removed a request for live music.

"It is a good adapted reuse," Walker said.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In November 2006, the structure’s canopy and a framed enclosure on the loading dock were removed without approval from the Old and Historic Alexandria Board of Architectural Review, which resulted in a fine of $25,000. Walker has since worked with the city and completed necessary requirements, according to city documents. Business signage and other exterior alternations will need final BAR approval.

Commission Chairman John Komoroske took the application off the evening’s consent docket after attending a meeting of the city’s federation of civic associations on Monday night.

Komoroske said the federation criticized the planning commission for being too lax when it comes to approving special use permits.

He asked city staff about noise concerns, the late hours of operation and read from an Alexandria Times article dated July 6, 2007, concerning the BAR fines levied against Walker. Komoroske also confirmed with staff that the structure is within Old Town’s central business district and outdoor dining zone.

The application passed 5-0 with Commissioner Stewart Dunn recusing himself because of some “investment property” he owns in the general vicinity of the building. Commissioner Eric Wagner was absent from the meeting at the time of the vote.

The application is still subject to a City Council hearing on Feb. 25.


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