Over the last few months, anyone who has walked or driven through Old Town Alexandria via North Henry Street has seen two blocks come alive with development.

Henry Street has always been a busy thoroughfare, bringing traffic into Alexandria and taking traffic out to the I-95 interchange. So its no surprise to find that many drivers have been observing the day-to-day construction on these two sites.

Ive watched these two developments with great anticipation, says Alexandria resident Elizabeth Jenkins. I take Henry Street every weekday morning on my drive to I-95. Although Im just an observer, I feel like Ive been a part of the birthing process. To see these two communities grow from the ground up has been amazing.

Local residents and pedestrians have also been following the many stages of development. I pass the Monarch building on my walk to and from the Braddock Street Metro station every weekday morning and afternoon and take a few minutes to notice what has changed from the day before, says Evan Small, an Alexandria renter. Im intrigued with the property and Im strongly considering a purchase there.

Monarch Condominiums, a new residential building with commercial space on the ground floor, has emerged on the 500 block of North Henry (at Pendleton Street) near the Braddock Street Metro station, while the Prescott Condominium development has given life to North Henrys 200 block (at Cameron Street). Both properties will offer home buyers the convenience of living in Old Town Alexandria with the luxury that comes with brand new amenities.

Monarch Condominiums
This new property will offer a total of 89 residential units that will stand on the site of the old Hennage Printing building. The site was once also the home of Alexandria Mayor Thomas Mason and William Smoot of lumber fame.

Monarch Condominiums will feature 21 one-bedroom units, 22 one bedroom with den, 38 two-bedroom units and 8 two-bedroom units with den. Penthouse and loft units will be located on the top floor. Some of the interior finishes will include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets and Berber carpet. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, a party room with billiards table, a cinema room, and fitness center.

The buildings first floor is made up of 45,000 square feet of retail space that is being marketed to parties interested in being a part of the residential renaissance that is occurring in this North Old Town Alexandria neighborhood.

Condo sales, which are being handled by McWilliams Ballard, began in the summer of 2005 with the first delivery dates anticipated for later this year. The developer for Monarch Condominiums is Diamond Properties, based out of New York.

Prescott Condominiums
This property is situated two blocks north of King Street, making it accessible to two Metro stations King Street and Braddock Road. Prescott is a mid-rise condominium building that blends in well with the charm of Old Town Alexandria. With one and two bedroom condominiums, the developer – Carr Homes – has paid special attention to detail by adding hardwood floors, crown molding, granite countertops, maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The building also includes a rooftop terrace, controlled access, a lobby area and underground parking.

The unique thing about Prescott is it looks like three different structures. But its actually one building with 63 condominiums. said Tom Avery, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Director for Carr Homes. The building really fits into the Old Town architecture – and the location offers the conveniences of living in Old Town. Its just steps away from restaurants, shops and galleries.

Prescott has sold very well. With only 20 units left on the market, the final touches are underway for a completely finished development early in the New Year. Our first residents took occupancy in early November, notes Avery. Its an exciting time for the Prescott community.

Carr Homes, based in Falls Church, began as a local family business in 1925. Over the past several decades, they have become known for their excellence in building some of the areas most successful planned communities.