City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 7, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JEREMY MCPIKE, DIRECTOR, GENERAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Lease Agreement between the City of Alexandria and Casa Chirilagua for Use of the City-owned Community Building at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue.
BODY
ISSUE: Consideration of a new five-year lease agreement between the City of Alexandria and Casa Chirilagua for use of the City-owned Community Building at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue at Four Mile Run Park.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Receive and approve this report recommending a lease agreement for a term of five (5) years between Casa Chirilagua and the City of Alexandria; and
2. Schedule for public hearing on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and after the public hearing is concluded authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement (attachment).
BACKGROUND: In September 2016, following the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) in April 2015 for the lease and operation of City-owned Conservatory Center at Four Mile Run located at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Casa Chirilagua was selected through the RFP process and entered into a five (5) year lease agreement with an option to renew for an additional five (5) years for use of the Conservatory Center. The lease with Casa Chirilagua included the non-profit’s investment and replacement of the building’s HVAC system, funding building utilities and custodial maintenance, and rental of the facility for community and civic purposes.
Through their lease of The Conservatory Center at Four Mile Run, Casa Chirilagua has provided high-quality programming to youth and families in the Arlandria neighborhood and has hosted a variety of activities that have benefitted the community. Use of the community building allows Casa Chirilagua to strengthen and form current and new partnerships which have increased access to vital resources for the residents of Arlandria. A condition of the lease agreement also provides space for the Four Mile Run Farmers’ and Artisans Market year around.
In June 2021, City Council approved the execution of an amendment to the lease to execute the five (5) year lease renewal option which will expire August 31, 2026.
DISCUSSION: With the pending expiration of the current lease on August 31, 2026, Casa Chirilagua notified the City of its desire to enter into a new agreement with the City to lease the facility at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue and continue their service to the community. The terms of the new lease will be five (5) years with one five (5) year renewal option at the City’s discretion. The annual fee will be $4,800, which reflects an increase of $1,200 compared to the first year of the original lease. The annual fee will be adjusted annually based on the CPI-U not to exceed 3%. The agreement also includes the addition of clarifying language around responsibilities for building maintenance and repairs.
FISCAL IMPACT: The annual fee beginning September 1, 2026, will be $4,800 per year, and will be adjusted annually based on CPI-U not to exceed 3%.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Lease Agreement Between the City and Casa Chirilagua
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager
Hashim Taylor, Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Alfred Coleman, Deputy Director, Administration, General Services
Laura Durham, Deputy Director, Recreation Services, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Bryan MacAvoy, Assistant City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office