City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 18, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HASHIM TAYLOR, DIRECTOR, RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of Extending Leases to Artists through March 31, 2027 and Galleries and Founding Members through September 30, 2027, at the Torpedo Factory Art Center located at 105 N. Union Street.
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ISSUE: Consideration of Extending Leases to Artists through March 31, 2027 and Galleries and Founding Members through September 30, 2027 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center ("Art Center") located at 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council schedule a public hearing on July 1, 2026 regarding the form and content of the proposed lease extension for leases at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and at the conclusion of the public hearing authorize the City Manager to extend current leases in good standing for artists and arts organizations.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: The Torpedo Factory Art Center leases most of its space studios and galleries to approximately 110 artists and arts organizations. During the course of a year, leases are also amended as the artists within a studio change or studio space is sublet.
In 2022, the City undertook re-jurying for artist studios. Existing studios were divided into three groups with each group undergoing re-jurying and new artists being eligible to apply for studios. Selected artists were granted three-year leases for their studios. Founding members (artists who have maintained studios since 1974) and galleries were exempt from the re-jurying process and are offered year-to-year leases. In 2025, all studios and galleries were given a one-year extension on their leases.
Due to the issuance of the Request for Proposal (RFP) to lease, operate, and manage t...
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