Gold finishes, marble-lined bathrooms, and a rooftop with 360-degree views: it sounds like the description of the latest chic boutique hotel in Old Town, but really, these features are what you’ll find inside the latest coworking space from ALX Community, The Atrium at 277 S. Washington St. The space inside the five-story, neo-traditional building —built in 1978 as the headquarters for Time Life Inc.—opens September 1.
Despite the behemoth size of The Atrium—its 85,000 square feet covers half a city block—ALX Community’s coworking space, located on the second floor, maintains the same close community feel as its two previous Old Town locations, Founders Hall on N. Lee St. and the Waterfront on N. Union. Look no further than the new private suite built especially for Visit Alexandria, which further deepens and celebrates our connection to the local community.
“Our hyper-local approach, including meaningful partners with 70-plus businesses and our mission to have a social impact, continues to be a strong focus, which provides members the opportunity to give back to the city we love,” says Kelly Grant, COO and Partner. “Community is not a buzz word—it matters deeply.”
Besides being home to private offices and suites, chic meeting rooms, collaboration spaces in plush lounge areas, quiet breakout areas, and signature Flex Desks, The Atrium is also a unique multi-use space. That rooftop with its panoramic views is a state-of-the-art work and event space that can hold up to 250 guests, making it an ideal venue for both meetings in the penthouse conference center or weddings and private parties.
The first floor—the actual atrium—can host meetings and events with 200-plus people. Connected to the atrium, in the former Society Fair space, you’ll find Mae’s Market & Cafe, the latest from Stomping Ground owner Nicole Jones, named after her Lithuanian great-grandmother who taught her to cook. The sandwich menu features housemade Southern-style biscuits, croissants, baguettes, and country white bread, and includes bakery items straight from Mae’s recipe box, including a cookie made with Lay’s potato chips. You’ll also find coffee and espresso, iced tea, lemonade, and a grocery section stocked with pantry staples, making Mae’s a perfect one-stop-shop for a morning coffee run (view the full menu here).
In addition to Mae’s, Jones will also open Virginia’s Darling, a full-service wine bar adjacent to the cafe, an ideal spot for client meetings and work happy hours.
If you’re finding that you need a little stress relief during the work day, the first floor includes two fitness studio options, barre3 and Get Fit. To cap things off, there’s also—get this—a golf simulator.
With its high-end features, community focus, and unique approach to how we work, eat, and play, The Atrium, says Grant, is “changing the way people and companies are working.”
The Atrium is located at 277 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Current members can use a day pass & meeting room credits to access.
If co-working at ALX Community sounds like a good fit for you, you can schedule a 30-45 minute tour here.
