Proposed Renovations on Historic Torpedo Factory

By Jack Grzebien

Photo Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

The Torpedo Factory Art Center, located in historic Old Town, Alexandria, VA, is a former naval munitions factory built after World War I. The factory went into its main use during World War II producing Mark III and Mark XIV (torpedoes) for submarines. The building underwent many changes to its use such as a munitions supply, federal records center, and then in 1973, The Art League obtained the lease to the building, according to the art center website. The rest is history, since the building reopened for artist space in 1983 it has been an Alexandria staple. In recent years many artists have worked in the building and this is where their business lies. The Torpedo Factory is not only a space for business, but is a tourist attraction throughout the northern Virginia area and beyond. Recently, Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Dept., and Julian Gonsalves, Assistant City Manager for Public-Private Partnerships, released a plan that would change not only the use of The Torpedo Factory, but would also impact the small businesses that work inside. This plan advocates for a 36% decrease in studio space on the first floor. As an Alexandria native and supporter of small businesses, I cannot support a plan that hurts local businesses and tries to turn a historic site into a restaurant. The plans would modernize a site that needs no modernization and change the overall feel of the atmosphere. After the release of these plans, many in agreement with my sentiments signed a petition started by an artist who works in The Torpedo Factory, M. Alexander Gray. This petition to date has over 7500 signatures with people sharing the same belief that modernization, in this case, is not beneficial and actually quite negative. One signee, Mary Cook, said “I’m signing because the people want to see artists working NOT another place to get a cup of coffee or food. The arts helped to build Alexandria and make it the tourist hub it is today.” This sentiment is shared among many others who have also expressed their concerns about the plans. While I do agree with the idea that sometimes updates need to be made to improve the quality of a space or increase the value, the changes proposed are ones that cannot be argued for as they would affect many in the community and change the course of the Old Town feeling forever.