Hot Issues Archive
Gadsby’s Tavern Ice Well
Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808. Mr. Gadsby's establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided by tavernkeepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. The ice well was probably constructed for tavern use in 1792.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
On February 18, 2009, before the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review, the City of Alexandria requested approval for improvements to the sidewalk and viewing areas of the historic ice well at the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum located at 134 North Royal Street. The Board of Architectural Review passes on the appropriateness of changes to exterior architectural features of the buildings and signs subject to public view within the Old and Historic District. It also controls demolition of all structures in the District. These same powers are applicable to certain designated 100-year old buildings outside the District.
Current view of Ice Well
The proposed new design consisted of replacing the existing metal guard rails with separate, externally lit, glass exhibit panels fabricated in a clear safety glass. The glass display panels will be transparent, with text and photo displays being etched into the glass. The glass panels would be supported through the use of a metal channel support system. There would not be any visible metal frames or “ribs” surrounding or within the glass panel, providing a clear view through the glass of the existing Gadsby’s Tavern wall surface.
Proposed design for Ice Well
Foundation Takes Action
At the February l8, 2009 Board of Architectural Review meeting, the BAR adopted the position of the Foundation. The Foundation's position which was unanimously voted for by the Board of Trustees, is that the City had failed to seek community-wide public opinion about the ice well project. The City, upon closer analysis of the process for the project, agreed and decided to request a deferral until the first of April to provide more time to seek ample and community-wide public opinion about the ice-well design. The BAR agreed to the deferral.
Aerial view of proposed design for Ice Well