Local Developer Releases Plans to Preserve and Transform. Announces Name.

May 23, 2019 (Alexandria, VA.) – Award-winning Alexandria based developer and custom boutique builder, Murray Bonitt of Bonitt Builders, today released plans to transform and preserve one of Alexandria’s last remaining waterfront warehouses, at 10 Duke Street located on the Old Town waterfront. The warehouse is a direct link to the commerce and industry that fueled Alexandria’s economy since its founding, and Bonitt is excited to help bring the site back to life.

The warehouse served as a coopers shop, which made wooden barrels for the Alexandria Flour Company, at the adjacent Pioneer Mills. Around 1864 the building was used as a mess house and commissary by the Union Army. Bonitt points out that the building was once used as a place of comfort and food for weary troops, which will bring the building full circle when completed.

Murray Bonitt, a custom builder who specializes in historic preservation through adaptive re-use, is purchasing the property from 2 Duke Street LLC, an EYA LLC development entity. Bonitt and his firm is behind several notable preservation projects in Old Town such as restaurants Virtue Feed & Grain and The Majestic Café and is skilled in successfully re-purposing historic buildings as gathering places.

The 10 Duke Street warehouse site will be rebranded as “The Mill,” a southern grocery and kitchen. The name is a nod to the flour mill it served with its barrel making for Pioneer Mill. The two-story 6400 square foot warehouse building will be renovated to operate a market and casual dining restaurant. The market will offer coffee, pastries, prepared foods, beer and wine for community residents. Bonitt plans to survey the residents of the SE quadrant of Old Town to see what they would like the market to carry, and he plans a vigorous carry out program for the restaurant which will be handled through the market for busy neighbors to pick up. The balance of the first floor will have a casual tavern feel to it with repurposed materials creating a warm rustic urban feel. Upstairs will feature an indoor fire-pit with sofa lounge, an open kitchen with seating, communal tables, a bar that opens to the balcony and outdoor seating. The upstairs will be designed for private events perfect for intimate receptions and parties.

The drawings for the project, which are being done in a collaboration between Virtue architect Maynard Ball, and local architectural firm Sanchez/Palmer, have been submitted to the City for a hearing scheduled to take place in July.

While the restaurant concept is still being developed, Bonitt envisions something similar to some of the culinary trends which have evolved in Charleston, SC. The culinary vibe will be “edgy southern” comfort food, which incorporates what Bonitt calls the Triple-A approach to hospitality: Affordable, Approachable and Amazing. “I want to make this the place in Old Town where residents can spill into two or three nights a week, see their neighbors, and enjoy great food in a great space,” says Bonitt. As such he has consulted with longtime friend, Rick Jerue, chief of staff to the mayor of Charleston and founder and former executive director of the annual Charleston Food and Wine Festival, which helped put Charlestown on the food map as one of the best cities in the country for dining. “I am lucky to have Rick as a resource, and there are a number of great chef/operators he has sent my way who are very interested in coming to Alexandria”.

Bonitt has received awards from the American Institute of Architects and the Historic Alexandria Foundation for projects involving the preservation and adaptive reuse of older industrial and commercial structures.

The project is scheduled to deliver in October 2020.

About Bonitt Builders

Bonitt Builders is an award-winning custom home builder and remodeler based in Northern Virginia. We are committed to delivering the highest quality to our clients.

Over the past 35 years we have assembled the most talented team of craftsman and subcontractors in the area to work on our projects, and that work has been recognized for its excellence by the American Institute of Architects, as well by national publications such as Custom Home Magazine, Town and Country Magazine, Home Magazine, The Washingtonian, and Residential Architect Magazine. Our portfolio of projects ranges from contemporary to traditional and speaks to the multiple talents of our team, staff, and all the wonderful people who work with us.

Award winning custom builder and remodeler, Bonitt Builders, announces the launch of THE WORKSHOP, led by the acclaimed craftsman, Carlos Gomez.

Located in Old Town, The Workshop will offer the talents of Carlos and his crew to local designers, architects, and homeowners.

Cabinets, built-ins, custom trim, and casework . . . bring us your vision and we’ll build it . . . better!

We’ve been building it better for over 30 years. Here are some examples of our award-winning work.

Contemporary

Traditional

Historic Alexandria Foundation

The Historic Alexandria Foundation Award for Adaptive Preservation

The Washingtonian, June 2014

“Modern Masterpiece: Designed by local architect Mark McInturff, this sleek, contemporary pool setting provides a sharp contrast with the historic country home it sits behind.”

Home & Design, Fall 2011

American Institute of Architects / Washingtonian Award, 2011

Alexandria Gazette Packet, March 2010

“I can’t give enough credit to my crew for creating the kinds of structures that reflect so well on me. They are incredible craftsmen.”

Alexandria Times, November 2009

“For a builder it doesn’t get any better than this. We are extremely proud of the painstaking workmanship our crew and subcontractors executed in delivering this beautiful project, designed by our friends at McInturff Architects.”

American Institute of Architects / Potomac Valley Chapter

Grand Honor Award, 2009: “The jury was unanimous in its praise of this year’s Grand Honor Award winner. The clarity of concept, the rich palette of materials, the exquisite detailing and the masterful design were all roundly applauded.”

American Builders Quarterly

Feature Article on Bonitt Builders, Fall 2009: “Bonitt Builders are masters of combining the old with the new.”

American Institute of Architects / Potomac Valley Chapter

Merit Award for Architectural Excellence, 1999: Jury Comments: “Wonderful kitchen to live in, as well as the rest of the house . . . great and airy spaces created from what appeared to be a very ordinary structure . . . got a sense that the owner had a great deal of influence in creating something very powerful.”

American Institute of Architects / Washington Chapter

Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Resources, 2001

American Institute of Architects / Washington Chapter

Award of Excellence for Extraordinary Achievement in Historic Resources, 2003

Home Magazine

“A modernist makeover breaths new life into a historic town house, and the new design floods the interior space with light.”

Custom Home

“This Modernist addition to a 1930s villa greatly improves the function of the original building, while playing due respect to its dignified Moderne design.”

The Washingtonian

“Southern Hospitality: A country home brings together old and new to make room for guests.”

The Washingtonian

Washingtonian Residential Design Awards / American Institute of Architects, 2002: “A New Inside for an Old House: The addition’s ‘sleek, styled detailing creates a contemporary look,’ embracing the landscape while complementing the historic nature of the neighborhood.”

Electronic House

“A Virginia couple transforms an old steam mill into an award-winning contemporary abode…”

The Washingtonian Residential Awards, 2004

Distinctive Residential Architecture

Town and Country

“In refurbishing the restaurant, its new owners paid particular attention to the original 1940s design. The cherry tables, ocher walls and even the waiters’ chartreuse shirt match the accents in the terrazzo floor.”

Residential Architect Design Awards, 2003

Our office has completed a number of very demanding projects with Bonitt Builders, from urban renovations of historic houses; to new build and renovation projects in rural Virginia; to The Majestic Cafe in Old Town, Alexandria. In every case, Bonitt Builders has been a great team member in producing extraordinary work for our clients. From project coordination to on-site craftsmanship, we can always count on getting the best possible product. As a result of this teamwork, our work with Bonitt Builders has received numerous awards and been published locally and nationally, and perhaps more importantly, has resulted in productive, ongoing, and satisfying relationships with our clients.

Mark McInturff, FAIA

Over the past ten years, we have worked with Bonitt Builders on three major construction projects.  We highly recommend their work.  They are masters at what they do, delivering a very high standard of craftsmanship, always with a great can-do attitude.

Lisa Collis and Mark Warner

We have used Bonitt Builders for both residential and commercial building projects and their work has exceeded our expectations every time. Their commitment to quality and passion for perfection are evident in the finished product. We will continue to use Bonitt Builders for future building or remodeling projects.

Nigel and Lori Morris

Margaret and I have worked with Bonitt Builders for close to 20 years on both renovations and new construction at our home. I guess the ultimate compliment to Murray and his team is that we keep coming back. The firm is grounded in a philosophy of integrity and pride in the ultimate product. Most comforting to us is that Murray has treated each of our projects as though he was working on his own home. The biggest fear one has to consider in hiring a contractor is: Can they be trusted? With Bonitt Builders that is simply not an issue.

Marvin Bush

Six years ago our home of twenty years was consumed by fire. Lost was a lifetime of memories. It was a devastating time for our family. Our insurance agent warned us to find a contractor experienced in fire restoration. After surveying the field, we hired Bonitt Builders and it was the best decision we could have made. Working hand in hand with our insurance company, Bonitt Builders gave us something we could never have imagined. The workmanship and dedication of the Bonitt staff was exceptional. They provided us the perfect home to recapture our lost memories. Thank you Bonitt Builders.

Drew and Cherie Carroll

Robert Bentley Adams & Associates, an award wining Alexandria architectural firm, has worked with Murray Bonitt and his team of specialists for over 10 years. Together the client, architect and contractor have brought to reality complex projects that involved extensive renovation, restoration, and integration of modern technology into noteworthy and successful structures. Adams Architects is noted for creating historic replicas and blending historic styles to existing structures in a seamless manner, and also integrating contemporary design into historic buildings. Murray Bonitt’s contributions to the success of these projects began at the conceptual design phase and ended with products of the highest craftsmanship. Best of all, our clients have been pleased with the process and the results.

Bud Adams, Robert Bentley Adams & Associates

Something Old . . . Something New . . . Something Better.

Recently our firm was featured in The Washingtonian Magazine for this ultra-modern pool house we built (bottom right).

And a short time later we were acknowledged by the Historic Alexandria Foundation for the renovation and preservation of this old warehouse in Old Town (picture), which is now home to Virtue Feed and Grain.

We are so proud of our talented team for receiving such wide recognition for their work and for their commitment to Building It Better!

Bonitt Builders . . . Building It Better for over 30 years.

Bonitt Builders is an award-winning custom home builder and remodeler based in Northern Virginia. We are committed to delivering the highest quality to our clients.

Over the past 35 years we have assembled the most talented team of craftsman and subcontractors in the area to work on our projects, and that work has been recognized for its excellence by the American Institute of Architects, as well by national publications such as Custom Home Magazine, Town and Country Magazine, Home Magazine, The Washingtonian, and Residential Architect Magazine.

Our commitment to quality requires us to limit the number of projects we take on. If you are considering a project that demands only the best, consider us. Our portfolio of projects range from contemporary to traditional and speak to the multiple talents of our team, staff, and all the wonderful people who work with us. Our experience can give you the peace of mind that your project will be well managed, supervised, and finely crafted. Ultimately, our biggest reward is the satisfaction that our clients and their families have in enjoying their extraordinary new spaces.

About the Owner, Murray Bonitt

We could be spending a lot of time together, so it’s important that you know something about the guy whose name is on the door.

Sawdust and sweat . . . I remember the first time I was exposed to them and became instantly addicted. I was home in Joplin, Missouri, for spring break from the University of Missouri and I got a job assisting a carpenter working on a McDonald’s restaurant. We built a new cedar fence around the restaurant patio area. The carpenter was a wizard with his tools, and I can still remember the sense of satisfaction that I had when I stood back and admired our work. That summer, I knew I’d find a way to build a career that would give me that same sense of satisfaction every day.

Thirty-five years after I started Bonitt Builders, I look back and trace our success to that first experience. At times it’s hard for me to believe how far we’ve come. From my early days of working on people’s basements to building and remodeling some of the finest homes in Northern Virginia, our commitment to quality has garnered the award-winning success that enables us to proudly proclaim that “we build it better.” When we received the coveted Grand Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects for excellence in residential construction, which is the highest award given for this type construction, we formally decided to adopt the tag line “We Build It Better” as part of our logo as recognition of the efforts of our team, and as a daily reminder of the commitment we bring to our projects.

About the Team

A commitment to quality is valuable only if your team can deliver on such a promise. Bonitt Builders has identified and retained the finest talent in the business and our team is our single greatest asset.

My philosophy on putting together a team is simple: find the best and hire them; seek out the best subcontractors and hire them. Check out what a respected interior designer had to say about us:

“There is a dedication on the part of every member of the Bonitt Builders team and their subcontractors. Having worked with them on residential projects for over ten years, I can attest to the breadth and depth of their knowledge and experience. Their pride in their work comes straight from Murray, whose insistence on perfection can drive everyone crazy, but when it’s all done, we are all so proud of the work we achieved because he pushed us so hard. Their relationship with me, as the client’s interior designer, has always been collegial and positive, and that attitude results in the very best outcome for the client.” (Frede Ottinger, Interior Designer)

Bonitt Builders completed a major project in renovating 106 S. Union Street on Old Town’s waterfront for Virtue Feed & Grain. The building is an historic structure that was once a feed house in the late 1800s.

In reusing recycled materials from abandoned structures, the partnership has benefited both the architectural and ecological environment. The plan (to the delight of Alexandrians and the historical society) is to bring the old warehouse about full circle; to re-establish the building and feed the people.

Soaring open windows, exposed brick and giant iron girders frame the soon to be urban scene. Seating up to 350 revelers, this bi-level, airy warehouse has established itself as an Old Town hot spot.

It went from this:

To this:

Photos by Ken Wyner / Ken Wyner Photography and David Coleman / David Coleman Photography.