Mark Center Alexandria
Mark Center Alexandria Relocation Information
Alexandria Street - Image from Visit Alexandria
The Mark Center's Location & Information
The Mark Center, located in Alexandria, Virginia, houses the Washington Headquarters Service and a number of other DoD agencies. The Mark Center is an administrative annex for the Department of Defense. The facility is part of Fort Belvoir, but is located on Mark Center property in Alexandria, VA. The move was made per BRAC decision in an effort to move DoD personnel out of leased space to more secure sites that meet the department's high anti-terrorism standards. The 3.2 million square-foot campus provides office space and conference facilities for more than 6,400 employees.
The Mark Center sits approximately 3 miles south of the Pentagon at the intersection of Seminary Road and Beauregard Street at the I-395 interchange in Alexandria, Virginia.
Military Installations in the D.C. Area
Nearby military installations:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mark Center
1) How close to Washington, DC, is the Mark Center?
Mark Center Alexandria is about 10 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.
2) How big is the Mark Center?
The Mark Center is a 3.2 million square-foot campus and provides office and conference facilities for more than 6,400 employees.
3) Is there parking at the Mark Center?
There is visitor parking as well as several public parking garages nearby.
4) What is the zip code for Mark Center Alexandria, Virginia?
The zip code for Mark Center Alexandria is 22311. Other nearby zip codes include 22152, 22304,and 22309.
5) What is the BAH for Mark Center Alexandria?
The 2023 BAH for Mark Center Alexandria ranges from $2655 for E-1 to $ 3408 for E-9 with dependents, and from $ 2706 for O-1 to $3963 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
The Smithsonian Castle - Image from Visit D.C.
Moving to the Mark Center in Alexandria? Download our free guides to the area!
Arrival Lodging
Fort Belvoir
9775 Gaillard Rd
Building 470
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
703-704-8600
1-877-711-TEAM
IHG Army Hotels Fort Belvoir
Joint Base Andrews
Lodging Office/Presidential Inn
1380 California Avenue
Andrews AFB, MD 20762
301-981-4614
Air Force Inns
Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall
Wainwright Hall
318 Jackson Ave.
Building 50
Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199
703-696-3576
703-696-3577
IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall - Historia
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
12 Bowline Green, S.W.
Building 4412
GPS address: 12 Beyers Road
Washington, D.C. 20032-5000
202-563-6950
Navy Lodge
Mark Center Housing
Military housing is not available at the Mark Center facility; however, many options are available on the local economy in Alexandria and other nearby cities. See below for more info.
Mark Center Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near the Mark Center – Mark Center Homes
Photo by Ryan Ledbetter on Unsplash
Military families searching for homes near the Mark Center should be aware that although stand alone single family homes are the most popular, townhouse, condo, and apartment living are all comparative options. For example, some neighborhoods only cater to those interested in townhomes and single family homes aren't available.
For military families arriving in the DMV, it’s highly recommended to consult a qualified real estate agent knowledgeable about rental properties and home sales in your desired area. It’s common for agents to be licensed in DC/MD/VA, but some choose only to work in one or two states or the District.
Real estate in the DMV can be a challenge for first-timers. Both property and money move quickly and often in cash transactions. Unless PCS’ing from other expensive locations such as San Diego or Hawaii, you’ll want to prepare savings accounts to adjust to rental and home buying costs.
There isn’t a shortage of neighborhoods to choose from! Each has a unique setting, feel, vibe, and pro/con list. It’s up to you and your real estate agent to research the vicinity to choose the perfect match.
Base Search:
City Search:
Mark Center Alexandria BAH Info
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Mark Center Alexandria is near Alexandria, Springfield, and Arlington, Virginia, with many options to buy or rent. Some sample 2023 Mark Center BAH rates for zip code 22311 (DC053):
- E-1 with dependents: $3963
- E-1 without dependents: $3354
- E-9 with dependents: $3408
- E-9 without dependents: $2652
- O-1 with dependents: $2706
- O-1 without dependents: $2652
- O-7 with dependents: $3963
- O-7 without dependents: $3354
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Support for Military and Families
Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash
There is an abundance of support for military families in the Washington, D.C., and Alexandria VA area. The area is home to numerous organizations that provide support systems of various types. From employment to education and recreation, there is a group eager to share opportunities with military families. Some recognizable names include: Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, Hiring Our Heroes, and Blue Star Families.
There isn’t a better region among military destinations for military spouses to take advantage of the amazing number of resources designed specifically for them. The area provides outlets to further education, examine career resources, or volunteer for the multitude of worthy causes for both military and non-military related organizations.
Some helpful links:
Things to Do Near Mark Center Alexandria
View of Capitol Hill. Image from Canva.
Take the advice of military families before you and start by making a list of your must-see and do activities. Time slips away quickly, and before you know it, you’ll be scrambling to fit in last-minute adventures before your next PCS.
You’ll want to make plans for:
- The Cherry Blossom Festival
- National Christmas Tree Lighting
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey
- Great Falls National Park
- Shenandoah Valley
Take advantage of unexpected opportunities that will inevitably be thrown your way. Impromptu invites to one-of-a-kind events are common, either through the servicemember’s job or thanks to any number of family-friendly military organizations in the National Capital Region.
After families check off the major attractions like the Smithsonian system and monuments, it’s common to stick close to home and tour the local area, especially in Alexandria, because of its historical influence.
One of the first tours families often take is one of the Pentagon. You should schedule a tour well in advance of the date you wish to go. You can find more information at Pentagon Tours FAQ. Consider using the Metro instead of trying to find a parking space.
More Alexandria events to explore:
Holiday Boat Parade: One of USA Today’s 2017 Top 10 Holiday Parades in the U.S. is the Holiday Boat Parade along the Potomac. Santa water skis! The city’s Scottish Christmas Parade is nearly as popular and has Scottie dogs and kilts galore.
Cherry Blossom Festival: While technically in D.C., many Alexandria events revolve around the iconic event. You’ll find plenty of restaurants offering once a year drinks and dishes with a cherry theme. Take a river cruise on the Potomac for a different vantage point of the blossoms.
Alexandria’s birthday is July 13, so the city extends July 4th activities another week. Waterfront activities include the Alexandria Symphony orchestra (with cannons!), general merriment, food (free birthday cake!), drinks, and a Grand Finale fireworks display.
There’s nowhere better to take in fall colors than a drive along the GW Parkway right into Mount Vernon. Any fall day is glorious to visit, but the September and October calendars are packed with on-site activities. The Colonial Market and Fair and the Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour are well loved annual events.
Torpedo Factory Art Center: Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
4825 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria
,
22311