Mark Center Alexandria
Mark Center Alexandria Relocation Information
Alexandria Street - Image from Visit Alexandria
The Mark Center's Location & Information
The Mark Center is located in Alexandria, Virginia, and houses the Washington Headquarters Service and several other DoD agencies. The Mark Center is an administrative annex for the Department of Defense. The facility is part of Fort Belvoir but sits on Mark Center property in Alexandria, VA. They relocated per BRAC's decision 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 three miles south of the Pentagon at 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 BAH for Mark Center Alexandria ranges from $2,811 for E-1 to $3,882 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,943 for O-1 to $4,293 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
There are multiple lodging facilities near Mark Center Alexandria to accommodate incoming service members and their families.
Fort Belvoir:
Staybridge Suites Building 1208
9215 Woodbury Road, Building 1208
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
(703) 844-0303
Holiday Inn Express Knadle Hall
9775 Gaillard Rd, Building 70
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
(703) 704-8300
Joint Base Andrews:
Air Force Inns-Presidential Inn
1380 California Avenue
Andrews AFB, MD 20762
(301) 981-4614
Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall:
IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall -Historia
318 Jackson Ave. Building 50
Fort Myer, VA 22211
(703) 696-3576
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling:
Navy Lodge Washington DC
12 Beyers Road SW, Building 4412
Washington, D.C. 20032
(202) 563-6950
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 Mark Center Alexandria 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 town homes, and single family homes aren't available.
Consulting a qualified real estate agent knowledgeable about your desired area is highly recommended. 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.
Washington, D.C. real estate 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 offers a unique setting, vibe, and pro/con list. It’s up to each house-hunter and their real estate agent to research the vicinity to find 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 Mark Center BAH rates for zip code 22311 (DC053):
- E-1 with dependents: $2,811
- E-1 without dependents: $2,169
- E-9 with dependents: $3,882
- E-9 without dependents: $3,120
- O-1 with dependents: $2,943
- O-1 without dependents: $2,736
- O-7 with dependents: $4,293
- O-7 without dependents: $3,864
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Support for Military and Families
Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash
There is abundant of support for military families in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria. The area is home to numerous organizations that provide support systems of various types. From employment to education and recreation, groups are eager to share opportunities with military families. Some recognizable names include the Military Officers Association of America, the 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 numerous worthy causes for both military and non-military organizations.
Some helpful links:
Things to Do Near Mark Center Alexandria
View of Capitol Hill--Image from Canva
The challenge while stationed in the D.C. area is to do ALL the things to do! 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 military families know it, they're scrambling to fit in last-minute adventures before their next PCS.
Popular destinations:
- Visiting Mount Vernon
- The Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring
- National Christmas Tree Lighting
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey
- Great Falls National Park
- Shenandoah Valley
The challenge is also to become flexible enough to take advantage of unexpected opportunities that will inevitably pop up. Impromptu invites to one-of-a-kind events are common, either through the service member’s job or thanks to any number of family-friendly military organizations in the NCR.
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.
A Pentagon Tour is one of the first tours families often take upon arriving in the D.C. area—be sure to schedule a tour well in advance. Find more information at Pentagon Tours FAQ.
More Alexandria events to explore:
Holiday Boat Parade. One of the top holiday celebrations is the Holiday Boat Parade along the Potomac. The evening is dazzling and fun for the whole family. Second in popularity is the city’s Scottish Christmas Parade with it's Scottie dogs and kilts galore.
Cherry Blossom Festival. While technically in D.C., many Alexandria events revolve around the iconic event. Restaurants offer one-time seasonal drinks and dishes with a cherry theme.
Pro tip* A river cruise on the Potomac offers a different vantage point of the blossoms.
Alexandria’s Birthday. Alexandria’s birthday is July 13, and 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.
George Washington Memorial Parkway. There’s nowhere better to take in fall colors than a drive along the GW Parkway into Mount Vernon. Any fall day is glorious to visit, but on-site activities pack the September and October calendars. The Colonial Market and Fair, 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