Project Description:
Jula’s on the Potomac expands on local hotspot Café 44’s presence in Old Town North Alexandria, Virginia. Owner Jula Coggins tapped local firm //3877 to tackle the design and architecture for the space––translating Café 44’s existing footprint at 44 Canal Center Plaza while adding 7,500-square-feet to the space. Known for her eclectic style and interior decoration career, Jula welcomes guests with a unique, yet luxurious new experience at Jula’s on the Potomac.

A successful transformation from its origin as an employee break room turned community favorite, Café 44 was absorbed into the new space and rebranded as Jula’s on the Potomac. With the original restaurant far exceeding expectations and demand, the expansion encompasses a newly vacated floor. This addition enhances the restaurant’s breathtaking views, offering the only 180-degree view of the Potomac River in Old Town North Alexandria. This high-end restaurant offers three-meal service with multiple private dining capabilities as well as a raw bar and a charcuterie bar.

For the Jula’s on the Potomac F&B concept, Jula drew inspiration from her travels through Europe––utilizing those experiences to curate an upscale dining restaurant that offers the trifecta of quality food, service, and design. As guests exit the elevators, they are greeted with large, signature “Jula’s Blue” wood doors that provide a sense of luxury and intrigue prior to entry. The moment guests arrive in the restaurant, a concierge awaits to check them in and ensure they have a custom-tailored experience throughout their meal. As they wait to be seated, diners can take photos at the media wall, a green faux boxwood wall and feature lighting with a custom Jula’s logo for an enhanced branded experience. 

As patrons approach the large, curved bar, their gaze is immediately drawn to the water as a breathtaking view of the Capital on the horizon elevates the overall atmosphere of the space. The main bar features 29 seats, each with a clear view of the river, accented with decorative millwork and blue marble countertops. Guests can enjoy a cocktail at the main bar prior to exploring deeper into the space. The //3877 team purposefully crafted the main dining room to offer a variety of seating options, including private custom booths for intimate seating with a view of the water. Private parties can opt to enjoy the Veuve lounge, which pays tribute to the restaurant's beginnings as Café 44 and Jula’s love of Veuve Clicquot. A secluded sweetheart wine room is also available for couples and groups alike to enjoy an event or a specialty night out. 

//3877’s approach communicates an elevated, chic, and contemporary design language refined by pastel tones, namely the signature “Jula’s Blue,” and delineated materials. A palette of custom blue, white, taupe, neutrals contrast the heavy influence of wood throughout the interior, found on the bar, built-ins and more. Rounded soft edges and intricate details of craftsmanship provide a tailored visual while traditional forms establish the timeless nature of the interior. The ceiling design heavily reacts to wayfinding in the space, as curved trim pieces help to create a unique ceiling pattern. The mixed use of organic materials enhances a sense of modest opulence complemented by scaled back ornate details that provide a backdrop to the dining experience––balancing elevation and luxury throughout.

//3877 worked in conjunction with a variety of talented teams to bring the project to life, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering by Built Environment, food service provided by The Design Difference and lighting curated by Flux Studio. With a fresh renovation fit to establish Jula’s on the Potomac as a unique and luxurious dining experience in the region, the restaurant welcomed back regulars with familiarity while drawing in new patrons through enhanced offerings, design and service.