To many in Old Town Alexandria, the sex shop that opened recently on King Street is nothing short of scandalous, a historical desecration just blocks from the boyhood home of Robert E. Lee.
But to Michael Zarlenga, it's justice.
Zarlenga spent $350,000 on plans to expand his hunting and fishing store, the Trophy Room. He worked with city officials for almost two years and thought he had their support -- until the architectural review board told him he couldn't alter the historic property.
Furious and out of money, Zarlenga rented the space to its newest occupant, Le Tache.
"I can't say I didn't know it would ruffle feathers," said Zarlenga, 41. "Actually, I was hoping for a fast-food chain because I thought that would be more annoying to the city."
King Street's upscale restaurants and shops are the quintessence of commercial Old Town, near Gadsby's Tavern, where George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams overnighted. A short stroll away is the boyhood home of Lee, the Confederate general.
"I believe it's an inappropriate business to be located in our old and historic district," Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille (D) said of Le Tache. "I get e-mails and calls every day from people who want us to do something to make the business leave."
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"As far as I'm concerned, that corner will always be an eyesore," Zarlenga said. "That's a little slice of revenge."
