Today marks the one year anniversary of the devastating fires in downtown Broadway in Alexandria. An apartment fire above Raaper’s Eatery and Ale spread to neighboring businesses, consuming half the city block and displacing several residents leaving them homeless in freezing temps.  The devastation of that day was met with courage, faith, and support community wide. An incredibly compassionate and quick response to aid the victims was met by the Red Cross, local law enforcement, medical personnel, churches and community members. The site where those four businesses stood has been leveled to the ground and remains empty waiting for future plans.