Apartments, retail and businesses would fill the tower on Front Street from Seattle-based architecture firm GGLO.

Buildings become abandoned for many reasons, both before and after they're built. Tall skyscrapers can be especially pricey and remain unfinished.

The area's mixed-use appeal "has grown tremendously" in recent years, the applicant said. Red Fox Development Co. is pressing forward with a major multifamily development in Alexandria’s Hoffman ...