You wouldn’t think more could be going up in Arlington, but that is not the case. We all know Amazon is a big part of that, but the county is also gaining more residential and commercial buildings through new build and teardowns. There is even a focus on pedestrian-focused projects.
By Lynn Norusis
Here is a look at what’s happening in Arlington, VA.
Starting with pedestrians, VDOT has recommended turning Route 1 into an at-grade urban boulevard. VDOT envisions wide buffered sidewalks on both sides, six to seven narrowed travel lanes, a 30-mph speed limit, wide crosswalks for pedestrians and bicycles, landscaping and medians with pedestrian refuges. While this change alone would not make the area safer for pedestrians, VDOT is suggesting two things that will be needed to make an at-grade Route 1 safer: 1) a travel demand management (TDM) strategy to bring down traffic levels; and 2) consider a separated pedestrian crossing over or under Route 1 at 18th Street S. ArlNow dives deeper into this issue.
The Village at Shirlington is looking towards a revamp to make sure it keeps its appeal. Last July the Arlington County Board approved a mixed-use rezoning package for 10 acres of the space that will include features such as interactive sculptures along wider corners of the streets, a “Great Room East” in front of Guapo’s that will display multi-colored concrete pavers along with a sculptural gateway with seating areas, fire tables, and additional seating. Other plans include “Great Room West”, which will have a lawn, seating and a pavilion. Future phases call for a variety of additional outdoor seating and “sip & stroll nooks” along Campbell Avenue.
Focus in Arlington is also turning towards Lee Highway with growth plans taking center stage that will be the guiding vision for development for the next 30 years. The county has broken down the stretch into five planning areas. More can be learned about the future project and process here. During spring 2021, the Plan Lee Highway team reviewed different land use scenarios for five neighborhood areas with the community through a series of neighborhood area meetings. An online feedback opportunity on the land use scenarios closed in June. The study team is now working on a preferred Concept Plan, to be reviewed with the community in fall 2021.
RECENTLY APPROVED PROJECTS
2001 S. Clark St. (2001 S. Bell St.) – Crystal Plaza 1
Approved in May, JBG Smith, proposes redevelopment of an existing office building into two residential towers with ground floor retail. Part of the plans also include a new extension of South Bell Street, connecting to South Clark Street; and a new alley south of the proposed East Tower and a new pedestrian plaza along the east side of the proposed East Tower. The 2.4-acre site is located at 2001 S. Clark St. in the Crystal City Civic Association neighborhood.
2050 Wilson Blvd. – Courthouse Landmark Block
Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC has proposed redevelopment of the Landmark Block, which comprises seven parcels in the Courthouse neighborhood, with a 20-story residential apartment building with ground-floor retail, rooftop amenities and open space, and a below-grade parking structure. The 0.95-acre site is located at 2044, 2046, 2050 Wilson Blvd, 1520 N. Courthouse Road, and 2041, 2045, 2049 15th St N. in the Clarendon-Courthouse neighborhood.
1820 Fort Myer Drive – Ames Center
The applicant, Ames Center LC (Snell Properties), proposed a site plan amendment to construct two new residential towers with ground floor retail space at the 1.8-acre site adjacent to the Rosslyn Metrorail station. Plans call for a new mixed-use development with 740 total residential units within a 30-story and a 31-story tower consisting of 10,146 sq. ft. of retail space; 8,291 sq. ft. of commercial office or retail space; up to 225 units for an interim hotel (for the first 5 years); 16,633 sq. ft. associated with the redeveloped church; 7,855 sq. ft. associated with redeveloped fueling station; plus 574 parking spaces.
101 12th St. S. – Crystal Gateway
Approved in November 2020, JBG Smith, proposes a site plan amendment to construct a new office building with ground floor retail space. The 2.13-acre site is located at 101 12th Street South in the Crystal City neighborhood.
1200 N. Courthouse Road – Park Arlington at Courthouse
Arlington Hotel Holdings, Inc, proposes to convert the existing building at 1200 N. Courthouse Road from hotel to residential use, changing 187 hotel units to 180 residential units.
UNDER REVIEW
The next phase of Amazon’s HQ2 is a proposed redevelopment of the PenPlace block in Pentagon City, an 11-acre site in Pentagon City within the Aurora Highlands neighborhood. A proposed site plan application was submitted on February 2, 2021. The proposal includes approximately 3.3 million square feet divided across four buildings: Three 22-story office buildings with ground floor retail and an amenity-focused building called “The Helix.” The proposal also includes a 2.5-acre public open space, detached retail pavilions, and underground car access. Specific details of the open space will be evaluated through a Park Master Plan process.
Potomac Yard Land Bay C – East
ZMA Development, LP, is proposing to develop the Land Bay C – East, a 2-acre parcel within the National Landing BID boundary, with two mixed-use buildings and a portion of North Park Plaza. Plans include two residential towers–with heights ranging from 10 to 15 stories–that would hold 491 residential units, and 8,246 sq. ft. of retail space.
For more information on development happening around Northern Virginia, check out our development updates page. We focus on a different area in Northern Virginia each month.
If you have any questions about Northern Virginia real estate, reach out as we are happy to help.
