Join DC Fray and Founders Row for our community event series!
The event series features live music, guided fitness, social mixers, game nights, community giving and holiday events.
Happening now through December in Falls Church.
Discover Founders Row events.
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This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!
Question: Do you have any information on when the Toll Brothers community in Dominion Hills will be for sale?
TL;DR (0:43)
Answer: Construction is underway on Toll Brothers upcoming 9.5 acre community, The Grove at Dominion Hills, a massive (by Arlington/inside-the-beltway standards) development of 40 brand new detached homes that will start around $2M, formerly the site of the historically significant Febrey-Lothrop property.
As of Monday, March 13 they were fully framed and under-roof on their model and one of their “quick-move-in” homes, with a third in foundation, and a fourth getting ready for foundation; all along the existing N. Madison Street.
What I Know/Expect
Toll Brothers is as tight-lipped as it comes about new developments until their official public releases, but here’s what I know/expect:
Details and Sales Opening Expected 2023
Toll Brothers is careful to not release pricing, floor plans, or most details about a project until their chosen public release date which is currently projected to occur in late summer 2023. Details will get released for the first time on their website with a community webpage. Sales are currently projected to start at the end of 2023, but that timing could easily move up or back depending on market conditions and work progress.
Toll Brothers determines their sales process based on market conditions and you can expect a multi-phased release, with prices increasing with each release (standard practice for new communities). Toll Brothers often uses a combination of option incentives and preferred lender incentives to drive demand, that smaller builders do not offer.
In my experience, they usually implement an appointment system on a first-come, first serve/meet basis. Those who register online for an appointment first, can schedule the first appointments with a sales rep and have the chance to lock in lots early so interested buyers should go into those meetings prepared to put down a deposit
Recently, and controversially, Toll Brothers implemented a blind auction system for lots at Arden, their luxury community in Great Falls. They set a starting price for a lot and had buyers submit forms stating how much they were willing to pay for the lot and what they wanted to build on it then chose the winner (presumably based on the highest lot bid).
If you’re an interested buyer, take advantage of the time between the public information release and the sales opening to learn as much about the community as possible, figure out what lots you prefer (note that the best lots usually come with a steep lot premium), compare your options with Toll Brothers to other new build opportunities, and be ready to make a decision with a lot-hold deposit at your first appointment.
An ‘oasis of its own’ offers high-end, upscale living in South Arlington.
Drop a pin in a map to locate the upscale Centro Arlington Apartments building and you find it surrounded by prime landmarks — the Pentagon, Ballston, National Landing, Bailey’s Crossroads, and Shirlington, to name a few. Centro, meaning “center,” couldn’t be a more appropriate name for this elegant building straddling George Mason Drive and Columbia Pike.
Inside, the building boasts 366 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments in a mind-boggling variety of floorplans, kitted out with high-end flourishes and finishes, including elevated ceilings, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplashes, hardwood flooring, and patios and balconies (in some models).
On top of the seven-story building, in addition to offering tremendous views, is the epitome of “pet friendly” — a rooftop dog park. The building is constructed around a public plaza, opening to a luxurious common area, and the building includes a clubroom, a fitness center, a pet washing area, and a rooftop lounge. There is garage parking.
The ground floor boasts its own Harris Teeter with a Starbucks. Other neighborhood attractions that are easy walking distances include the Barcroft Shopping Center and a plethora of eateries ranging from Bolivian to Japanese to Irish. Commuters will find easy access to major arteries, including I-395 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
“Undoubtedly the best property in the area,” said verified resident Patrick V. “Superb resident service with the entire staff! Exceptional amenities! The units are gorgeous with high end finishes. I LOVE the gym and yoga studio. Conveniently, we have a Harris Teeter and Starbucks directly connected to the building! Olympic size swimming pool indoor/outdoor resident areas multiple gas grills, the works! Its own oasis.”
Centro Arlington is located at 950 S. George Mason Drive at Columbia Pike. Arrange a virtual or in-person tour via the website or call 855-459-2038. More contact information is here.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq.
Employee use of computers and workplace internet has become relatively common.
As a result, there are many times when employees get disciplined or terminated for such usage. We generally advise employees to avoid using workplace computers and/or internet connections, even where permitted, wherever possible.
Common Issues for Employees
The most frequent problems that arise for employees in this area involve:
(1) Watching entertainment programs (Neltfix, Hulu, Disney+ etc.)
(2) Excessive social media usage (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
(3) Online gaming at work
(4) Watching, sending or receiving sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate materials
(5) Sending harassing, violent, discriminating or hateful messages on company computers
(6) Using workplace computers or the internet at work to commit any kind of illegal activity, including the piracy of movies, music, games, etc.
(7) Distributing company information outside the company.
There are countless other examples which can violate company usage policies. Each company has their own computer and internet usage policy and it is important for employees to read them.
In our experience, many company computer and internet usage policies are fairly restrictive in writing, but not really enforced unless other employment issues arise. When such issues arise, an employer may have the ability to review an employee’s computer or internet usage on their work devices and attempt to discipline or dismiss an employee if they choose.
Defenses
There can be legal defenses available when an employee is wrongfully terminated from an employer where computer or internet usage is the underlying issue. These defenses would depend on the facts of the underlying incident and the individual company policy. Possible legal defense and/or representation should be discussed with a lawyer.
Contact Us
When an employee faces a disciplinary investigation or action based on alleged computer or internet misuse, it is very important to retain legal counsel familiar with these issues. Our law firm represents employees and can be contacted at www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at (703) 668-0070.
Don’t miss your chance to stay active and get social with DC Fray this spring!
We have leagues all over Virginia in Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield and Tysons. Sign up as an individual, group or team.
Leagues include sports like basketball, flag football, kickball, pickleball, softball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and more! Be sure to register by March 21.
Find your league today!
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This article was written by Sindy Yeh, Senior Business Ambassador for Arlington Economic Development.
For many international companies, expanding to the United States is high on their growth strategy given the size of the U.S. market.
As the epicenter of government contracting activities, the Washington, D.C. metro region is especially attractive for international companies in the defense, aerospace and security industries. Companies establish operations here to gain access to federal agencies such as the DOD and DHS and to partner with other companies to jointly bid for contract awards.
Doing business with the U.S. government is complex, and the process can be even more challenging for international companies. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and expertise in the Washington region that focus on supporting international companies doing business in the United States.
One of those is Rosslyn’s House of NADIC, an incubator geared towards Norwegian Small Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) and startups that are looking to increase their presence in the United States and to develop new business opportunities. Companies located at the House of NADIC will have access to service providers, connections to prime contractors, and education and networking opportunities.
House of NADIC was founded by the Norwegian-American Defense & Homeland Security Industry Council (NADIC), a nonprofit trade association whose objective is to develop and strengthen cooperation between Norwegian and American industries. It facilitates stronger bilateral ties while encouraging a fair competitive environment in U.S. markets. It regularly hosts and participates in events with the Defense Attaché Office of the Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway, FSi, and the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, and other key international partners.
On March 30, 2023, NADIC will host the 9th Annual Norwegian-American Defense Conference in Rosslyn. The conference has become one of the most important defense symposia between Norway and the United States with high level speakers and participants representing the government, military and industry.
With unmatched resources and targeted opportunities provided by area organizations like the House of NADIC, it is no wonder international companies choose Arlington and the Washington, D.C. region to launch their presence in the U.S. This region has the access, resources and talent that foreign companies need to succeed.
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.
As of March 6, there are 117 detached homes, 25 townhouses and 135 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 17 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
4200 40th Street N., 22207 — NOW: $2,599,000 (Reduced $100,000 on 3/2)
4600 26th Street N., 22207 — NOW: $2,495,000 (Reduced $100,000 on 3/1)
1244 N. Taylor Street, 22201 — NOW: $1,985,000 (Reduced $114,000 on 3/2)
2525 N. Kenilworth Street, 22207 — NOW: $1,749,999 (Reduced $25,000 on 3/1)
1401 N. Oak Street #G1, 22209 — NOW: $1,499,000 (Reduced $91,000 on 2/28)
1300 Crystal Drive #509S, 22202 — NOW: $709,950 (Reduced $30,000 on 3/3)
4204 36th Street S. #B2, 22206 — NOW: $469,900 (Reduced $5,000 on 2/28)
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!
Question: Do you think the Amazon HQ2 development pause will cause home prices to fall in Arlington?
TL;DR (1:25)
Answer: News broke Friday morning that Amazon will pause a majority of their HQ2 development in Arlington (link) — three 22-story buildings and their centerpiece, the 350ft Helix building. So far, Amazon has built two office towers and hired roughly 8,000 of the planned 25,000+ workers projected for HQ2.
The announcement of Amazon HQ2 in November 2018 led to a speculative boom in condo prices, so will this news cause a similar drop in prices?
Amazon HQ2 Led to a Condo Price Boom
The Amazon-effect was massive when Amazon announced its intention to build its second headquarters in Arlington on November 13, 2018. The condo market went from a multi-year annualized appreciation of less than 1% to an 11.7% increase in 2019, which was only slowed by COVID lockdowns in March 2020.
The non-condo market was appreciating nicely in the years leading up to the announcement and experienced a much smaller boost than the condo market.
Note: this data defines “condo” as multi-family/apartment-style condos, not townhouse-style condos (e.g. Fairlington)
Months of Supply (MoS), a measure of supply and demand where lower MoS means a more favorable market for sellers, fell off a cliff as soon as Amazon announced HQ2. I’ve always found this chart to be one of the best visual explanations of how immediate and extreme the Amazon-effect was on our market.
Prices Should Fall, If Real Estate Markets Were Efficient…
Given that prices increased speculatively in 2019 because of the announcement, not actual development and hiring, hypothetically, real estate prices should fall relative to the risk that Amazon cuts, materially reduces, or significantly delays their HQ2 plans.
This should probably look something like the JBG Smith (Amazon’s development partner) stock price, shown below, which dropped about 8% on Friday, after Amazon announced they were pausing HQ2, and has recovered about half of that price drop since, finishing Monday down just under 5% from Friday’s pre-announcement price.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Doran Shemin, Esq., and Laura Lorenzo, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
This week, we’re taking a break from our normal coverage of immigration law in the United States not because there aren’t any interesting developments (there are, in fact, major developments) but because we want to help another small business open up — and help ourselves at the same time, by subletting out a spare floor.
Lawyers, accountants, and other professionals: This is the space for you!
First, the facts:
Now, the goofy photos and floor layout.
This is your private entrance, with a midtier ARLnow commenter for scale.
This is the office you walk into, with an economy-class Mitt Romney lookalike for scale. There’s plenty of room in here for at least two workstations. Also, a private bathroom and kitchenette.
Walk down the hallway, and you’re in the second spacious, freshly painted office. Did you know that if you dab in proper lighting, your shadow looks like Nosferatu operating a backhoe? TIL!
Rosslyn BID and DC Fray are bringing the best social events of the season to you!
Ready to dive back into dating? Meet up with local singles today, March 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Continental Pool Lounge for a fun and pressure-free evening. Register to take the plunge!
Looking to feed your competitive side? Compete for glory at Rosslyn Rivals Trivia Night on Thursday, March 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Continental Pool Lounge.
Sign up to put your knowledge to the test.
Ready for a win? Try your luck at Happy Hour Bingo on Thursday, March 16 or Thursday, March 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bennett Park Art Atrium. Register for the date that works for you.
Can’t make it this month? Sign up for the DC Fray newsletter for more.
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This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
By Alex Held
BizLaunch and the Arlington Public Library have joined forces to host a panel discussion celebrating Women’s History Month. The Panel will feature four Arlington-based women entrepreneurs who have successfully launched a business.
Whether you are a female business owner who wants to connect with other entrepreneurs or an entrepreneur who’s thought about starting your own business, the Inspiring Women in Business Panel Discussion is for you.
Meet Our Powerhouse Panelists
Paulina Enriquez, Director Wonder Kids Learning Center, founded Wonder Kids in 2022. Wonder Kids Learning Center is a high-quality childcare program for children 0 to 5 years old. It offers a Spanish immersion program in a loving and enriched environment.
Jennifer Jones, Creative Founder, Cosmopolitan Plated: Jones is a female entrepreneur of color and thought leader. She uses interactive cooking activities as metaphoric and experiential experiences to build and strengthen communities with diverse and inclusive perspectives. Through her company, Cosmopolitan Plated, she has provided and facilitated recreational and team-building classes for more than 10,000 participants.
Jennifer Mulchandani, Founder and CEO, Arlington Strategy: Mulchandani founded Arlington Strategy in 2012 with a mission to build thriving brands working to better the world. She leads a growing team of marketing, branding and advertising professionals who support nonprofit organizations, public agencies and businesses at every growth stage.
Alexandra Trakas, Founder and CEO, Bash Boxing: Trakas has spent ten years in the fitness and wellness industry. In 2017 Alex began her entrepreneurial journey. She conceptualized and founded Bash Boxing alongside her four partners. Trakas grew the brand to two locations in less than one year while grossing over $1.4 million in their first year in business. Trakas led her team and company through the COVID-19 pandemic, defining the brand’s path toward corporate and franchise growth. In September 2022, Bash opened its third location in the Mosaic District and recently opened its fourth location in Gainesville.
Join us on March 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library in the Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium for this inspiring discussion, networking and light refreshments.
