New Years resolutions can go either way — some people love them, some people hate them, some people like to call them goals and pretend that they’re not resolutions, but either way, we’ve got suggestions to help you make this year your best year yet.
Health and Fitness
There are an abundance of options to choose from in Arlington when it comes to moving your body. Sharmane is a marathon runner so she knows all the best trails: Four Mile Run, W&OD trail, Potomac Overlook trail, and Donaldson Run loop. Laura’s a former college athlete who no longer runs but enjoys group fitness.
Here’s the thing with group fitness classes: you get to know new people, or maybe just the accountability of meeting a friend there helps you get out of bed and keep the promise to yourself. Either way, you’ve got F45, Orange Theory, Boxing, Yoga, Pure Barre, Solid Core, I mean you name it, there’s probably a class for it. Try things until you find something that feels right for you!
Relationships
One thing that’s definitely been made clear over the past few years is that humans need connection. We need to put energy into our relationships, whether with a significant other, friends, family and even co-workers. Make time to get out and experience new things. Arlington has a ton of things to do.
If you’re focusing on your health, skip a sit down meal and meet a friend for a coffee and a walk.
Try a cooking class at Cookology in Ballston Quarter.
Get a group of friends together for some healthy competition at Punchbowl Social.
Throw on some ice skates and go check out Pentagon Row.
There are lots of opportunities to create new memories and new experiences if you get out of your comfort zone!
Family
As a mom of 2, I know first hand how hard it is to get out of the ordinary routine. Especially once you get to school aged kids and you throw in sports, after school activities, playdates, etc. Date nights become a distant memory.
But they don’t have to! Explore new playgrounds together. My nephews loved the climbing structure at Rocky Run Park while my kids kicked a soccer ball on the field. The playgrounds in Arlington are way cooler than they used to be when we were kids, so lots of new things to check out. Explore Muse Paintbar, watch the Capitals practices, go mini golfing at Upton Hill, check out brunch at Ruthie’s All Day (which just won best in state!) or enjoy dinner at Lyon Hall.
Whatever you decide to do with your year, we wish you a healthy, prosperous and joyful New Year!
For 40 years, McEnearney Associates has been a premiere residential, commercial and property management firm with 11 offices located in the Washington metro region. With service excellence, hyper-local expertise, powerful data insights, innovative technology and cutting-edge marketing, McEnearney Associates have helped their clients make informed decisions on their most valuable real estate investments. There is an important difference at McEnearney: It’s not about us, it’s about you. To learn more, visit us at www.McEnearney.com.
Two great wine tastings this weekend! Join the Friday Wine Down from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and the Saturday Wine Tasting from 1-4 p.m.!
Weekend Wine Tastings
Friday, Dec. 29 (Today) | Wine Down | 4:30-6:30 p.m. Klaus Wittauer of KW Selections will be showing Austrian favorites! Austria makes great wines and exceptional values, and Klaus will be showing favorites including great Sparkling wines perfect for a New Year celebration, as well as classic Austrian whites and reds.
He brings these wines from the Austrian vineyards to us, so you get great wines at unbeatable prices. All the wines you taste will be on sale during the tasting, so plan on stocking up on favorites!
Meet your friends at Arrowine and wind down at our Wine Down!
Saturday, Dec. 30 | Champagne Wine Tasting | 1-4 p.m. Ed Addiss of Wine Traditions will be showing selections from traditional growers in Champagne!
These are excellent Champagnes in classic styles. Because Wine Traditions brings them from the Champange cellars to us, you’ll see new high-quality wines available at prices that make them some of the best values in the market!
Taste great Champagnes, pick your favorites, and save with special discounts during the tasting.
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 December 25, there are 86 detached homes, 20 townhouses and 121 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 12 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
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.
Fifty-five years of time and weather exposure had taken their toll on Compassion, the 1969 sculpture by Una Hanbury installed at the intersection of Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards at Courthouse Road.
When a re-creation of the artwork by sculptor Colin Poole was installed on Tuesday, December 12, it marked more than an ordinary installation. “Una Hanbury was my grandmother, mentor and hero,” said Poole. “Some of my earliest memories are of her studio… My first monumental bronze was a collaboration with her and now, many decades later, we collaborate once again.”
The surface of the concrete sculpture had eroded to the extent that it was unrecognizable. Seeing the need for restoration, Arlington County, Greystar Real Estate Partners, and the family of Una Hanbury worked together to determine how the sculpture could be saved. Due to the condition of the original sculpture, two independent conservators agreed that it would be perilous to move and attempt to repair the sculpture. As an alternative approach, Una Hanbury’s grandson, Colin Poole, a professional artist who apprenticed under Hanbury, offered to undertake the task of recreating Compassion.
Using his grandmother’s sculpting tools and referencing other sculptures she had crafted during that era, Poole skillfully reproduced the surface textures, and the renewed form was cast in bronze for longevity. Poole digitally scanned the weathered concrete sculpture, milled a replica in foam, and enveloped it in clay. Drawing upon Hanbury’s bronze maquette and photos of the sculpture when it was first installed, Poole was able to recreate the missing details of its likeness.
The 1969 sculpture was not part of the County’s Public Art Collection as it did not originate through a site plan community benefit negotiation or a direct County commission. It was a gift to the County from the Jaycees that long predated the County’s Public Art Program, which will celebrate its 40th Anniversary in 2024. Created to convey a message of compassion for others, may this sculpture’s renewal also strengthen our resolve to spread kindness and empathy in our community, and throughout the world.
About Colin Poole
Colin Poole was born in Washington, D.C. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College with a concentration in metal sculpture. He continued his professional education apprenticing with master sculptor Una Hanbury, metal sculptor David Smalley and master printmaker Lou Stovall. Known for his classically-inspired contemporary realism, Poole’s bronze sculptures and oil paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and Europe and his corporate client list reads as a “who’s who” of Fortune 500 companies.
About Arlington Public Art
Arlington Public Art directly commissions artworks integrated into the County’s capital improvement projects, coordinates artworks commissioned by real estate developers as part of the site plan process and assists community groups to initiate public art projects on public property. We also partner with local arts and community organizations, artists and businesses to present interpretative projects, temporary artworks, exhibitions and more. Arlington Public Art is a program of Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs.
On Tuesday January 9, I’ll be hosting another Ask Eli Home Buyer Workshop with my business partner Jean Ropp and Loan Officer, Matt Ropp, with FitzGerald Financial. Food and drinks will be provided!
The workshop is a free and will cover:
How to use data and strategy to maximize your home purchase
How to use market trends to your advantage
The latest on interest rates and mortgage programs/products
Common mistakes to avoid and some tips for success
Who is it for?
Any buyer type from first-time buyer to experienced buyers
Ready to purchase now or planning 18-24 months out
Home buyers in Northern VA, DC, or the Maryland Suburbs
You or anybody you know who would benefit
Where and When?
Tuesday January 9 from 6-7:30 PM
Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St), Bluemont Room
Registration is now open and space is limited. Click the graphic below to RSVP. Bring your appetite and your home buying questions! I’d love to see you there. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions about the event.
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
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., Janice Chen, Esq., and Austen Soare, 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.
Attire Key: The Feast Day of St. Thomas More (as observed), Christmas, Boxing Day, National Reindeer Herdsmen’s Day, Kyrgyz Independence Day
Dear ARLnow Readers,
Every year, we are reminded — in our own particular ways, by our own particular traditions, and, if we’re fortunate, in the company of our own families — that there is more to life than the law.
So, in this last column before Christmas, we are not going to talk about the law.
Instead, we are going to share this heartwarming story of how Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington opened its doors to the neediest for Christmas dinner. May we all be animated by the spirit of charity and human kindness this holiday season.
Thank you for reading our advertorials over the course of this year, and for your thoughtful questions and comments.
As always, we welcome your comments and will do our best to respond.
This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
With the holiday season here and the new year right around the corner, we know many of our small businesses are thinking about their goals for 2024 and how to achieve them. BizLaunch has several programs, resources and events to help you #slay in the new year.
Programs and Events
BizLaunch has two new programs to help entrepreneurs and diverse business owners access capital beginning in 2024. Kicking off in January is the Ascend.Her Capital Accelerator program developed by our partner, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif). The Ascend.Her Capital Accelerator Program: Lead Cohort is designed to help entrepreneurs of color navigate a complex marketplace and build resilient businesses. The cohort will include up to 15 small businesses owned by women of color throughout the National Capital Region.
Focus areas include:
Strengthening your resilient mindset
Marketing and customer relationship building
Financial and management training
Accessing affordable loan capital
Risk mitigation
Business performance
Learn more about this exciting new program; applications are open until January 12, 2024.
But wait, more opportunities are going on in January. To help entrepreneurs access low-cost, small amounts of capital, BizLaunch has brought back the BizLaunch Bootcamp with an exciting new twist for 2024.
The BizLaunch Bootcamp is a two-day intense business training for startups and small businesses that will provide attendees with everything they need to succeed in business. Think of it as a mini-MBA condensed into two days, and topics include:
Business model blueprint
Actionable marketing plan
Actionable operations plan
A business pitch deck template
Now, are you ready for the twist? This year, Bootcamp participants will be able to participate in a pitch contest in the spring of 2024 for a grand cash prize. While BizLaunch programs are usually free, registration fees for the Bootcamp will be used to fund the grand cash prize awarded to the winners of the spring pitch event.
Want to participate in the pitch? All you must do is sign up for the BizLaunch Bootcamp on January 25-26, 2024 and attend the two days.
Space is limited, and early bird pricing ends in the New Year, so sign up today to secure your spot.
Startup Resources
BizLaunch has been helping small businesses start since 2002, and since that time, we’ve developed the secret sauce to help companies launch. If your goal is to start a business in 2024, then BizLaunch has you covered with one-on-one counseling, a startup checklist, business plan templates, mentoring and so much more.
In addition, BizLaunch has taken away all the guesswork from starting a business with our upcoming Guide to Launching a Business workshop on January 16 at the Arlington Central Library. Here, entrepreneurs and companies will learn how to start their businesses as well as connect with the numerous resource providers that support small businesses in the region, such as:
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 December 18, there are 107 detached homes, 28 townhouses and 130 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 12 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
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 that the newly announced stadium for the Capitals and Wizards will cause home values to increase in Potomac Yard and the surrounding neighborhoods?
Answer: Last week Monumental Sports owner Ted Leonsis and Virginia Gov. Glen Younkin announced a new stadium complex for the Washington Wizards and Capitals in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood, initiating a shocking departure from their current home in downtown Washington, D.C. Immediately, questions began to swirl about the costs and benefits of building a new stadium, including whether it would boost nearby home values.
Studies Say… It Depends
There are dozens of studies on the effect of stadiums on local and regional economies; most find that it costs taxpayers too much and the stadiums fail to deliver on the promises made by the team owners, who end up being the biggest beneficiaries.
There are also a number of studies looking at how sports stadiums effect nearby home values (you can reference some articles and studies I found here, here, here, here, here, and here) and the findings of those studies vary widely. Positive or negative price effects seem to depend on the economic/development state of the local community when the stadium is announced.
Stadiums built in communities in need of development/revitalization (e.g. what Nationals stadium did for Navy Yard) tend to result in a major boost to home values, yet stadiums in areas that are already economically successfully can have a negative effect on prices as shown by a study conducted on the effects of the Seattle Supersonics (NBA) leaving the Key Arena in Seattle, which led to home values increasing as a result of less traffic and crowds.
Potomac Yard, the location of the newly announced Caps/Wizards stadium, falls into the latter bucket — already economically/commercially successful without a stadium.
Homes Values In/Near Potomac Yard Already on Strong Trajectory
Potomac Yard already has a strong home value appreciation trajectory without a new stadium complex due to major developments including:
A robust commercial/retail development pipeline (I recall learning at a panel a few years ago that the development dollars earmarked for Potomac Yard are/were some of the highest in the region)
Adding a massive sports and entertainment arena will certainly expedite new development and most likely cause more development dollars to flow in, but I’m not convinced that a new arena increases the ceiling for appreciation more than the existing factors listed above.
It is also worth noting that without a new stadium complex on this land, it’s not like the land will sit vacant and unused, it’s an incredibly valuable piece of land that can and will be developed for commercial and/or residential use. That beckons the question of whether a new stadium and entertainment complex increases the projected home value appreciation more than another use of the land.
Stadium Likely a Net Negative for Many Homeowners
The expedited and additional development resulting from a new arena will create upward pressure on home values in Potomac Yard and the neighboring communities, but it comes at a significant cost of high traffic and crowding throughout the year in an area already plagued by traffic issues.
Given that plenty of commercial (retail, dining, shopping) development already exists in Potomac Yard and the surrounding neighborhoods (Old Town, Del Ray, Crystal/Pentagon City, Shirlington, and D.C. is pretty close too) for residents to enjoy, I think that many residents/future residents will find that the cost of the congestion far exceeds the benefit of marginal improvements to local entertainment and retail.
If enough homeowners consider the new arena to be a net negative for themselves, the logical conclusion is that demand in and around Potomac Yard will fall, which means a new arena will have a negative effect on the value of homes in the congestion area.
Better for Rentals, Condos
The effects may not be felt evenly across all housing types though. If I had to make a prediction, I would guess that a new stadium and entertainment complex will provide a material boost in apartment rental prices and potentially condo values, but become a drag on townhouse and single-family home values in Potomac Yard and the adjacent neighborhoods.
I’m assuming here that renters and owners in apartment buildings/condos rely more on public transportation/Metro and walkability than townhouse/single-family owners so will be less affected by traffic congestion and that those renters/owners are more likely to value easy access to the sports and entertainment events hosted in the new sports complex.
That would bode well for owners in condo properties like the Dylan (new condos in Potomac Yard) and the Eclipse (in Arlington, just north of Potomac Yard).
Home Value Increases May Be Speculative Only
I’ve written in the past about the “speculative boom” of home (specifically condo) prices after the Amazon HQ2 announcement and the abnormal ~10% appreciation in the condo market following the HQ2 announcement was purely speculative about the future benefits of Amazon HQ2.
I’ve gotten multiple messages from clients/contacts excited about the home value appreciation that will follow the new stadium complex, but that excitement is of course speculative for now. I would not be surprised if there is a bump in home values in/near Potomac Yard speculating on the benefits of the stadium, but buyers and investors should be careful placing much, if any, speculative premium on adjacent housing (especially townhouse/single-family) because of the concerns shared in this column about the effect on actual demand.
My Humble Opinion
After my initial reaction of “we’re getting a stadium and concert venue in our backyard!” wore off, I think this is a terrible deal not just for the people who live nearby the proposed stadium but for Virginians and the entire DMV.
The added congestion for those who live nearby and rely on those sections of Rt 1, GW Parkway, and 395 (not to mention all the smaller side streets) and for those coming and going from Reagan National Airport will be a significant negative on a frequent basis. Plus, it’s not like getting to Capital One Arena is all that difficult for Arlington/Alexandria residents anyway so there’s little gained for most of us.
The Washington Post just published an article saying that the stadium complex could cost Virginia taxpayers $1.35B which would be the largest arena subsidy ever. I’m not sure if that number accounts for all the increases in infrastructure, police, etc costs that come with supporting the on-going operations of the complex and events. The promise is that the taxpayer subsidies will get paid back over a few decades through revenue generated off the arena (parking, naming rights, etc) and additional taxes but studies have found that taxpayers usually end up getting the short end of the stick on these stadium deals.
The entire DMV suffers because access to the stadium becomes more difficult for a majority of fans (think about people coming from the Maryland suburbs), the teams leave their home city, and downtown D.C. gets crippled by the loss of sporting events. A strong, vibrant D.C. core is important for the entire DMV and this is a crushing blow to an already fragile downtown.
This column is full of my opinions and assumptions on how people feel about the pros/cons of the stadium complex; I know how I’d feel if I found out an arena like this was being built a mile or so from my house. What do you think? Am I wrong? Do you think enough homeowners will see this as a net positive and demand will increase for housing in Potomac Yard and the adjacent neighborhoods?
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
The holidays are upon us and many of you are hosting family and friends for extended stays well into the New Year. But… what to do before and after the big celebration?
Fortunately, Arlington has one of the most active cultural scenes in the region, and this Winter Arts Highlight is your guide to the myriad ways to keep your guests entertained and engaged right here in Arlington!
Arlington’s exceedingly talented and creative array of visual and performing artists offer you many options this winter, including: this Saturday’s Holiday Cheer concert by National Chamber Ensemble (Dec. 16); grab last minute gifts at the Holiday Makers Market at the Commentary Social House (Dec. 16); Synetic Theater’s youth-friendly, movement-based performance of Snow Maiden (now thru Jan. 6).
Below are a few sample highlights. For a more comprehensive list of events and activities taking place in Arlington through January, see the full Arlington Arts’ Winter Arts Highlight.
Celebrate the season with an evening of classical and popular holiday favorites for the entire family! Guest violinist Dylana Jenson is known for her appearances with all the major American Symphony Orchestras, The Tonight Show and has even played a duet with Jack Benny. She will join NCE’s artistic director/violinist Leo Sushansky to perform the Concerto for Two Violins by J.S. Bach and the virtuoso showpiece, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso by Camille Saint-Saens, which she recorded for RCA with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The program concludes with a Carols Sing-Along guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Fred Schnider Gallery of Art: “Cross Pollination” Delna Dastur Thru December 30 | Fred Schnider Gallery of Art | Ballston
“Cross Pollination” includes painting and drawings that explore our peaceful and conflicted relationship with nature. Join for the Artist Talk with Delna Dastur on Saturday, December 9 from 5-7 p.m.
Arlington Artists Alliance: Above & Beyond January 3-26 | Gallery Underground | National Landing
Gallery Underground kicks off the new year with a group show in appreciation of their hard-working Board members. Arlington Artists Alliance Board: Above & Beyond features artworks by their generous Board member artists who dedicate their time behind the scenes to strengthen their programs and outreach. The exhibition will represent their various artistic styles, mediums, and talent. Join for the First Friday Opening Reception on Friday, January 5 from 5-7 p.m., featuring live music by US Army Field Band musician Troy Paolantonio.
Friday Morning Music Club: St. George’s Chamber Series
Friday, January 5 | 12 p.m. | St. Georges Episcopal Church | Virginia Square The Friday Morning Music Club resumes the Arlington portion of its free series of concerts with the following program:
Borodin: Polovtsian Dances. Chen-Li Tzeng and Jeongseon Choi, piano four hands
Spohr: Six German Songs for Soprano, Clarinet, and Piano, op. 103. Marjorie Wellman, soprano; Carol Falvo, clarinet; Lois Jones, piano
Debussy: Piano Trio in G Major. Bonnie Shuen (guest), piano; Kay Kakazawa (guest), violin; David Pearl, cello
This beloved story follows Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his child Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured, Marlin decides to face his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as the optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. More
The incomparable Nova Y. Payton sings the repertoire of acclaimed tunesmith Burt Bacharach, whose six-decade career produced the hit musical Promises, Promises as well as chart-topping pop songs including “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “What the World Needs Now is Love.”
Powerhouse vocalist Nova Y. Payton staring in Signature’s The Color Purple last season.
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 December 11, there are 109 detached homes, 28 townhouses and 135 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 13 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
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.
