Author: Tim Regan

APS Considering Locations for New High School

By Tim Regan
1/9

Arlington County’s new public high school could end up at one of nine proposed sites.

Arlington Public Schools is scheduled to hold a joint meeting with its Advisory Committee on Instruction (ACI) and Advisory Council on School Facilities and Capital (FAC) programs tonight (Wednesday) to share options in consideration for the new school. The meeting, to be held at the Syphax Center at 7 p.m., is part of a four-month process to determine the instructional focus of the school.

To be discussed at tonight’s meeting: where to build a new high school in a county where land and open space is at a premium and many schools are overcrowded. As part of its Capital Improvement Plan, APS is planning to build 1,300 new high school seats in time for the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

A new report from the FAC council identifies nine potential APS-owned sites for the new high school seats, divided between “tier 1” and less feasible, more complex “tier 2” options.

“This analysis was completed between January and February of 2017 and because of this short timeframe, focuses on APS-owned properties,” the report says. “In developing the list of properties to consider the group received input formally and informally from community members and referenced established documents from the South Arlington Working Group, the Community Facilities Study, etc.”

The tier one site options are:

  1. APS Education Center at Washington-Lee High School: Either expand the existing high school or build a new one on the Ed Center site, which is used by APS administration.
    • Pros: Existing high school-sized facilities on the site.
    • Cons: Adding 1,300 students would make W-L the largest APS school at 3,500 students and increase the use of W-L fields and facilities by around 50 percent.
  2. Gunston Middle School: Add a 1,300 seat high school to the Gunston campus or move the middle school to another site and expand the current building to house 1,300 high school students.
    • Pros: The new school could create a neighborhood high school for the southeast quadrant of the county and wouldn’t necessarily displace the middle school.
    • Cons: Adding seats at Gunston may limit the availability of the neighborhood’s community programs and may result in the relocation of the community center.
  3. Kenmore Middle School: Construct a new separate high school building on the site or move Kenmore to another location and expand the existing middle school to create a new option or comprehensive high school.
    • Pros: The property is in south Arlington and therefore could be zoned as a comprehensive high school with its own district or a option high school. The area is also student-dense and walkable.
    • Cons: The site may not have room for a comprehensive high school and its amenities, like as a football field, track, or baseball field.
  4. Wakefield High School: Either add on to the existing high school, or build a new high school on the 32.8 acre campus.
    • Pros: The site could accommodate 1,300 new students and minimize impact on existing students.
    • Cons: This would create a “majority minority” concentration of students in the southern portion of Arlington County that “could be politically sensitive without significant redistricting,” planners said.

The tier two options are:

  1. Arlington Traditional School: Convert and expand the site’s buildings to accommodate 1,300 new high school students, potentially potentially moving or closing the elementary school.
    • Pros: The site is somewhat centrally located and houses one of the smaller programs in the county, meaning fewer students impacted.
    • Cons: This plan requires a major conversion from an elementary school to high school, which would mean expanding and updating the existing facility, up to a “complete tear-down.”
  2. Career Center/Patrick Henry Elementary School: This option would develop a master plan for the site, which would expand Arlington Tech and add a 1,300 seat high school, potentially by replacing the Patrick Henry building. Another scenario is to build a new elementary school to house the Montessori program and replace lost facility at Patrick Henry.
    • Pros: Co-location of multiple high school programs could allow for ebb and flow of enrollment at the various programs.
    • Cons: The plan could mean 2,500 students use the site every day, “clearly intensifying the use of what would be the smallest high school.”
  3. Drew Model School: The plan would add a new high school on the 8.4 acre campus.
    • Pros: The site would serve an underserved part of Arlington and “could create a new group of potential walkers for a zoned school.”
    • Cons: The existing facility is half on park land, complicating the plan. The school also “has deep history with the neighborhood,” planners said.
  4. Hoffman-Boston Elementary School: Update and expand the school building and relocate the elementary school seats.
    • Pros: Hoffman-Boston was originally built as a high school, so demolition wouldn’t be necessary. Columbia Pike also has “strong transit options.”
    • Cons: The conversion would require renovation of existing facilities and an addition.
  5. Reed School site: A new high school would be built at the side of the Reed School or a new elementary school would be built to house the Arlington Traditional School in conjunction with the ATS high school option.
    • Pros: The new school would be located in a walkable community near shops that would benefit from increased foot traffic. The school would also be located in an area where a significant high school-age population is projected.
    • Cons: The Reed campus is too small for a 1,300-student school in similar scope to other nearby high schools and there are potential historic preservation issues due to the 1938 building.

Should the new high school displace an existing elementary or middle school or other APS program, the FAC council identified a number of sites for the displaced programs to go, including:

  • Reed School
  • APS Education Center
  • Virginia Hospital Center urgent care site on Carlin Springs Road, which is in consideration for a land swap between VHC and the county
  • Wakefield High School campus
  • Aurora Hills Community Center / Virginia Highlands Park
  • Gunston Middle School

The various options are all likely to garner opposition from parents and members of the community, but an Arlington resident involved in the creation of the report emphasized that it is early in the process, that any option is going to be “imperfect” and some shared sacrifice may be needed.

“The report is just a starting point for discussion with the instruction advisors and staff for APS,” the resident said. “It is important that we all have a common understanding of what could be done or what would be needed to move forward with certain proposals… Anything you can do to promote discussion as the community hopefully finds consensus or at least an understanding to accept and support APS going forward, would be an invaluable service.”

IOTA Club Building to Be Demolished Under Market Common Clarendon Redevelopment Proposal

By Tim Regan
1/7

The new owner of Market Common Clarendon is proposing major changes to the sprawling development.

Regency Centers has filed a preliminary site plan to rezone and redevelop a group of buildings along the 2800 blocks of Clarendon and Wilson Blvds. The affected properties include an office building, IOTA Club and Cafe, the former A&R Engravers storefront and the Baja Fresh restaurant.

The redevelopment would mean the partial demolition of the building that holds IOTA and the former engraver’s shop, while preserving and restoring the shop’s “historic facade.” The work would likely force IOTA — a well-loved cafe, outdoor bar and live music venue — to close its doors or relocate.

When asked about the plans, IOTA co-owner Jane Negrey Inge said she did not expect the renovations to happen “any time… soon.”

Over the years we’ve seen a lot of excitement around us. In our first couple years Arlington County sold the public alley behind us to the owners of the Sears Building and we became landlocked! It was disappointing but we worked things out and over the years we’ve maintained a spirit of cooperation with our neighbors and various land-owners. As far as we know changes are coming again with new owners but I don’t think 2832 Wilson will come crashing down on our heads any time real soon. Spring is going [to] spring into gear, and we’ll be glad to re-open the IOTA Back Alley for the season and enjoy good weather, good beer, good friends — which sounds like a good development plan to me!

Additionally, under the plan, the renovation would add a fourth floor and approximately 26,784 square feet of additional space to the office building at 2801 Clarendon Blvd. Regency seeks to upgrade the office building’s facade, redesign the first two floors for office or retail use, add new storefronts on the ground floor and possibly use the basement for public self-storage.

The plan also calls for improvements to the open space at the corner of Clarendon Blvd and N. Edgewood Street, new private outdoor roof terraces and the installation of a “partial green roof.”

“The design and condition of the existing office building, which predates Market Common Clarendon redevelopment by many years, is not consistent with the remainder of the development,” the preliminary site plan filing says. “With the improvements proposed by the Applicant, the office building will be more effectively integrated into Market Common Clarendon and will allow for the much-needed repositioning of the vacant office space in order to attract new commercial tenants.”

“This [proposed redevelopment] creates newly competitive office and retail space in a building with high-quality architecture within easy walking distance to many community amenities in Clarendon,” the filing adds.

A representative for Regency Centers didn’t immediately provide more information about the proposed redevelopment, which is still in its early stages.

To move forward, the plan must be reviewed by the Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC), then be presented to both the Arlington Planning Commission and the County Board.

New Townhomes Could Replace SunTrust Bank in East Falls Church

By Tim Regan
1/4

(Updated at 4 p.m.) More than two dozen new townhomes could soon go up at the site of an East Falls Church bank.

Homebuilder NVR, Inc. has filed a preliminary site plan to construct 27 new townhomes at 6711 Lee Highway, a 1.69-acre plot of land currently occupied by a SunTrust bank.

According to the site plan, the new development would consist of single-family units in buildings up to four stories tall. The new buildings are designed in a “classic, urban, Georgetown style” and will be primarily composed of brick. NVR also calls for new trees and landscaping along Lee Highway and an internal private street for residents.

Additionally, the Suntrust Bank would be relocated under the plan. NVR said in its application it plans to “work with SunTrust to facilitate their orderly relocation.”

The planned redevelopment is still in its early stages. The project must be reviewed by the Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC), then be presented to both the Arlington Planning Commission and the County Board.

Photos (1-3) may appear slightly warped. Photo (4) via Google Maps.

Arbiter or Actor? Arlington Judge Embraces Both Roles

By Tim Regan
1/2

(Updated at 2:05 p.m.) A local judge is taking his talents from the bench to the stage in an upcoming musical.

Hon. William T. Newman Jr., who serves as chief judge on the Arlington Circuit Court, will have a headlining role in WSC Avant Bard’s production of “The Gospel at Colonus.” The play, which premieres later this month, is a gospel retelling of Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus.

Newman plays one of the musical’s main characters, a preacher who turns the tragedy of Oedipus into a modern parable full of story and song.

“It’s a very fascinating play,” Newman said. “The whole premise is that it takes place in a Pentecostal church wherein the pastor is giving a sermon talking about one’s destiny.”

Though Newman makes his living as a judge, acting is one of his greatest passions. He’s performed since elementary school and even has a bachelor’s degree in theater.

“Acting has been all my life,” he said. “Theater is something that’s always been apart of me.”

If Newman looks familiar, it’s likely because you’ve seen him perform. Recently, he’s taken roles at the Lean and Hungry Theatre and the Arena Stage in The District. He has also appeared in Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” starred in several local commercials and played a character on “Somerset,” a soap opera from the 1970s.

Additionally, he had some time in the limelight as a result of his 2005 marriage to BET co-founder Sheila Johnson.

Despite his love of acting, Newman jokes that the law is a “jealous mistress.” His work schedule means he can only take on one or two plays a year, and he’s usually only able to rehearse during the evening or on the weekends.

Still, making the mental switch from arbiter to actor isn’t as difficult as one might think. Newman said that when he dons his judge’s robe or puts on a character’s costume, it’s like he becomes another person.

“As I change clothes, I change personas,” he said.

And the contrast between being a judge and being an actor works out in his favor in the end.

“The acting part of me helps me be a better judge, and some of the things I see in courts help me as an actor,” he said.

“The Gospel at Colonus” is scheduled to run Feb. 23 through March 26 at the Gunston Arts Center, located at 2700 S. Lang Street. Tickets can be purchased on the WSC Avant Bard website.

Arlington Agenda: Feb. 14-19

By Tim Regan

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Tuesday

Osteria da NinoValentine’s Day Dinner *
Osteria da Nino (2900 S Quincy St.)
Time: 4-10 p.m.

The Shirlington Italian eatery is holding a special dinner for the ubiquitous holiday of love, romance and gifts. The dinner costs $69 per person, and each couple gets a four-course meal and a rose.

wine-st-valentine-day1Valentine’s Date Night *
Twisted Vines Bistro and Bottleshop (2803 Columbia Pike)
Time: 4-11 p.m.

This Valentine’s Day dinner includes a sparkling wine toast, cheese board, one small plate, two entrees and a dessert to share for $75, tax and gratuity included. The restaurant also will  have a special Valentines Day wine flight and other drink specials.

Wednesday

ad_feb_15Digital Destiny: Learning in Arlington *
Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St.)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Join Arlington County officials and industry experts as they engage in a conversation with the community about the impact of the digital revolution and what it will mean for mobility and the future of education in Arlington.

Thursday

Photo via Hyatt Regency Crystal CityBusiness After Business
Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Jefferson Davis Highway)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Arlington residents are invited to this networking event to meet and greet with their fellow working professionals. Soft drinks, beer, wine and food are all included in the event’s registration fee of $25-35.

Friday

Marina Franklin via Arlington DrafthouseMarina Franklin at Arlington Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10 p.m.

Comedian and “Chapelle’s Show” actress Marina Franklin is slated to tell jokes on the Drafthouse stage. In addition to Friday’s show, Franklin will perform again on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 p.m.

Crystal City Sports Pub (photo via Facebook)Save a Dog, Ride a Bull *
Crystal City Sports Pub (529 23rd Street S)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

Patrons can get drink specials on beer and cider by buying a $5 wristband. All proceeds from the event’s cover charge will go toward Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Additionally, Crystal City Sports Pub is donating 10 percent of its Heineken sales to Homeward Trails, and Heineken itself is donating $2 per drink sold up to $1,000.

The-Lottery__JDS8846Yorktown Theatre’s The Lottery
Yorktown High School Auditorium (5200 Yorktown Blvd)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

The Lottery is a one-act play by Brainerd Duffield that was adapted from the original short story by Shirley Jackson. The play tells story of a small town that holds a lottery every year in June to insure a plentiful harvest for the following year. The performance is free and open to the public.

Saturday

Arty-Party-2.18.17-copyArty Party
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 10 a.m.-noon

Kids can enjoy creating their own artistic masterpieces with a variety of art materials during this free event from Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (NVAEYC) and Arlington Library.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

With Cybersecurity More Relevant Than Ever, Rosslyn Startup Aims to Grow

By Tim Regan

Startup Monday header

Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.

Imagine you’ve just set up a state-of-the-art home security system with all the bells and whistles. The alarms are set. The motion detectors are on. The cameras are live. But there’s a problem: You don’t know how to use any of that equipment. Are you really any safer than before?

MyVCM screenshot, real-time dataThat’s an analogy from Grant Elliott, Founder and CEO of Rosslyn-based Ostendio, a company that focuses on I.T. compliance and security. Ostendio’s main product is My Virtual Compliance Manager (MyVCM), a platform that helps companies manage risk and bring their employees into compliance with standards and policies.

It’s common knowledge that the concept of cybersecurity is more relevant than ever before. Words and phrases like “cybercriminal,” “phishing” and “data breach” are now part of the public lexicon. Companies that handle sensitive information and data are increasingly beefing up their online defenses, and part of that process means getting employees up to speed.

“People are the weakest link,” Elliott said. “You can encrypt data to the highest degree possible … but if your people are being careless, information is going to get out and intruders are going to get in.”

MyVCM screenshot, High Level Control AuditUsing MyVCM, organizations can build out workflows that hold their employees accountable for keeping up-to-date with industry standards, training regimens and security regulations. The platform assigns employees individual scores that illustrate how close they are to full compliance, for instance. Those scores can then be checked against other employees or the company as a whole, and employees are given clear instructions on what they can do to improve.

Elliott started Ostendio with two other co-founders in 2014. In the years since they founded the company, Ostendio has grown from a handful of employees in a shared workspace to more than a dozen people in a dedicated office space. The company has also cultivated a list of clients that includes more than 60 companies in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and Israel.

Ostendio founders left to right: Jermaine Jones, COO; Grant Elliott, CEO; Rohit Johri CTO“We’ve continued to expand,” Elliott said. “We’ve evolved and grown in a number of different dimensions.”

Though the company was founded with the healthcare industry in mind, it now services businesses that operate in a multitude of industries.

“We’re not doing anything that’s specifically healthcare,” Elliott said. “Critical infrastructure, retail, finance, aerospace, all of these industries have a complex ecosystem with a requirement to protect and share sensitive data.”

And it’s not just about cybersecurity and risk management, either. Companies can use MyVCM to make sure employees are compliant in topics like sexual discrimination, company policy and product documents, as well.

With all those different uses for the product, Elliott said there’s plenty of room for more growth.

“Do I see us doubling in size over the next year or so? Sure,” Elliott said. “I think we can get to become a $100 million company.”

Above all else, Elliott said it’s the Ostendio team’s passion for building a great product that drives the company’s expanding operations.

“Regardless of how opportune how the market might be, it still comes from a relentless focus on delivery and execution,” he said. “For me, that relentless, driven execution is what’s helping us grow.”

Firefighters Pull Couch From Tree in Clarendon

By Tim Regan
1/6

It’s an old cliche that firefighters rescue cats from trees. But furniture?

Apparently so: The Arlington County Fire Department was called to the 1200 block of N. Herndon Street for a couch that got stuck in a tree sometime this morning. Officials said the seat, a wicker sofa, could pose a public hazard.

Today’s unusually high winds apparently blew the furniture off of a roof deck at the nearby Clarendon Apartments. Firefighters pulled it down around 9:45 a.m., but not before snapping a few candid shots on their phones.

“Here’s your photo opportunity,” joked one Arlington County Police officer while taking a picture of his own.

The couch was last seen being hauled back into the apartment building.

Man Gets 58 Years in Prison for Lyon Park Sexual Assault

By Tim Regan

Justin Wingate Poe (photo courtesy ACPD)A Woodbridge man arrested for the sexual assault of a woman in Lyon Park was today sentenced to 58 years in prison for that and two other crimes.

Justin Wingate Poe, 35, was nabbed last May on suspicions that he broke into a home on the 700 block of N. Edgewood Street and sexually assaulted a sleeping woman.

The sexual assault was linked to two attempted abductions in Arlington that occurred in 2007. A renewed investigation into those cold cases was what led to Wingate Poe’s arrest, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

“Upon receiving the link between the 2007 and 2016 cases, Arlington County Police Department detectives began an intensive investigation including the review of cold case files, crime scene evidence and laboratory results,” ACPD said in a release. “The review resulted in additional information that led detectives to identify Justin Wingate Poe as a suspect. Wingate Poe was arrested and charged in June 2016.”

More from the ACPD press release:

Justin Wingate Poe, 35, of Woodbridge, VA was sentenced on Friday, February 10, 2017 in the Arlington County Circuit Court to fifty-eight years in prison for his role in multiple attacks in Arlington County. Judge DiMatteo imposed a sentence of fifty years for the charge of rape and twenty years, with all but fifteen years suspended, for the charge of burglary related to a 2016 sexual assault. These sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, Wingate Poe was charged with two counts of attempted abduction for incidents occurring in 2007. On each charge, Wingate Poe was sentenced to five years with one year suspended.

Theophani K. Stamos, Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney and M. Jay Farr, Arlington County’s Chief of Police made the announcement following the court appearance.

At approximately 4:56 a.m. on May 15, 2016 a female victim awoke in her residence in the 700 block of N. Edgewood Street to an unknown male sexually assaulting her. Following the attack, the male suspect fled the scene and the victim was able to contact 911. DNA evidence recovered from this assault was submitted to the state lab for analysis. The DNA results linked this case with an unsolved 2007 attempted abduction.

At approximately 2:27 a.m. on May 28, 2007 a female victim was walking in the 1100 block of N. Vernon Street when an unknown male suspect confronted her from behind and attempted to cover her face with a plastic bag. The victim screamed and the suspect fled the area on foot. An additional attack occurred on June 7, 2007 at approximately 1:20 a.m. when a female victim inside her residence in the 2600 block of Lee Highway heard a knock on her door. When she opened the door, an unknown male subject attempted to place a plastic bag over the victim’s head. The victim screamed and the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Upon receiving the link between the 2007 and 2016 cases, Arlington County Police Department detectives began an intensive investigation including the review of cold case files, crime scene evidence and laboratory results. The review resulted in additional information that led detectives to identify Justin Wingate Poe as a suspect. Wingate Poe was arrested and charged in June 2016.

Following today’s sentencing, Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney Theophani K. Stamos said, “Judge DiMatteo sent a powerful message today that our community will be protected from sexual predators. While nothing can restore the victims’ sense of safety and security, our community is safer today because of the significant sentences imposed by the court.”

Arlington County Deputy Chief Daniel J. Murray, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division said, “The residents of Arlington County are significantly safer now that a predator has been removed from our streets. These horrible offenses and attacks on our community will be relentlessly pursued by our detectives.”

Advisory Firm Grant Thornton Opens Office in Rosslyn

By Tim Regan
1/5

A national business advisory firm now has a more sizable footprint in the D.C. area.

Chicago-based company Grant Thornton held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last night to celebrate the grand opening of its new Rosslyn outpost. The office is part of a $15.75 million investment that is bringing hundreds of jobs to the Arlington area.

The office, located on the 14th floor of 1000 Wilson Blvd, can hold about 1,500 staffers. Grant Thornton is moving around 1,000 of its employees to the office and will be hiring 348 additional staffers as part of the opening.

Grant Thornton CEO Mike McGuire, Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette and Rosslyn BID President Mary-Claire Burick were among those scheduled to speak during the ceremony.

McGuire stated that the workplace “enables us to connect with each other and our clients, whether they’re here in Arlington or on the other side of the world.”

The space, dubbed the “workplace of the future,” is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, modern conference rooms and complimentary access to a fitness center, according to a press release. The office also has large windows that let in plenty of natural light and a provide a panoramic view of the District.

“We wouldn’t have let just anybody into this space,” Fisette said, referring to Grant Thornton. “You are one of the top professional services firms in the world.”

Burick said that Rosslyn was ready to welcome with open arms the company’s “best and brightest.”

“I think the staff at Grant Thornton will find connections here that will help them grow professionally,” she added.

Rosslyn is projected to have 4,000 new residents, 15,000 new jobs, 2,740 additional residential units and 200,000 additional square feet of retail space by 2030, according to the BID. Large companies like Grant Thornton are expected to help fuel that long-term growth.

Arlington County and Virginia both successfully beat out the District in a bid for Grant Thornton’s new office. Earlier this year, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe called the opening a “big win for the Commonwealth.”

“Grant Thornton is a valued leader in the business community, and it is a priority to ensure that the company continues to grow in the Commonwealth as we diversity and build the new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe said yesterday in a statement. “We are confident that Arlington County and the Rosslyn Business Improvement District will provide the infrastructure, workforce and resources necessary for the company to thrive.”

Police Investigate Three-Car Crash Along Route 50

By Tim Regan
1/5

(Updated at 10:30 p.m.) Police and firefighters responded to a serious three-vehicle crash on Arlington Blvd (Route 50) Thursday afternoon.

The collision happened on Route 50 near Glebe Road sometime after 4 p.m. One person was trapped and knocked unconscious in the crash, according to scanner traffic.

Rescuers freed the victim from the car and transported him or her to the trauma center at George Washington University Hospital. It was not immediately clear how extensive that person’s injuries were.

Authorities shut down a portion of Route 50 shortly after the crash.

Fundraiser Planned for Nauck History Preservation Project

By Tim Regan

Image courtesy of Nauck Green Valley(Updated at 11:38 a.m.) Arlington residents will be able to raise a glass while raising money to help preserve the history of the Nauck neighborhood during an event later this month.

The Community Association of Resources, Education, Enrichment and Economics (CARE) is scheduled to host a fundraiser at the New District Brewing Company (2709 South Oakland St.) on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.

The fundraiser is set to include live entertainment, a silent auction and an exhibit of historic papers, photographs and memorabilia from notable Nauck people and businesses.

Proceeds from the event will go toward digitizing paper records, creating a “physical museum infrastructure at Nauck Town Square” and hosting “inter-community meetups and events to foster conversations with other Arlington civic associations and encourage community learning and partnerships in development,” organizers said.

More from the fundraiser’s Eventbrite page:

Green Valley Remembered and Preserved is a kick-off fundraiser to support the historic preservation of Nauck’s History and Heritage. On display will be a collection of papers, photographs and memorabilia that is being preserved and shared as a historic preservation project. The collections feature John Robinson, Churches that migrated from Freedman’s Village in 1866, the work of the Nauck Civic Association, Bridge Builders of Nauck and the overall history on development and happenings in the African American Community of Nauck, established in 1844.

This proposal therefore seeks investment to develop a “preservation” infrastructure.

Funds will be used to:

  • Digitize, organize and preserve more than 150 years of past paper records in an effort to capture its remarkable narrative. Partner with Arlington County to develop a physical ‘museum’ infrastructure at Nauck Town Square to celebrate community history and highlight its most notable residents and businesses. Preserve the past but nurture the future.
  • Funds will be used to organize inter-community meetups and events to foster conversations with other Arlington civic associations and encourage community learning and partnerships in development.

Send us your family stories and information and artifacts that should be in our community archives for future generations. Call 703-486-0058 or email [email protected].

Image courtesy of Nauck Green Valley Remembered

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