Joining the latest and greatest at Ballston Quarter, 5 Wits officially opened for business earlier last month, bringing its unique style of interactive entertainment to the Arlington area.
Located in a 15,000 square foot facility within the mall, 5 Wits creates deeply immersive, theme park-style adventure experiences. Guests travel through real, physical environments, interacting with their surroundings through challenges, puzzles and elaborate special effects.
Each adventure tells its own story, with its guests’ performance deciding the outcome: the ending actually changes depending on how well its participants perform.
While the technology that runs this massive $2 million venue is cutting edge, the company behind it isn’t exactly new — in fact, 5 Wits is celebrating its 15th year in business. Its arrival in Ballston Quarter signals a shift toward entertainment-based offerings that set the redeveloped center apart as a destination.
“5 Wits is excited to bring our adventures to the Arlington area in such a unique and dynamic project. Ballston Quarter is curating an experience that the community is going to love,” says Frank Cerio, the company’s COO.
As Nothern Virginia’s newest dining, shopping and entertainment destination, the revitalized Ballston Quarter’s focus on experiential entertainment retailers continues well beyond 5 Wits. Offerings like play space Nook, entertainment complex Punch Social Bowl and Onelife Fitness compliment new expansive gathering spaces and fresh retail and culinary brands.
Community members and visitors are invited to experience the new heart of Ballston with continued openings, spring and summer holiday celebrations and seasonal programming that make Ballston Quarter a year-round community experience.
Sign up for the 2019 DC Bike Ride today and SAVE $10. Get the best price during Early Bird registration.
Youth riders in the age group 8-17 are always 50% off and kids between 3-7 years old are free. Price increases on March 1. Bring your friends and family. Everyone is welcome!
Don’t miss the chance to join the most fun ride through the best sights of D.C. DC Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 8 a.m. EST.
*The price increases to $60/rider (18+) on Friday, March 1 at 12:00 a.m. EST. For more info visit dcbikeride.com.
1610 N. Queen St. #231 is in building 2 of Gaslight Square, nestled in the middle of a community with natural sound buffering. This home offers 2,059 square feet of luxury living with 1,600 interior and 459 outdoor space. Open volumetric floor plan with 9-18 ft. ceilings.
Abundant natural light. Hardwood floors throughout main and upper level. Gourmet kitchen featuring Wolf-Subzero and Energy Star appliances. Two bedrooms, master with walk-in closet, luxury bath and access to 9×18 patio. Main level powder room. Energy Star washer and dryer in condo. Two Reserved parking spaces in underground garage with additional storage cabinets, just steps from kitchen door.
Two private terraces perfect for entertaining, one off of master bedroom and one off of main level great room. Gaslight Square is located between Rosslyn and Court House Metro Stations on Clarendon Blvd.
Perfectly situated, Gaslight Square is close to Metro, nearby restaurants and shops, plus all amenities of Georgetown and the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. To view the virtual tour and video walk through please visit: www.1610NQueenSt231.com.
Amazon.com is famous for what cybersecurity expert Frederic Lemieux calls its “known resilience” to cyberattack.
But there have been breeches recently, and we can expect the tech giant to become an even more inviting target in the future. “As Amazon is growing, it will have more of these risks,” says Lemieux, Ph.D., faculty director of Georgetown University’s master’s programs in Applied Intelligence and Cybersecurity Risk Management.
Here, in conversation with Assistant Dean Joshua Meredith, Lemieux also predicts that when Amazon builds a new headquarters in Crystal City, Va., it will suck up much of the region’s cybersecurity talent. And that will make it harder for the federal government and smaller business to compete for skilled workers.
We all know the kinds of R-rated words that could fit along that line. We tried to include a few, but ARLnow censored us. (Trust us, it’s for the best)
Some PG-rated words that may come to mind are: stressful, annoying, tedious, unreliable, pricey — the list goes on. To put it simply: remodeling sucks!
But all of us at remodelmate are on a mission to make home remodeling suck less by simplifying and de-stressing the entire journey:
No in-home estimates or scheduling
Transparent, competitive rates
Hassle-free Concierge service
Convenient milestone payments
There’s a better way to renovate your home, and it’s really as simple as “push button, remodel home.”
Confirm your details with one of our virtual Concierges
Receive a remodelmate lockbox in the mail
Start renovating
For limited time, ARLnow readers get a whopping $1,000 off their renovation of $10,000 or more if they book a project in the next two weeks. Use the code ARLNOW when you click “Build Your Project” on www.remodelmate.com.
We Love Our Customers
“Just had remodelmate install a cabinet in my kitchen. The service was superb and prompt. Would highly recommend them!” – Andrew C., Washington, D.C.
“We’ve been meaning to remodel our kitchen for so long, but we just couldn’t ever find the time or energy to manage the process. We chose remodelmate’s Concierge service to take full control over the design and build of our kitchen — and wow! We’ll be back again.” – Landon and Samantha R., Temple Hills, MD
“They were incredibly easy to work with and responsive to all of our questions and concerns. The project came in on budget, and we got a lot of compliments on the fresh, new look of our bathrooms. We were extremely pleased with the finished result and our experience working with remodelmate!” – Jeff and Tamra M., Washington, D.C.
Address:1422 21st Street S. Neighborhood: Arlington Ridge Listed: $1,329,000
Gorgeous remodel in Arlington Ridge! Large home with top of the line and luxurious updates throughout.
Gourmet kitchen with coffered ceilings, large center island, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, custom cabinets, wine fridge, breakfast bar and luxurious light fixtures.
Expanded master suite with large walk-in closet with custom Elfa shelving, soaking tub + stand-up shower, dual sinks and custom mirrors. Fully finished lower level walkout with full bath and kitchenette — perfect for supplemental income, nanny, au-pair or in-law suite. Porcelain tile throughout and fresh paint.
Large backyard with amazing views from up above the trees in Arlington Ridge, including 2 patios and an upper deck — perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Brand new windows and doors throughout, updated landscaping, new front walkway and 1-car garage.
Prime private cul-de-sac location — 20 min walk to Amazon HQ2/National Landing/Crystal City, close to Pentagon, I-395 and more.
DC Fray has just the remedy… Spring sports leagues! Join one of our various social sports leagues and channel your energy into having fun and staying fit this season.
DC Fray is on a mission to make fun possible, and registration in Arlington is open now until March 26. Sign up for a league by yourself, with friends or even make a team of your own. But no matter what, get ready to meet other go-getting people looking to make new friends through good, old-fashioned fun.
What do people find appealing about social sports?
Endless Sport Options
There are over 15 leagues to choose from including kickball, soccer, volleyball, cornhole and flag football, so there’s something for everyone to have fun with. Each league also partners with a local Arlington bar so you can keep the party rolling and make hanging with DC Fray the best part of your week.
Meet New People
It’s no secret that Washington D.C. locals thrive off the connections they make, and meeting teammates on social sports teams is no different. Making friends at work isn’t as easy as it seems. That’s where DC Fray can help. Game time is the time to leave work behind and make new friends who challenge you to do just that: let loose!
Fall in Love
Yes, that’s happened! We’re not matchmakers, unless you’re at one of our speed dating events, but there are countless stories of players meeting on the field and creating history of their own. There’s even more stories of lifelong friendships growing out of DC Fray leagues, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to find your people.
Diversify Your Workouts
Are you getting tired of your same, old gym routine? Sports games are a great substitute. With loads of friendly competition, you’ll sweat enough to really feel like you’re putting in work. Working out alone can become boring (and expensive), so save money and make working out something you look forward to every week.
Get Perks
Here’s an extra reason to love DC Fray a little more… Sporting DC Fray gear can get you some pretty cool perks you don’t want to miss out on. Ranging from discounted memberships at Balance Gym to discounted tickets for Washington Nationals Games, if you weren’t sold on the whole social sports thing before, you definitely should be now.
Start Your “Weekend” Early
Stop living for the weekend and make your weeknights just as fun by joining a social sports league. You’ll have set plans with cool people once a week, so you won’t have to go through the trouble of trying to round up your friends for a last minute night on the town.
Sports leagues aren’t all we have to offer. Every month we host super fun events to keep you busy as the warm weather rolls in and you grow restless waiting for summer.
Address: 2305 N. Monroe Street Neighborhood: Lorcom Grove/Maywood Listed: $1,025,000 Open: Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17 from 1-4 p.m.
Conveniently located just “two lights to D.C.” for driving and along a verdant trail for biking, this classic colonial offers both character and stylish, quality updates.
Desirable details include living room fireplace, gleaming wood floors on two levels, plantation shutters at many windows, main level bedroom and bathroom, and kitchen open to a sun filled family room. The kitchen provides crisp white cabinets, a Haier refrigerator, gas cooking and glistening countertops and backsplash.
Excellent for daily life and entertaining, the living room flows into the dining room, kitchen and then family room. With both a new skylight and windows on three sides, the family enjoys relaxing views of the private rear yard. A stone patio is ideal for al fresco meals.
There are sunny areas for play, gardening and sports, as well as shady spots for reading and a lazy day nap. The main level bedroom is now used as a den, and has a renovated bathroom with linen-look tile, bathtub and vanity storage.
Upstairs, the large master bedroom features two closets — one professionally organized — and space for a seating or desk. The second bedroom has a closet with built in drawers along with hanging space. The renovated bathroom has a large walk in shower and vanity space. A wide linen closet provides additional storage.
In the walkout lower level, there is a rec room with a large niche for media and storing games and toys. Several closets and the utility room have excellent storage space and the laundry is on this level. The sun filled fourth bedroom features a renovated bathroom with an oversized shower and vanity — ideal for an in law, au pair or pampered guest.
Walk to Cherrydale shops, restaurants, Safeway grocery with Starbucks and Maywood Park and Playground.
A well renovated home in pristine move in condition.
Listed by: Betsy Twigg
Associate Broker, Licensed in Virginia
McEnearney Associates
4720 Lee Highway
Arlington, Va 22207
703-967-4391 [email protected] betsytwigg.com
Since people have been working in offices, there have been trailblazers searching for different ways to structure the workplace.
Well, maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement, but it’s undoubtedly true that innovators are always looking for different ways to engage with their environments. Naturally, that extends to the work environment. Enter coworking, stage right!
In a nutshell, coworking is the practice of shared workspaces. Multiple unrelated companies work in the same building, often utilizing the operator’s administrative and amenity functions. In today’s modern and ever-changing office world, the fastest growing alternative to a traditional office space is a coworking space.
So, where do coworking spaces fit into the tradition of office spaces? The way people work and want to work has changed over the years with the increased capabilities of technology as well as the way people want to work. In order to attract top talent and younger demographics, many companies are ditching traditional spaces in favor of the more flexible coworking model.
The coworking industry has become a global phenomenon. Around 2008-2010, more operators joined the market, but in recent years the industry has just exploded. According to Emergent Research, over 1000 new coworking spaces opened in the second half of 2018 — almost half of which are located in the U.S.
Typically, new or growing companies don’t have the funds (or the desire) to start in traditional spaces, but they also don’t know where their company will be in one year, let alone five. Two to five-year terms are standard minimums for traditional offices.
Most start-ups don’t want to tie up their capital with office leases — they like the flexibility of shorter terms provided by coworking spaces, as they can easily accommodate growth and change. However, large enterprise companies are now housing divisions of their companies at coworking spaces.
Coworking isn’t just for large companies or start-ups, though. What other uses can coworking spaces provide? Many coworking spaces, including TechSpace, provide on-demand conference rooms for members and non-members. For those who are working at home but need to meet clients in a professional environment, coworking spaces are ideal.
At TechSpace, you can book by the hour for a variety of size meeting spaces. TechSpace also offers virtual services, such as mailing addresses and business phone numbers, and call answering by a professional receptionist.
Many people ask what kinds of companies are best served by coworking spaces? The answer is many industries are actually well-suited to work in coworking spaces. Since opening in June 2018 at our newest Ballston location at 4075 Wilson Boulevard, we’ve experienced a rapid influx of businesses that have ties to the federal government, but also see a lot of growing tech companies. It’s interesting to note that despite the different sectors in which they operate, all businesses have become reliant on a superior technology infrastructure like the one TechSpace provides.
Our Ballston location has experienced rapid growth and has quickly leased up in less than one year. “This is a very obvious indicator that businesses in this market were starved for flexible, short-term office space,” said Brendan McGee, VP at TechSpace. “In addition to our rapid growth, it has been wonderful to see how warmly TechSpace has been embraced by local businesses in the Ballston community.
In our first year alone we’ve established great relationships with Taste of Arlington and ARLnow. It was also a great omen for us when on our Grand Opening night, the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup!” (We’re neighbors — their practice facility is just down the street)
So — is coworking the right path for your start-up or company? Learn more about why TechSpace’s coworking offices can be the right fit for your business!
Bash Boxing has gained Washington Capitals player Tom Wilson as an investor.
The Capitals right winger isn’t shy about throwing a punch on the ice. But it’s not only the boxing that drew Wilson to invest in the studio, which is open in Rosslyn and coming soon to Ballston. As Wilson found while giving Bash a try, the non-contact boxing-oriented workouts are intense, fun and always leave you feeling reinvigorated.
Bash offers two of today’s hottest workouts — boxing and high-intensity interval training. Taught by the area’s best fitness experts, participants learn boxing basics at the beginning of each class. The 45-minute workouts combine boxing moves, water-filled training bags, weights and other interval training along with concert-style music to hit to.
While Bash teaches you how to throw a punch, it’s the “good feeling” and confidence you build by the end of each workout that co-owner Alex Trakas wanted to spread — and that drew in Tom Wilson and his investment.
Though Wilson wasn’t actively looking for business opportunities, he decided now was a good time to put down some roots and get involved in local businesses.
Want to see what Bash is all about. Visit its website, check out its Instagram or go ahead and book a bag now.
Virginia Tech’s Master of Information Technology program has been ranked the No. 1 online graduate degree for cybersecurity in the 2019 rankings list from CyberDegrees.org, a Washington, D.C.-based company.
In addition, the program was named one of the three best online graduate information technology programs nationwide for the seventh consecutive year in the annual rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
Based at Virginia Tech’s Northern Virginia Center, the 100% online program is offered jointly by the Pamplin College of Business and College of Engineering. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to develop a range of skills and focus their studies in a topic that best serves their career goals.
Cybersecurity is one of 11 areas of specialization that students can use to tailor their degree. Other areas include Analytics and Business Intelligence, Big Data, Health Information Technology and Software Development.
The program plans to continue adding new courses and Graduate Certificates that keep up with current trends in tech, particularly as the wider university takes on a central role in the cybersecurity ecosystem.
In 2010, Virginia Tech launched the Hume Center to lead the university’s research and experiential learning programs in national security. The center now has a research facility in Ballston.
