HQ2 May Have Security Robots — “Amazon.com Inc. wants to keep its second headquarters safe. And it’s looking at a variety of methods like incognito barricades, a police presence on the campus, external facing cameras, and, oh yeah, ‘security robots.'” [Washington Business Journal]
More on Tuesday AM Robbery on the Pike — “The victim was in sitting in his parked vehicle, when an occupied vehicle pulled in front of him. The occupants of the vehicle engaged the victim in conversation and asked him to make change for their bill. During the exchange, the suspects gave the victim a lesser sum of money in return for the change and attempted to drive off. When the victim attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects exited, assaulted him and attempted to steal his wallet.” [Arlington County]
CO Leak at GW Parkway Building — Arlington County firefighters responded to a possible carbon monoxide leak at the GW Parkway maintenance facility near Crystal City yesterday afternoon. Two people were evaluated for CO-related symptoms, per scanner traffic, and the leak was traced to a malfunctioning HVAC system. [Twitter]
Major Reston Property Owner Buys in Clarendon — “An affiliate Comstock Holding Cos. Inc. has acquired the Hartford building in Clarendon, extending its local footprint beyond its major outside-the-Capital Beltway developments in Reston and Ashburn. Comstock… bought the nine-story building at 3101 Wilson Blvd. from an affiliate of Chicago’s Heitman Capital Management for $128.75 million.” [Washington Business Journal, Globe Newswire]
Tacos Mexicano, né Goody’s pizzeria (staff photo by Vernon Miles)
Tacos Mexicano, né Goody’s pizzeria (staff photo by Vernon Miles)
Tacos Mexicano, né Goody’s pizzeria (staff photo by Vernon Miles)
Don’t be fooled by the signs on the building, the notoriously green shack in Clarendon is still long-time local pizzeria Goody’s.
The “Goody’s NY Style Pizzeria” sign has been taken down from the building at 3125 Wilson Blvd. and replaced with a sign that says “Tacos Mexicano,” while the windows advertise tacos and pupusas. Inside, however, there’s still rows of pizza and staff still call it Goody’s.
While Goody’s has sold tacos for nearly a year, according to their Facebook page, a manager at the restaurant said the sign change was reflective of a new emphasis on the Mexican cuisine. In addition to the classic “two slices of pizza and a soda for $5.99” deal, the restaurant also offers quesadillas, tacos, burritos and more.
The majority of the menu, however, remains various types of pizza like Goody’s Deluxe — pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions — as well as subs and burgers.
Goody’s changed hands in 2018 after its original owners retired. It reopened with new owners, whose colorful new mural on the diminutive building at 3125 Wilson Blvd didn’t fly with county regulators. It was later re-painted red and two shades of green.
Developer Pitches New Clarendon Apartment Building — “Orr Partners is pitching a new mixed-use building in Clarendon, seeking to redevelop a small property behind the neighborhood’s popular Silver Diner… the project will not include the redevelopment of the nearby The Lot beer garden or the Silver Diner, though rumors have long persisted that those have been targeted for changes.” [Washington Business Journal]
Most County Offices, Facilities Closed Today — “Arlington County Government offices, courts, libraries & facilities will be closed Tues. Dec. 24 – Weds., Dec. 25, 2019, for Christmas, as well as New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, 2020… Metered [parking] areas not enforced.” [Arlington County]
Story of a Neighborhood Christmas Tree — This year, the Williamsburg Traffic Circle Christmas tree is back, thanks to contributions from local merchants. [Washington Post]
What Local Papers Were Reporting on in 1957 — “The Arlington Council of Churches was deploring grocery stores open on Sundays. A teen advice column titled ‘Help Unpopular Girls When They Cling’ was published alongside a puzzling comic strip called ‘Scorchy Smith.’ Ads touted ‘Exciting new rambler and split-level’ homes for $14,250 and 1957 Ford sedans for $239.50.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Media Spotlight on Arlington Buttigieg Supporter — “In a recent email exchange with a wealthy prospective donor, a top fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg made an offer that was unusually blunt — even by modern pay-to-play standards. ‘If you want to get on the campaign’s radar now before he is flooded with donations after winning Iowa and New Hampshire, you can use the link below for donations,’ the fundraiser” wrote. [Axios]
UPS Driver Saves Christmas — “Darryl found my son’s phone and saved Xmas! He reminded my son to have faith in the many good people in the world.” [Twitter]
2020 is almost here, and if you’re spending the holidays in Arlington, there are plenty of local options for ringing in the new year.
Ticket prices vary per event, with several opting for no cover and others starting at up to $50 per person.
For families looking to celebrate but also go to bed well before midnight, the Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive) is hosting a “Ring in the Noon Year” countdown from 11 a.m.-noon. There will be games, light snacks, and a countdown to noon.
Later in the night, there are a bunch of parties big and small planned across Arlington. For those looking to pay their respects to Clarendon Ballroom, its last night in operation will be for its New Years Eve Gala — fitting, given the venue opened on the same day twenty years ago.
On Columbia Pike, The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant will celebrate with the local band Down Wilson,
In Crystal City, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, an all-out casino night is planned until 3 a.m. Close by, Freddie’s Beach Bar has two parties planned — a drag show on New Year’s Eve, and then a New Year’s Day champagne brunch the following morning. For a more relaxed vibe, McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant is offering a three-course dinner to ring in the new year for $30.
This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.
Let us show you the best spots to eat in Clarendon!
Today, our team members take you on a culinary tour of the Clarendon neighborhood in Arlington, showing you 4 of our favorite eateries in the area. These awesome spots all offer tasty food and drink, and the variety of atmospheres means that you’ll surely find a place to suit your style, no matter what!
Did we miss your favorite place to eat in Clarendon? Let us know your favorite Clarendon restaurant in the comments — we’d love to check it out!
Are you interested in moving closer to some of this tasty fare? Contact The Keri Shull Team today to learn how we can help you find your dream home, for a price that you’ll love — whether it’s in Clarendon, or any of the other unique neighborhoods in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia!
Do you know anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the DMV? We’d love for you to introduce us! Click here to contact us today.
Cyclist struck near Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Cyclist struck near Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Cyclist struck near Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Cyclist struck near Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Cyclist struck near Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Cyclist struck near Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) A cyclist was struck by a driver at the intersection of Wilson Blvd and 10th Street N., near Clarendon., Friday morning.
Initial reports suggest the cyclist had severe injuries, including head trauma. The crash was first radioed in around 10:30 a.m. by a police officer who was on a traffic stop nearby.
The bicycle could be seen under a black Jeep on the west side of the intersection, in front of the Speedway gas station. A bike rack with a PeopleForBikes sticker could be seen on the back of the Jeep.
The victim was rushed via ambulance to a local trauma center.
“The cyclist was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries,” Arlington County Police spokeswoman Ashley Savage confirmed. “The driver of the striking vehicle remained on scene. The investigation is ongoing.”
The intersection was partially closed by police but reopened as of 11:30 a.m., after detectives documented the scene.
Police said later Friday afternoon that the driver will face a traffic charge in the crash.
“[The driver] was cited with failure to yield,” said Savage. “The cyclist’s injuries are considered non-life threatening.”
A six-foot menorah will be lit in Clarendon next week in celebration of Hanukkah.
This year, the Jewish holiday begins at sunset on Sunday (Dec. 22) and ends on Monday, Dec. 30.
The Light Up Arlington event will take place in Clarendon Central Park (3140 Wilson Blvd) on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25 — also known as Christmas Day. Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, the lighting of the menorah will begin at 6 p.m.
Hot potato latkes will be served, and traditional chocolate gelt and dreidels will be given out. The event is free to attend, and there will be a live musical performance.
The following evening, the same organization plans to host a Hanukkah festival in Old Town, Alexandria, where they will similarly light a giant menorah.
A “verbal dispute” led to a late night stabbing in Clarendon over the weekend.
The incident happened on the 3100 block of Clarendon Blvd, in the heart of the neighborhood’s nightlife district, around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Police say a large group of people were leaving a restaurant when officers found a victim who had been stabbed multiple times. A 33-year-old Alexandria man was subsequently arrested and charged with the stabbing.
Police say an argument led to the violence. The victim suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover.
More from an Arlington County Police crime report:
MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2019-12150013, 3100 block of Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 12:31 a.m. on December 15, officers working the Nightlife Detail responded to assist with dispersing a large group of people exiting a business, when they encountered a victim who was suffering from multiple lacerations. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the victim and suspect were engaged in a verbal dispute, which escalated when the suspect allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times. Arriving officers located the suspect and took him into custody without incident. The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious, but non life-threatening injuries. Theodore Li, 33, of Alexandria, Va., was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding.
3185 Wilson Boulevard, before it was Clarendon Ballroom
Arlington’s small business ‘listening session’ at Clarendon Ballroom in 2011
7. Valets outside Clarendon Ballroom in 2010
(Updated on 12/13/19)Clarendon Ballroom will be closing after one last New Year’s Eve Bash on Dec. 31.
The long-time Clarendon nightlife venue announced via social media Wednesday night that it will be shutting down for good after ringing in the new year (and the new decade).
“It has been our pleasure to be part of the Clarendon community for the last 20 years,” the business said on Instagram. “This area has changed a great deal since we first saw a furniture and fabric store built in the 1930’s as a Woolworth Department store and thought that it would make an excellent music and events venue.”
The Ballroom was perhaps best known as a live music venue and a nightclub with a popular rooftop, but it was also a private event venue that hosted everything from weddings to ceremonies to community events.
Peter Pflug, one of the owners of the Ballroom, declined to give a reason for its closure.
“For now we are not commenting further than the fact that we are closing,” Pflug told ARLnow. “Instead we are focusing on making the last weeks fun and memorable.”
The business appears to be preparing to auction off its gear in early January.
“Iconic night club is shutting its doors and making a complete liquidation,” says a page on a local auction company’s website. “Audio equipment, very large kitchen, catering equipment, several bars & much more. Arlington, VA local pickup only.”
More on the closure from the Instagram post:
To our Clients, Vendors, Patrons, and Friends:
After over 19 years in business, the Clarendon Ballroom will be closing in January. Our 20th New Year’s Eve Bash on December 31st, 2019 will be the last night that we are open for business.
It has been our pleasure to be part of the Clarendon community for the last 20 years. This area has changed a great deal since we first saw a furniture and fabric store built in the 1930’s as a Woolworth Department store and thought that it would make an excellent music and events venue.
A big thank you to all of the special event clients, nightclub patrons, vendors, and most of all, the staff (seems like a poor word – after you work with the same people for 20 years, you feel much more like family) that joined us and supported us in this adventure.
To go out with a bang, we have planned a couple special closing events leading up to our New Year’s Eve Bash. Please come out and help us say goodbye:
On December 27th, one of the greatest bands to every play the room, Mr. Greengenes, is playing a final show for us. Please see Here for details and start resting up now!
On December 28th, our House DJ and the man responsible for way too many legendary nights, DJ Lil Fos is playing with some of his other DJs, so you can show off your dance moves on the floor one last time (No cover for this show). And if you really want to say goodbye the way it all began–our first night open to the public was New Year’s Eve in 2000–get your tickets now for our big gala. We will be featuring an awesome band–Liquid A–and DJ Lil Fos. This one has sold out every year for 19 years, and we hope you can join us, so get your tickets now.
Thank you again for helping us become a part of the community, and we hope you come see us before our “last call.”
To mark the one year anniversary of that nationally-reported piece of uniquely Arlington local news (and as the first in a series of ARLnow merch we’re offering in time for the holidays this year) we have a new t-shirt for your online shopping pleasure.
Show your local pride and get the shirt today from Amazon, with either a black or a white logo.
We’ll get a few bucks from your purchase but more importantly you’ll get a novelty t-shirt that only about a half dozen other people will truly understand. Happy holidays from ARLnow!
East West Coffee and Wine, now open in Clarendon (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
East West Coffee and Wine, now open in Clarendon (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
East West Coffee and Wine, now open in Clarendon (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
East West Coffee and Wine, now open in Clarendon (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 5:45 p.m.) A new cafe and bar is now open in Clarendon.
“East West Coffee and Wine” opened last week at 3101 Wilson Blvd, serving tapas, coffee, wine, and more. It joins a bevy of other coffee shops — including chain locations and indie cafes — in the Clarendon area.
According to permits, East West has a seating capacity of up to 65 inside. In warmer months, the restaurant will have seating for up to 34 guests outside.
“I’m excited to see returning customers already, and some people who showed up on Monday and Tuesday were already back on Wednesday,” owner Mehmet Coskun tells ARLnow.
Coffee selections include nitro cold brews, espresso drinks including cortados, and more. Its food menu features small-plate tapas, include muhammara, which Coskun describes as hot pepper dip made from “feta cheese, walnuts, red peppers, and garlic.” The cafe also offers a brunch menu available only on weekend mornings.
It’s the second location for East West. The first location, formerly known as Central Coffee Bar, opened two years ago in Rosslyn (1901 N. Moore Street). It rebranded recently as “East West Coffee and Wine” to match the new location.
Plans are already in the works for a third East West location, which is listed as “Coming Soon” to Tysons.
