Crystal City

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Young buck (deer) in backyard (Flickr pool photo by Lisa Novak)

Vornado Scraps Development Proposals — Ahead of the closing of its merger with JBG, Vornado has indefinitely put on hold a number of development proposals, including: all but one building of its proposed RiverHouse development in Pentagon City; a revamp of the shops at 1750 Crystal Drive that was to include a new 12-screen multiplex; and a pair of retail pavilions at 2101 and 2201 Crystal Drive. [Washington Business Journal]

Arlington a ‘Best City’ to Go Car-Free — According to a new list in Forbes, Arlington County is one of the top 25 U.S. cities for one to live without a car. Arlington was also one of nine places whose walkable neighborhoods were profiled in the magazine. [Forbes]

Video of Apartment Fire — The weekend fire at the Serrano apartments on Columbia Pike was caught on video. The dramatic video shows firefighters arriving and starting to douse the flames with water. [Statter 911]

‘Star’ Renewed for Second Season — Fox has renewed ‘Star’ for a second season. One of the stars of the series is Washington-Lee High School grad Brittany O’Grady. [Deadline Hollywood]

‘Taming of the Shrew’ Review — A review of Synetic Theater’s new production of Taming of the Shrew says the physical theater performance “speaks colorful volumes” despite the lack of dialogue. [Broadway World]

Leadership Change at Community Foundation — Arlington Community Foundation Executive Director Wanda Pierce is stepping down next month after eight years of leading the local nonprofit.

Flickr pool photo by Lisa Novak

Lafayette Federal Credit Union: Banking with a Difference

Lafayette 1-825

Buying your first car or home? Refinancing or retiring? Lafayette Federal Credit Union will be your financial partner for all of these milestones.

Since 1935, Lafayette Federal has been catering to families and businesses worldwide, offering a wide range of financial products and services that prove the difference between a community-oriented credit union and a traditional multi-branch bank.

“We are member-owned, not-for-profit and community minded,” said Marilyn Wagner, Vice President, Marketing for Lafayette Federal. “Every decision made, every new product and every service introduced is based on what is best for our community. Being a not-for-profit organization allows us to pass savings along to you, which in turn is good for your wallet.”

Those new to the credit union concept are welcome to talk to a Lafayette Federal representative at any time to discuss the benefits of membership. One major benefit is lower rates on residential mortgages, credit cards, and auto and boat loans. There are other advantages, as well as free cutting-edge mobile banking, free rewards credit cards and eight locations, including three in Northern Virginia.

For those living and working in Arlington, the road to achieving your financial goals begins with a visit to the new Crystal City branch, located on the ground floor of the 2231 Crystal Drive building.

The Crystal City location is a full-service branch and can assist members with all of Lafayette Federal’s products and services. The branch also has an ATM on-site and across the street.

Start your Lafayette Credit relationship by visiting the Crystal City branch or by contacting Branch Manager, Veronika Memetova at 240-485-9312 or [email protected].

The preceding post was sponsored by Lafayette Federal Credit Union and written by Buzz McClain. 

New Apartment Building Proposed in Crystal City

By Tim Regan
1/5

A new apartment building could rise from a lot in Crystal City.

Crystal House Apartments Investors filed a preliminary site plan for an infill development that would construct a new apartment building called “Crystal House III” near the corner of S. Eads Street and 18th Street. The proposed construction site is adjacent to the existing Crystal House apartment buildings, which are two 12-story residential towers that were built in 1961.

Under the proposed plan, the developer would build a new five-story building on a parking lot next to those towers with 252 new residential units. The plan also calls for a two-level underground parking lot with space for 424 vehicles and the construction of a new public park, streetscape improvements and public art.

“Through the proposed development, the applicant will be providing new residential units in a building with high-quality architecture and within walking distance to many community amenities, such as the Crystal City Metro station, Pentagon City Mall and 23rd Street retail businesses,” the filing reads.

The new filing is a revision of a former plan that called for the construction of two four-story residential buildings and a parking garage. That was never built, however.

The proposal is listed as preliminary, pending a final filing, on the Arlington County projects and planning website.

Second photo via Google Maps

Flying Dumpster Lid Smashes Windshield of Metrobus

By ARLnow.com

Metrobus and fire department vehicle (file photo)The strong winds Monday morning caused a frightening moment for a Metrobus driver in the Crystal City area.

The incident happened around 10 a.m. on S. Eads Street at 22nd Street S.

“The lid of a trash dumpster that was being pushed down the street was blown open by the wind striking the windshield of a Metrobus,” a Metro spokesman told ARLnow.com. “The bus operator was treated on site for minor injuries due to broken glass.”

The bus was not in service at the time and no other passengers were reported to be on the bus.

File photo

Crystal City Chick-Fil-A to Hold ‘Daddy-Daughter Princess Night’

By Tim Regan

Photo via Chick-Fil-AFathers and daughters will have a chance to strengthen their bond over chicken sandwiches and waffle fries during an upcoming event in Crystal City.

The Chick-fil-A at 2200 Crystal Drive is slated to hold a pre-Valentine’s Day “Daddy-Daughter Princess Night” on Monday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m. The event is an annual sit-down meal held at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country.

“We know how important it is to have special moments with your princess and we want to help make this pre-Valentines day one of those special moments,” the Arlington location said on its website. “Let us help make this a lifetime memory.”

Customers interested in attending must reserve a table no later than today, Feb. 6, by calling the restaurant at 703-415-7815. The meal lasts approximately 40 minutes.

“Daddy-Daughter Princess Night” isn’t the only family event the eatery has held. Chick-fil-A’s locations in Ballston and Crystal City also hosted medieval-themed mother-son “date knights” in 2013, for instance.

Photo via Chick-fil-A

Photos: Crystal Couture in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com
1/24

Crystal Couture is back for another year.

The annual fashion show and sale in Crystal City kicked off last night on the sixth floor of 2200 Crystal Drive. The event features models walking the catwalk, showing off the work of local designers. There is a bar, a DJ, numerous boutiques and free make-up and hair makeovers.

Thursday night’s event was hosted by media personality Sarah Fraser. Friday’s show will run from 5-10 p.m. and will be hosted by television personality Paul Wharton, while Saturday’s event will run from 2-10 p.m. and will be emceed by radio host Tommy McFly.

Crystal Couture is free to attend.

Podcast: Angela Fox of the Crystal City BID

By ARLnow.com

Crystal City BID CEO Angela Fox at the BID's annual meeting. Photo by Joy Asico (www.asicophoto.com)Angela Fox, the president and CEO of the Crystal City Business Improvement District, joined us on this week’s 26 Square Miles podcast.

The BID was formed about 10 years ago and charged with “reinventing” Crystal City, changing perceptions about one of the area’s biggest business districts and creating experiences that make it a more dynamic place to live, work and play.

That was not an easy task, especially when half the jobs in the area were set to pick up and leave due to BRAC. We asked Angie about how the BID tackled that challenge, what kind of events it’s hosting this year, and about the changes to Crystal City that could be coming soon.

Also discussed: the Crystal Couture fashion show and sale that’s happening in Crystal City this weekend.

Listen below or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn.

Arlington County Considering Housing for Artists

By ARLnow.com

Four Mile Run Valley arts area concept sketch (via Arlington County)Arlington County is scheduled to hold a series of focus groups on the housing needs of artists next week.

The public discussion will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 8 and will be led by Minneapolis-based Artspace, a nonprofit that “uses the tools of real estate development to create affordable, appropriate places where artists can live and work.”

“The conversation with arts, community, and business leaders will focus on the potential for artist housing in a variety of neighborhoods in Arlington,” according to a web page for the event. “The visit will assess the viability of arts-related programming for selected sites.”

There are four areas being considered for arts-related development: Virginia Square, Columbia Pike, the Four Mile Run Valley/Shirlington area, and the 23rd Street S. commercial district in Crystal City.

The $20,000 cost of the feasibility study is being paid for by the nonprofit Arlington Foundation for Arts and Innovation, according to the county, but at this point no final decision has been made as to whether to move forward with artist housing facilities in Arlington.

“By convening a broad-based conversation among community leaders, Artspace hopes to stimulate serious, forward looking dialog on the needs of Arlington’s creative community, including affordable housing for art teachers, music instructors and working artists,” said the county. “This is simply a conversation to explore the range and feasibility of arts-related uses broadly in and within a handful of specific neighborhoods.”

“If the results of the initial feasibility study are positive, Artspace may be engaged to conduct a Phase II study which offers a deeper dive into the needs of the community,” the county explained. “AFAI has indicated that it will fund the Phase II study if the results of the original feasibility study warrant it.”

The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 8, at the Arlington Economic Development offices at 1100 N. Glebe Road, 15th floor. Anybody is welcome to attend.

Deal of the Day: BOGO VIP Tickets to Crystal Couture

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Crystal Couture

Crystal Couture is always free to attend and shop amazing designer discounts, but bargain-savvy shoppers can upgrade to the Crystal Couture VIP ticket for an enhanced show and sale experience.

Ticket holders receive an exclusive VIP gift bag, $20 of Couture Cash to spend at any retailer at Crystal Couture, and access to an open bar serving beer and wine (valid during VIP hours on Saturday from 2-6 p.m. only).

The Crystal Couture VIP ticket is $20 online and $25 at the door (if available), but through today’s ARLnow Deal of the Day, you can get a ticket for your shopping buddy, spouse, or partner for FREE with the purchase of your own ticket.

Be sure to purchase your tickets now — this deal is only available through Friday evening!

Note: VIP status is only valid during VIP hours on Saturday, February 4 from 2-6 p.m. VIP status is not required to attend and shop during VIP hours.

(more…)

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Cannon at the Clarendon war memorial

Gov. Announces New Jobs for Arlington — Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) has announced that Vorsight, a “sales effectiveness” tech firm in Rosslyn, will be expanding its corporate headquarters, creating 112 new jobs in Arlington. [Governor of Virginia]

New Apartments in Crystal City/Pentagon City — More than 1,100 new apartments opened in the Crystal City and Pentagon City area in 2016. More than 3,000 additional apartments are in the development pipeline. [Bisnow]

History of Churches in Arlington — Arlington’s first church was the Chapel of Ease of Arlington Plantation, built in 1825 by George Washington Parke Custis. The church was located near what is now the Sheraton hotel at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Orme Street. It was burned by union troops during the Civil War. [Falls Church News-Press]

JUST IN: Bomb Squad Investigating Suspicious Packages at Americana Hotel

By ARLnow.com

Bomb squad called to incident at Yorktown High School (file photo)Arlington’s bomb squad is on scene at the Americana Hotel in Crystal City for a suspicious package investigation.

Police requested the bomb squad respond to the hotel, at 1400 Jefferson Davis Highway, just before 5:45 p.m. to investigate several suspicious packages. Additional fire department units were requested to the scene around 6 p.m.

Police were initially called to the hotel for a suspicious person.

“There was a report [that a] male subject was acting suspiciously,” Arlington County Police Department spokeswoman Ashley Savage told ARLnow.com. “He had left the scene prior to police arrival.”

The man “left some packages behind in a hotel room,” Savage said. “In an abundance of caution, the ACFD Bomb Squad is going to investigate the packages.”

Update at 7:20 p.m. — The scene has been cleared, police said via Twitter.

File photo

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