Breathing New Life into 2025 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington Virginia

Hello Northern Virginia development professionals! Do you remember the vacant Wendy's lot at 2025 Clarendon Blvd? Well, on March 19th, 2022, the Arlington country board approved Greystar's application for the redevelopment of this lot into a 16-story residential and retail mixed-use building! Today we are taking a deep dive into the challenges faced by this project, including public opposition, engineering challenges, and constructability concerns. We will also uncover what makes this project an overall net positive for the Courthouse Arlington neighborhood. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's get started!

Confronting Challenges Head-On

As with any project, the journey to develop 2025 Clarendon Blvd hasn't been without its challenges. But that's where our industry shines brightest - solving problems and making the impossible possible. Here's a look at the hurdles they've faced and the innovative solutions crafted.

Development Oppositions

This project site was previously approved to be turned into a commercial office building in 2015. However, when that project's funding fell through, Greystar proposed a residential-focused mix-use development instead. This was met with resistance from the board, stating that the Courthouse neighborhood was primarily a hub for business offices. However, the developers convinced the board that Courthouse/Rosslyn neighborhoods have already achieved critical mass in office buildings. They also offered the board multiple concessions including affordable housing guarantees, a new public open space, and LEED gold certification construction!

Engineering/Architectural Conundrums

To provide the county with over 1400 sqft of public open space while maximizing the space available for residential units. The Structural engineers, SK&A, had to design a 50' setback with about a 30' overhead clearance. A massive amount of engineering effort had to be used to ensure that the cantilever beam was designed correctly. It was also the landscape architect's (Land Design) responsibility to ensure that the public space created by this effort was useable and would provide a benefit to society.

Constructability Quandaries

John Moriarty & Associates are the general contractors in charge of construction. As of May 2023, the project is currently forming its foundation. The site is on the corner of two busy roads, access to the project site is difficult, and there is little to no room for staging material. As with most in-fill development projects, subcontractors bidding on this project should have experience working in tight spaces and be able to anticipate upcoming work to coordinate material deliveries. Moriarty has a difficult but rewarding challenge in front of them.

Will 2025 Clarendon Blvd be Successful?

This proposed apartment complex focuses on creating a strong sense of community, offering a variety of amenities catering to diverse needs. It's a chance for architects and developers to create spaces that foster connection, health, and well-being. In this section, we will look at the aspects of this project that will make it successful.

Location: A Dream Spot for Urban Living

The Courthouse/Rosslyn neighborhood is transforming from office-centric to a mixed-use of living, entertainment, and business. The proposed 16-story apartment complex at 2025 Clarendon Blvd is a fantastic opportunity to further develop the neighborhood into a destination rather than a location. The project is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and walking trails desirable to many residents. It is also less than 2-blocks away from the Court House Metro station. The development will provide residents and the neighborhood with public open areas to gather and provide 700+ sqft of commercial space. It's a win-win for both the community and development professionals!

Sustainability: The Future of Construction

To win the bonus density granted to the project, Greystar has agreed to obtain a LEED Gold certification and an Energy Star score of 75 on this building. The county currently holds a bond of over $700,000 to ensure that LEED Gold and Energy Star conditions are met. These requirements pressure John Moriarty & Associates to ensure sustainable construction practices are followed. It also requires the Architect, Cooper Carry, to deploy energy consultants to develop energy-efficient designs while maintaining constructability. It's a fantastic opportunity for architects, engineers, and contractors to flex their creative muscles and push the boundaries of what's possible in residential construction.

The Journey Ahead: Full Steam Toward Success

As the proposed apartment complex at 2025 Clarendon Blvd moves forward, it's an exciting time for both Arlington County and the multifamily development industry. With its strategic positioning, sustainable design features, and diverse living spaces, this development presents a golden opportunity for construction professionals to demonstrate their prowess and contribute to reshaping urban living.

Stay tuned for future updates on this local Arlington project!