Ballston Quarter Project Approved
The Ballston Quarter redevelopment project received unanimous approval from the Arlington County Board on Tuesday, November 17
th! Over the past several months, the Ballston Quarter developer, Forest City, worked through an intensive planning process before presenting the final plan to the Arlington County Board. The project experienced many positive changes throughout the process. Included in the three site plans that were approved by the County Board are open-air, public gathering places; a remodeled interior; activated stree
 tscape with street-entry stores and restaurants; enhanced vertical circulation and connectivit
 y throughout the entire development; and a new residential tower at the Randolph Street entrance to the current mall. The design of Ballston Quarter will be transformative for the Ballston neighborhood; enhancing the retail component of our community in a unique way. The desired retail mix of stores, restaurants and entertainment venues will be a blend of national-brand names and curated local retailers. Ballston Quarter will truly be a shopping destination for the immediate community and the region as a whole.
In addition to approval of the site plan, the Arlington County Board also approved a Letter of Intent to explore entering into a public-private partnership with the developer, Forest City. Under this partnership, the County would provide funding assistance through Community Development Authority bonds. These funds would not exist but for this partnership's support of the project and will be paid back by Forest City from incremental tax dollars over time. The County's investments will be used to improve the County owned public parking garage a
 nd public infrastructure improvements surrounding the development.
Construction is planned to begin in June of 2016 with completion in early 2018. There are a number of retailers that will remain open during the construction process to include Macy's, Regal Cinema, CVS, Sport & Health, Kettler Capitals IcePlex, and Capitol One.
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Every business has a need for design, printing, promotional products, signage, and more. In Ballston, Minuteman Press is the place to go for branding and marketing needs. They have called Ballston home for the past fifteen years and can do it all. With 20 professionals on staff that boast specialties in printing, graphic design, marketing, communications and branding, they are a one-stop-shop. Minuteman Press aims to provide each customer with the highest-quality products and services possible in a timely fashion and at a competitive price. So if you or your company is looking for branding and identity consulting, graphic design assistance, promotional products or printing your next marketing campaign - look no further than Minuteman Press in Ballston!
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Minds
Our very own Allie Krafft was recently promoted- learn a little more about one of the great minds on our BID team!
Q: What do you do for the Ballston BID?
A: As Communications Manager, I handle our strategic communications with our main stakeholders, as well as the general public. My daily duties include managing our social media accounts, website, mobile app and community relationships. I recently took on a more prominent role with our events and programs, which I am very excited about, as I look forward to bring more activities to the neighborhood for our employees to enjoy.
Q: What are you currently working on that is cool and new for Ballston?
A: I am currently working on an interactive directory for Ballston. This is something that has never been done before where users will be able to go inside buildings, view 3D models and explore all of Ballston's amenities using a mapping tool on our website. Once launched in the new year- this will be a powerful tool to attract new companies and support businesses already in Ballston.
Q: What is your favorite Ballston lunch spot and why?
A: My favorite lunch spot is Sweetgreen. I don't know how they make eating healthy SO yummy, but they never seem to disappoint. I get excited for their new seasonal salads that the come out every couple of months.
Q: What is your favorite "hidden gem" in Ballston?
A: The Axon Xylophone Bridge art installation in the 9
th street pedestrian bridge. If you haven't walked through this bridge at night- you are missing out. This installation pairs light and sound that responds directly to pedestrians using the bridge. This installation was part of our Public Displays of Innovation and since it was such a big hit we have extended it through the end of 2016!
Q: Where is your favorite outdoor space in Ballston?
A: My favorite outdoor space would be Welburn Square- especially in the summer time. It's a great place to enjoy your lunch from all the restaurants and food trucks on N. Stuart Street (that you can find daily using our BallstonConnect mobile app)!
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Meet
It is not too late to join in on the fun at SER Restaurant tonight for the 4
th Annual Holiday Cheer on Tap! Each year we partner with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce to throw a fun, holiday filled happy hour to kick-off the season. You'll enjoy drinks and appetizers while rubbing elbows with fellow local business and community leaders--all included with your paid registration at the door of $30. Like all great holiday parties, there will a number of give-a-ways and raffle prizes for guests to get excited about - including an official Washington Capitals TJ Oshie Hockey Stick. We look forward to seeing everyone tonight at SER Restaurant for delicious food, drink and a little Cheer on Tap!
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