Arlington (Alexandria) County before the development of the 1920s and ‘30s. (via Library of Congress)
Lyon’s Legacy is a limited-run opinion column on the history of housing in Arlington. The views expressed are solely the author’s.
Lyon’s Legacy was a series that ran for the last four months on ARLnow, telling a story of the history of housing and racism in Arlington, and putting forward a suggestion for one way we could end the regime of economic exclusion that has dominated most of our county for the last century. As the series ran, some eagle-eyed readers kindly identified a few mistakes in the historical research.
Arlington County Fire Department in training (courtesy of Arlington County Fire Department)
Over 13 years ago, Arlington’s fire and police departments first teamed up to better address active shooter situations.
Since then, their partnership — called the Rescue Task Force — has become the standard for when police and fire personnel respond together to high-threat situations, according to The National Fire Protection Association. The departments’ model was even adopted for the 2012 London Olympics.
Address:989 S Buchanan Street #416 Neighborhood: Barcroft Type: 1 BR, 1 BA condo – 576 sq. ft. Listed: $349,900
Noteworthy: A contemporary condo that blends style, efficiency and convenience.
Welcome to Trafalgar Flats, where value doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Built in 2019, this one-bedroom, one-bath condo includes contemporary finishes, washer and dryer in-unit, and garage parking. With a low condo fee ($290/Month), that means more financial freedom to enjoy the multiple shopping centers, dining options and entertainment close by.
Greeted by over-sized windows, natural light fills the open concept layout and soaring 10 ft. ceilings. The galley kitchen features updated cabinetry and hardware. The stainless steel appliances include a double-door fridge with ice maker, standard-size stove and dishwasher. The modern aesthetics continue into the full bath with a stand-up shower and plenty of storage.
Trafalgar Flats’ amenities package meets modern creature comforts. The fitness center is equipped with multiple cardio and weight lifting machines, making for no excuse to not work out. The expansive picnic area is a great space to grill-out and host during warm weather.
Situated in the heart of South Arlington, the property is centrally located among multiple retail centers, restaurants and recreation. Step right out the door to enjoy the W&OD Trail, Four Mile Run Trail, and multiple county parks. Take advantage of the plethora of programs at Arlington Mill and Barcroft Community Centers. Just a short drive to Shirlington & Bailey’s Crossroads for all your dining and shopping needs.
A Tacombi taqueria location in New York City (courtesy of Tacombi)
(Updated 10:35 a.m.) Tacombi, a New York City-based taqueria chain, is expected to open in Crystal City in a couple of months.
The new spot will be located in the revamped Central District Retail shopping plaza, also known as “Crystal Square.” This recently redone property at 1550 Crystal Drive, owned by JBG Smith, has attracted a number of other retail options that have opened already or are set to open over the course of the year.
Mental health shapes how we lead, love, work, parent, communicate, and show up in the world—yet too often, these conversations stay hidden.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, join local nonprofit Rock Recovery for Strength Not Stigma—an unforgettable evening of honest conversation, community, and impact.
Construction progress in Pentagon City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Mystery Disease Still Killing Songbirds — “Jennifer Toussaint, chief of animal control in Arlington, Virginia, can’t forget the four baby blue jays. In late May, worried residents had delivered the fledglings to her clinic just outside of Washington, D.C., within just a few hours. Each was plump, indicating ‘their parents had done a great job caring for them,’ Toussaint says. But the birds were lethargic, unable to keep their balance, and blinded by crusty, oozing patches that had grown over their eyes…. Since May, when the illness was first recognized in and around Washington, D.C., researchers have documented hundreds of cases in at least a dozen species of birds in nine eastern and midwestern states. ” [Science Magazine, InsideNova, Fox News]
Plaque to Honor Breast Health Fund’s Namesake — “The Arlington Free Clinic (AFC) on July 7 held a plaque unveiling to celebrate the life of Sharon McGowan, an Arlington mother of seven who died at age 45 after battling breast cancer, and to mark the transfer of a fund in her name supporting breast health… The fund supports mammograms and biopsies for uninsured patients (including those AFC serves) fighting breast cancer in Northern Virginia.” [Sun Gazette]
A collaborative Summer Solstice gathering hosted by Inner Seasons and Spiritual Enhancements.
The Summer Solstice marks the peak of the sun’s power, the moment in the Wheel of the Year when light is at its fullest expression. In many traditions, this is the season of radiance, visibility, and creative fire. It is the time when nature stands unapologetically in her fullness, inviting us to do the same.
Peter Golkin at work, on Hootsuite, in his office (courtesy of Peter Golkin)
Arlingtonians may not know Peter Golkin by name, but many have likely seen his tweets.
Golkin is a spokesman for the Arlington Department of Environmental Services, or, as he considers himself, “a 21st century town crier, but without the bell.”
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)
Someone tried to steal a man’s dog Tuesday night in Shirlington.
The attempted robbery happened around 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Campbell Avenue and S. Quincy Street, on the eastern end of Shirlington Village.
Billy's Deli/Cafe is now open in Cherrydale (courtesy of Bill Hamrock)
Those who missed Billy’s Cheesesteaks in Cherrydale for the last year and a half can now get a taste of those sandwiches again.
Two weeks ago, Bill Hamrock — the old sandwich stop’s namesake and former co-owner — opened Billy’s Deli/Cafe at 3907 Lee Highway, the same spot where he opened Billy’s Cheesesteaks in 2011.
Co-owners Danny Lee and Scott Drewno (Photo courtesy of CHIKO).
A popular D.C.-based Chinese and Korean restaurant is coming to Shirlington later this year.
Chiko is set to open in the fall at 4040 Campbell Avenue, in the heart of Shirlington Village. It’s moving into the former location of DAK Chicken, which closed last summer.
Apartment buildings that make up The Highlands development (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
The average square footage of an Arlington apartment appears to be increasing, according to a new study from RENTCafé.
Among 92 cities and jurisdictions, more than one-third are building bigger apartments now than they did five to 10 years ago, according to the website, which follows trends in the apartment market. And Arlington County had the seventh largest jump in unit size between 2016 and 2021.
