Recent management changes at an affordable housing complex bought with Amazon’s money followed months of advocacy and frustration from both tenants and county officials.
Last month, complaints led Washington Housing Conservancy, the property owner, to install a new management company to support ongoing changes at the Crystal House 1 and 2 buildings at 1900 and 2000 S. Eads Street. The shift didn’t come easily, however.
After 20 years at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, the beloved Columbia Pike venue’s owners are passing the torch to the business’s longtime manager.
Pete Fejeran, who has managed the comedy club and theater at 2903 Columbia Pike for the past 12 years, has taken ownership alongside his wife Kathryn McAbee. Former owners Tim Clark and Greg Godbout are stepping down to pursue “other opportunities,” Fejeran said.
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
Many of you have asked about best practices when it comes to buying a new condominium. Some of us only want new and are willing to pay a premium for the best in current design. There are several recommendations and insights here that will help you get what you want.
First decide what type of condominium you need… size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking needs, or separate office, followed by a list of wants such as level of building service, amenities on-site, space for dining for six, balcony, open floor plan, and natural light. (Here she goes again.) Not to be sexist about it, but females generally are better shoppers and come with a preconceived set of non-negotiables.
Identify the areas you would consider living, such as Arlington or Old Town… but not wanting to go as far as Tysons, Reston, or DC. People don’t buy condominiums in places they aren’t familiar with or already spend time in, unless relocating entirely. Many upcoming communities put up signage and a website first which makes early interest hyperlocal. Register as a VIP on the website early and you will get regular communication, time to consider the offering, and learn when pre-sale will begin.
Once open, come early in pre-sale. You’ll get the pick of the litter. This is particularly important if you want something larger and are interested in the best views. Prospects are smart and pick the best floorplans first. If you have some idea of your ideal size and price point it makes good use of everyone’s time. Once you make a selection, expect to leave a 10% deposit as this is pretty standard in the industry. The developer generally has their own contract and it’s written much in their favor but not unreasonably so. Pricing this early is usually not negotiable… the price is the price. But you can purchase with some confidence since all buyers are getting the same terms and the developer has a shared interest in protecting values through delivery while sales are ongoing.
You do not need to be fully qualified for financing to come out and look but it’s wise to have some idea of what you can afford. Most builders give incentives for paying cash or using their title company and lenders. Often your contract might even offer a short financing contingency in exchange for considering them.
Once firmly under contract, a buyer might have 12- 18 months to prepare for the move. How blissful. This is one of the best parts of buying early in pre-sale. Moving is daunting, especially if you have been in your current homes for 30 years and the thought of moving seems excruciating. Decide what to take, sell/donate, and hire a proper interior designer to space plan and create a unique home that reflects your tastes. All with the time to do it properly.
Something to note. Finishes have gotten more high end, brands carry weight, and there is less customization offered these days. Gone are the days of going to a design center. If you know you are getting a Sub Zero refrigerator included you probably won’t ask if there are other options available. (more…)
A 27-year-old Arlington man has been accused of assaulting a kid, threatening him and two other kids with a gun, and then trying to disarm an officer while getting arrested.
The alleged drunken incident happened Saturday afternoon near the Barcroft Apartments along Columbia Pike.
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.
Clarendon-born smoothie, acai and juice chain South Block has announced a new president as it rolls out national expansion plans.
Restaurant industry veteran Steve Heeley will guide South Block through its next chapter alongside founding CEO Amir Mostafavi, the company announced in a press release last week.
We’re excited to announce the opening of our second location in Arlington, VA! ❤️
📍 Opening June 1st
Planned cuts to federal funding for Medicaid, food assistance and other safety net programs have Arlington leaders turning to state officials for help.
At a meeting with county staff and County Board members last week, Arlington’s state delegates said they expect to return to Richmond in September to address cuts at the federal level.
Del. Patrick Hope and one of his challengers in the Democratic primary are at odds over how new legislation on historic preservation will impact housing.
Arjoon Srikanth, who is facing Hope (D-1) in the June 17 primary, argued that legislation enacted last year will hold up development plans designed to meet housing goals.
An Arlington review board focused on historic significance has unanimously voted against supporting a redevelopment proposal at the Inn of Rosslyn site.
Noting a lack of architectural resemblance to what currently stands there, the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) voted 13-0 last week against a planned project at 1601 Fairfax Drive.
Fire in Arlington Mill — “Units responded to and quickly extinguished a fire in an apartment on the 5100 block of 8th Rd S. No injuries to firefighters or occupants. Fire Marshal will be investigating the cause.” [ACFD/X]
Robbery Near Columbia Pike — “The male victim was outside in the 900 block of S. Dinwiddie Street when 4-5 male suspects approached him, physically assaulted him and stole and undisclosed amount of cash. One of the suspects struck the victim with a bottle, causing a laceration. The victim ran from the scene and police were notified. The victim sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.” [ACPD]
Crash on Route 50 — “A crash around 9 p.m. [Monday] on Route 50E at Edison in Arlington County. Injuries not initially reported as serious.” [Dave Statter/X]
Alexandria Bans Gas Blowers — “Alexandria City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Saturday (May 17) banning gas-powered leaf blowers, making Alexandria the first jurisdiction in Virginia to enact such a prohibition. The ban follows years of community advocacy and comes after an August 2024 opinion from Virginia’s Attorney General confirming the city’s authority to regulate these devices through its noise ordinance.” [ALXnow]
Dem Lt. Gov. Candidates — “They all promise to “fight” or “stand up” to President Donald Trump. All want to spend more on education, protect abortion access, increase the minimum wage and restore voting rights for people who have completed felony sentences. The six candidates vying to become the Democratic nominee for Virginia lieutenant governor in a June 17 primary agree on so many top-line issues that voters might wonder: Why are so many running, and what are the differences that could help decide the race?” [Washington Post]
It’s Tuesday — There is a slight chance of showers in the afternoon with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 73, accompanied by winds shifting to the southeast at 5 to 9 mph. Tuesday night, expect showers, with an 80% chance of precipitation, a low around 58, and south winds at 7 mph turning east after midnight. New rainfall amounts could fall between a quarter and half an inch. [NWS]
By SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump paid tribute to fallen service members during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, in an address that honored the “great, great warriors” yet also briefly veered into politics as he boasted of a nation he is “fixing after a long and hard four years.”
