The plaza at Ballston Quarter in 2022 (courtesy of Chris Chern)
Arlington retail centers may soon be able to play movies and commercial messaging on large outdoor screens.
A proposed zoning ordinance change, unanimously recommended by Arlington’s Planning Commission on Wednesday, would affect six commercial areas in Pentagon City, Clarendon, Ballston and Shirlington. It’s part of an effort to encourage “gathering and socializing” and allow for “interesting and authentic entertainment and experiences” in Arlington’s retail centers, per a county report.
Address:1815 N Highland Street Neighborhood: Lyon Village Type: 5 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 3866 sq. ft. Listed: $2,295,000
Noteworthy: Beautifully preserved 1929 Lyon Village Spanish Bungalow
A Lyon Village gem! Step into the charm and character of this beautifully preserved 1929 Spanish Bungalow, offering 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and just under 3,900 square feet of inviting living space. Rich in architectural detail, the home showcases classic white stucco walls, a red terracotta tile roof, graceful arched doorways, and elegant ornamental ironwork, creating a warm, timeless ambiance from the moment you arrive.
Inside, exquisite craftsmanship blends seamlessly with thoughtful updates. The welcoming living room features soaring 11.5-foot ceilings, dramatic Palladian windows, and a stunning kiva-style fireplace, while a gracious formal dining room sets the stage for memorable gatherings. The cozy family room with custom built-ins opens through French doors to a private patio, perfect for effortless indoor-outdoor living.
At the heart of the home, the spacious kitchen offers top-of-the-line appliances, an expansive island, abundant storage, a pantry, and a charming breakfast area framed by a bay window and arched entry. The main level also includes two bedrooms—one ensuite—providing flexible living options, along with a stylish powder room.
Upstairs, the serene primary suite features a fireplace, walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bath with soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower, and double vanity. Two additional bedrooms—one with a delightful window seat—share a Jack-and-Jill bath, and a whimsical hidden playroom adds character. A conveniently located laundry room completes the upper level.
Additional highlights include hardwood floors, new carpeting, a terracotta-tiled lower level with ample storage, a two-car garage, and a private, landscaped yard—just blocks to Clarendon’s shops, dining, Metro, and more.
Wagamama in Clarendon on May 10, 2024 (staff photo)
After more than two years of anticipation, Wagamama appears to be preparing to open its Clarendon outpost.
Holes in the brown paper covering the windows reveal a mostly complete interior, with elaborate lighting fixtures and glowing point-of-sale system screens. A large “WAGAMAMA” sign can also be seen near the front entrance, ready to mount on the exterior.
The League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City, in partnership with Arlington County Public Library, invites you to an open discussion on managing local government in a changing environment.
Join Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz and Alexandria City Manager Jim Parajon for a conversation about how local governments are adapting to shifts in federal funding and changes at the state level. The discussion will explore how these evolving conditions may impact local priorities, services, and decision-making in our communities.
Shuttered hotel near Rosslyn (Flickr pool photo by Emma K Alexandra)
Big Changes to Major Redevelopment — “Kimco Realty Corp. has proposed significant changes to its long-term plan for the mixed-use redevelopment of Costco-anchored Pentagon Centre… pitching in a Monday application to the county’s planning department an increase in density by more than three-quarters — taking the total envisioned square footage from about 2 million square feet to 3.5 million square feet. The mix of uses would change, too, now with substantially more residential and office but less retail than previously approved.” [Washington Business Journal]
Bill With More DCA Flights Passes — “The Senate on Thursday passed legislation to reauthorize federal aviation programs for the next five years.. The most intense regional fight was over a provision in the bill that would add five round-trip long-haul flights out of Ronald Reagan National Airport outside Washington.” [New York Times]
No Israel-Hamas Stance from Board — “Arlington County Board members are opting out of the foreign-policy business. For the moment, at least. In correspondence with the public, County Board Chairman Libby Garvey says board members have decided not to weigh in on the current Mideast situation, despite a press from pro-Palestinian activists to do so.” [Gazette Leader]
Smokecraft Files for Bankruptcy — “Smokecraft Modern Barbecue on April 29 filed for Chapter 11, listing $129,459 in assets and nearly $1.4 million in liabilities. Andrew Darneille, owner and pitmaster of the restaurant at 1051 N. Highland St., told me bankruptcy protection appeared the best option to put the business on firmer financial footing without closing and leaving his nearly 30 employees in the lurch.” [Washington Business Journal]
Focus on Va. Rights Waivers — “Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, the commonwealth attorney for Arlington County, doesn’t use the waivers at all. Dehghani-Tafti, a former public defender who won on a reform platform, said their use makes it harder for people to successfully re-enter society. ‘We shouldn’t be trying to make it easy to convict them again, we should be instead trying to give them the support and the tools that they need to not get in trouble again.'” [Bolts]
Beyer Statement on Speaker Vote — “I voted to table an attempt to remove Speaker Johnson yesterday because I strongly believe the House must govern constructively. Marjorie Taylor Greene sought to punish the Speaker for preventing a government shutdown and allowing a vote to fund assistance to Ukraine, both of which were correct decisions which I support.” [Press Release]
Couric Visits Axios in Arlington — From Mike Allen: “@katiecouric visited @axios in her hometown of Arlington, Va., for a raucous podcast convo with @JimVandeHei & me about his Just the Good Stuff, now a NY Times/USA Today bestseller.” [Twitter, Apple Podcasts]
Police Investigate Brandishing — “2400 block of Shirlington Road. At approximately 5:04 p.m. on May 7, police were dispatched to the report of a brandishing. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim, driving eastbound on 25th Street S. across Shirlington Road, and the suspect, driving northbound on Shirlington Road, were involved in a near collision. A verbal dispute between the victim and suspect ensued during which the suspect brandished a firearm before fleeing the scene in his vehicle, a white pickup truck.” [ACPD]
High School Theater Award Nods — “High school theater productions that left an impression on audiences and student critics have earned nominations for awards. Nominations were announced for the Cappies of the National Capital Area, a Tony Award-like program for local high school theater.” [Patch]
Local Students in National History Bowl — “Three Arlington students scored success in the 2024 National History Bowl & Bee Championship, held in Arlington April 25-28.” [Gazette Leader]
Geomagnetic Storm Expected — “A severe geomagnetic storm is expected to hit Earth on Friday, triggering colorful nighttime auroras, or the northern lights. People in the United States could see moderate to strong geomagnetic activity starting around 11 p.m. and lasting through Saturday.” [Capital Weather Gang, Twitter]
It’s Friday — Expect showers and thunderstorms with a high near 61 and east wind of 7-9 mph. Precipitation chance is 70%, with rainfall between a tenth and a quarter inch, potentially higher in thunderstorms. For Friday night, showers and storms are likely before 11 pm, followed by a chance of showers between 11 pm and 2 am. It will be mostly cloudy with a low around 49, north wind at 6 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
Expect showers and thunderstorms with a high near 61 and east wind of 7-9 mph. Precipitation chance is 70%, with rainfall between a tenth and a quarter inch, potentially higher in thunderstorms. For Friday night, showers and storms are likely before 11 pm, followed by a chance of showers between 11 pm and 2 am. It will be mostly cloudy with a low around 49, north wind at 6 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation. Rainfall will be similar to earlier, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” – John Barrymore
A Committee of 100 candidate forum (via Arlington Committee of 100/Facebook)
Competing visions of housing and development in Arlington underpinned a County Board candidate forum Wednesday night.
In particular focus at the Arlington Committee of 100 event were divided stances on Missing Middle. Supporting the rezoning policy, which the Board unanimously approved last year, are Democrats Tenley Peterson and JD Spain.
Acclaimed chef Peter Chang’s second Arlington restaurant is now open.
Chang and daughter Lydia today opened NiHao, at 1550 Crystal Drive, an “all-day modern Chinese concept will highlight Sichuan cuisine with small, shareable plates that lean into the famed chef’s signature use of peppers and spice.”
Front of 2910 Kitchen & Bar (Courtesy of 2910 Kitchen & Bar)
After a multi-week soft opening, 2910 Kitchen & Bar is set to hold its official grand opening this weekend.
Located at 2910 Columbia Pike, the restaurant serving American cuisine will officially open on Friday, May 10 and host a Mother’s Day brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, husband-and-wife owners Raheel “Ray” Khan and Griselda Giselle Fernandez plan to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday at 5 p.m., according to a press release.