Some early utility work in anticipation of the second phase of Amazon’s HQ2 is scheduled to start next week.
The first phase of the massive office complex in Pentagon City opened last summer. The second phase, located across 12th Street S. from the first phase and known as “PenPlace,” is delayed indefinitely.
Despite work-from-home trends and the company cutting jobs, Amazon has said that it still plans to eventually move forward with PenPlace. The utility work is the first tangible sign of that commitment since the delay announcement.
“Planned construction at PenPlace consists of installing utilities around the site and within the street right-of-way to support the future development and in coordination with Arlington County’s Street Improvement projects,” said an email to the community from Clark Construction.
“Utility work will begin on March 18, 2024 along S. Fern Street, S. Eads Street, and 12th Street S. Traffic realignment on 12th Street S between S. Fern Street and S. Eads Street will be one of the first activities to occur in order to facilitate this work, at which time the sidewalk on the north side of 12th Street S will be closed,” noted the email, sent earlier this week.
Clark says work will take place “within the County’s permitted work hours of 7 AM to 9 PM (Mon-Fri) and 9 AM to 9 PM (Sat, Sun, and holidays).”
The Washington Business Journal first reported on the planned utility work. Amazon told the paper that it has “made ‘no changes’ to its hiring or construction plans.”
PenPlace is slated to include the distinctive, spiral “Helix” tower and a permanent location for Arlington Community High School.
Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey said last year that the Board was told the delay in starting the PenPlace project would likely be about a year.
Garvey told ARLnow last night that, at this point, remains the expectation.
“We are not hearing anything new from Amazon about Phase II,” she wrote. “The expectation still is that they will move forward with Phase II this year. I believe they are evaluating how office space is being used post-pandemic to inform what they ultimately build.”
“In other words, as far as we know, nothing has changed,” she said.
A wild incident involving a theft suspect in Pentagon City over the weekend was caught on camera.
It happened around 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, a block away from the Pentagon Centre shopping center. Police say a 31-year-old man stole items from a nearby store and then tried to fight an officer who tried to take him into custody.
An off-duty officer driving by saw the struggle and stopped to help.
More, beloe, from today’s Arlington County Police Department crime report.
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-03090121, 1200 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 1:41 p.m. on March 9, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect entered the business and allegedly concealed merchandise before exiting the store without payment. A responding officer located the suspect in the area of 15th Street S. and S. Fern Street and attempted to detain him. The suspect resisted arrest, pushed the officer away and attempted to strike them during which an off-duty officer who was driving in the area observed the struggle and exited their vehicle to assist in taking the suspect into custody. The suspect sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention. [The suspect], 31, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Petit Larceny and Obstruction of Justice.
The scene was caught on camera and posted to social media by local public safety watcher Dave Statter.
Watch this: A little street drama around 2pm on S. 15th between Elm and Fern in Pentagon City. A struggle occurred between an @ArlingtonVaPD officer and a person they were trying to detain. Someone jumped out of their car to help the officer before backup arrived. Officers were… pic.twitter.com/l86OExmLlV
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) March 9, 2024
Today’s crime report also details a trio of robberies, in the Pentagon City, Rosslyn, and Courthouse areas.
The first, Saturday night, involved a knife-wielding man stealing money from a tip jar. The second, Sunday morning, involved a man who drove by a woman in a parking lot and stole her phone out of her hand. The third, Sunday night, involved a theft of cigarettes from a store by a pair of robbers, one of whom reportedly had a gun.
More from ACPD:
ROBBERY, 2024-03090186, 1000 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 7:02 p.m. on March 9, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect entered the business, approached an employee at the counter and demanded cash. When the employee refused, the suspect brandished a knife and stole money from a tip jar before leaving the scene on foot. No injuries were reported. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 40-50 years old, 5’10”-6’0” wearing all dark clothing. The investigation is ongoing.
ROBBERY, 2024-03100095, 1100 block of Arlington Boulevard. At approximately 11:03 a.m. on March 10, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined a dispute ensued after the male suspect, who was driving in a parking lot, honked at the female victim, who was walking. The suspect then drove next to the victim with his window down and stole her cellphone from her hand before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. No injuries were reported. During the course of the investigation, the cellphone was recovered in the area. The suspect is described as an older white male driving a blue sedan. The investigation is ongoing.
ROBBERY, 2024-03110001, 1800 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 11:56 p.m. on March 10, police were dispatched to the report of a brandishing. Upon arrival, it was determined the two male suspects entered the business, selected merchandise, approached the counter and asked for cigarettes to be added to the transaction. A verbal dispute between the employee and suspects ensued during which the suspects attempted to steal the cigarettes before exiting the store. The employee confronted the suspects outside the business during which one suspect brandished a firearm before both suspects entered a silver sedan and fled the scene. No injuries were reported. The suspects are described as white males, approximately 5’6”-5’7”, 130-180 pounds with black or brown hair. The investigation is ongoing.
The Pentagon City mall has something new on display — and it isn’t clothing.
More than 50 pieces of art, from paintings to drawings and sculptures to mixed media, from 35 members of the Arlington Artists Alliance, are encased behind glass inside the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.
“We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to showcase our member artists,” said Christina Papanicolaou, the alliance’s executive director, in a press release. “This exposure will introduce local artists to new patrons while providing community members the opportunity to experience professional art as they shop and dine.”
Shoppers can peruse the display on the lower level near the Nordstrom entrance until April 30 and even take a piece home. The art is for sale, starting at $100 for ceramics and $200 for paintings and drawings.
The nonprofit alliance supports and promotes local artists by displaying art by members inside businesses, churches, county offices and other public places. People can also peruse their work at the nonprofit’s full-time gallery, Gallery Underground, in the Crystal City Shops.
Spring is just around the corner and so is the Easter Bunny.
The folkloric rabbit will hop over to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (1100 S. Hayes Street) starting next week, for photo opportunities all month long.
The mall encourages guests to reserve a 15-minute slot for photos with the bunny now and “make it an Easter tradition.”
The spring hare will be hopping around the first level in Nordstrom court on the following days and times, according to the reservation website.
- Friday, March 15: 2-7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 16: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 17: 12-6 p.m.
- Monday, March 18: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 19: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 20: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Thursday, March 21: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday, March 22: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 23: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 24: 12-6 p.m.
- Monday, March 25: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 26: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 27: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Thursday, March 28: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday, March 29: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 30: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Before photos on March 17, children with special needs and their families can visit with “Caring Bunny” during a “sensory-friendly event” from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Reservations are required for the event.
Photo via Fashion Centre at Pentagon City/Facebook
(Updated on 3/7/24) Arlington police are investigating what might be the county’s first homicide of 2024.
Police were dispatched to the apartment building above the Whole Foods store on the 500 block of 12th Street S. in Pentagon City around 4:15 p.m. for a report of gunshots fired in a 15th floor apartment.
Officers found two people dead inside the unit.
“Upon arrival, officers located an adult male and adult female deceased inside a residence,” ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “Based on the preliminary investigation, the incident is being investigated as an apparent homicide-suicide.”
“Final determination of cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner,” Savage continued. “This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no indication of a larger threat to the community.”
ACPD issued a press release about the case Wednesday afternoon, referring to the deceased as a couple. So far, police are not identifying either party.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating an apparent domestic homicide-suicide in the Pentagon City neighborhood after a couple was found deceased inside their home.
At approximately 4:15 p.m. on March 5, police were dispatched to the 500 block of 12th Street S. for the report of a possible death. Initial information indicated building maintenance entered the residence to conduct a check on the welfare on behalf of a concerned family member. Inside the bedroom, responding officers located an adult male and adult female deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Based on the preliminary investigation, the incident is being investigated as an apparent homicide-suicide. Final determination of cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The names of the deceased are being withheld pending proper identification and notification of next of kin.
This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no indication of a larger threat to the community. This remains an active investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
On Thursday, ACPD revealed the names of the victim and suspect.
“The deceased have been identified as Nadejda Mossor, 22, and Jason Han, 37, of Arlington, VA,” police said. “They were in a relationship.”
A portion of 12th Street S. was closed as a result of the emergency response.
LOCATION: EB 12th St. S / S Eads St.
INCIDENT: Police Department Activity
IMPACT: The EB lanes of 12th St. S are closed between S Fern St. and S Eads St. Due to Police and Fire Department activity. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/hxLHE6LMwj— Arlington Alert (@ArlingtonAlert) March 5, 2024
Bonefish Grill in Pentagon City is permanently closed.
Situated at 1101 S. Joyce Street in the Westpost shopping center (formerly Pentagon Row), the seafood restaurant — known for its wood-grilled fish, steaks, and signature “bang bang shrimp” appetizer — has placed several “closed” notices at its entrance, directing patrons to its closest branch in Fairfax County.
Google has listed the restaurant as “permanently closed.”
When ARLnow visited the site to verify the closure, an employee was removing the “Bonefish Grill” lettering from the revolving door. The employee declined to comment when asked about the reason for the closure.
The Pentagon City outpost, which opened in 2014, isn’t the only casualty. The Burn reported that the Ashburn location has also shut down. Last week, Bonefish Grill’s parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, announced it will be shuttering 41 underperforming restaurants nationwide.
Bonefish Grill has not been the only eatery to shutter in Pentagon City recently. A location of New York-based Mexican restaurant chain Rosa Mexicano closed its doors earlier this month after just over a year in operation.
Hat tip to two tipsters
Love is in the air and in National Landing.
This week and next, several events in Pentagon City and Crystal City will celebrate the day of love with specials and experiences for attendees spending the day solo or with a loved one.
Kick off Valentine’s Day this evening by saying goodbye to old loves — whether it is an ex-partner, a job or that bag of clothes you’ve been meaning to donate — at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Innovation Studio + Store, which opened last month in Amazon’s second headquarters in Pentagon City.
The pre-Valentine’s Day event today from 5-7 p.m. at 525 14th Street S. features drop-in activities include writing goodbye letters on burning paper and making sage bundles to burn, plus snacks and tea.
Then, on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), wine and dine a loved one, or yourself, at local restaurants in the area.
Say “I love you” with old-school Italian dishes such as salmon piccata, veal saltimbocca and clams casino, paired with wine, at La Bettola Italiano (558 23rd S.). The cozy, not overly formal restaurant is only offering its special Valentine’s Day menu with wine pairings on Feb. 14. Be sure to make reservations, which can be done on the website.
Next up on the food tour is Surreal, with its oasis-like outdoor dining experience suitable for both singles and couples.
The gourmet diner, which opened late last year in Crystal City (2117 Crystal Drive) is offering a three-course menu for single diners starting at 7 p.m. in the private dining room.
For couples, Surreal is open for both lunch (12-2 p.m.) and dinner (4-10 p.m.) with classic chocolate lava cake service and inventive options, such as a crispy tuna poke pillow. Reservations can be made on Surreal’s website.
Those seeking a more intimate atmosphere can head to Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique (576 23rd Street S.) where, on Valentine’s Day, just two couples will get to have the wine room to themselves. For $250 per pair, the wine bar will serve cocktails, wine, champagne, small bites, a main course and dessert. Couples can nab either the 5:30-7:30 p.m. slot or the 8-10 p.m. slot.
Outside these slots, the wine bar will be open regular hours for a more low-key Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, with sparkling wine, light bites and treats. RSVP by Saturday, Feb. 10.
National Landing has a few kid-friendly Valentine’s Day activities, too.
On Monday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. families can bowl and play arcade games at Bowlero while raising money for the Leadership Center for Excellence. The organization helps local leaders “expand their network and access quality leadership development,” the website says.
Tickets, sold on the center’s website, include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, a $5 arcade card plus food and drinks.
On Wednesday — Valentine’s Day — children and adults can get crafty at a card-making pop-up co-hosted by MoCA Arlington and Amazon in Met Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In the mood for a tragedy? Head to Synetic Theater (1800 S. Bell Street) for its rendition of “Romeo and Juliet,” a tale of star-crossed lovers, a bitter family feud and a romantic yet ill-fated destiny. Its wordless production from Feb. 9 to March 14 is a “unique and stunningly visual interpretation of a classic story, capturing emotion with every movement,” the website says.
A 30-year-old man has been charged with arson, among other crimes, after allegedly trying to light a fire inside an ACPD cruiser.
The incident started Tuesday morning at the Pentagon Centre shopping center in Pentagon City. Arlington County police say the suspect shoplifted from two separate stores before officers arrived and took him into custody.
That’s when things took a wild turn, with the suspect allegedly assaulting a police officer and later trying to light his seatbelt on fire with a “concealed lighter” while in the back of the police cruiser. On top of that, according to police, the man was determined to be a fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
From an ACPD crime report:
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-02060102, 1200 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 10:52 a.m. on February 6, police were dispatches to the report of a larceny in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect allegedly entered a business, concealed merchandise and exited the store without payment. The suspect then entered another nearby business, collected merchandise and subsequently exited the store without payment. Responding officers took the suspect into custody as he exited the store and the stolen merchandise was recovered. While in custody, the suspect provided false identification, was noncompliant and assaulted an officer, causing minor injuries. The suspect was then placed in a parked police cruiser where he produced a concealed lighter and set fire to his seatbelt, which was immediately extinguished by officers. The suspect did not sustain any injuries and was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. During the course of the investigation, it was determined the suspect was wanted by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. [The suspect], 30, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Identity Theft, Petit Larceny (x2), Arson, Fugitive from Justice and Obstruction of Justice. He was held without bond.
A person of the same name and approximate age as the suspect pled guilty to assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in the District in 2020, according to D.C. Witness. He was also previously convicted of domestic violence and accused of violating a protective order.
“At the end of the day, he does need help,” the victim in the protective order case was quoted as saying, of the suspect. “But if y’all let him out and he does the same s*** anyway, then what?”
Tattoo lovers from all over are expected to gather in Arlington next weekend for the DC Tattoo Expo.
The 13th annual event, beginning on Friday, Feb. 16, has been “completely revamped” from years prior, according to its hosts, Exposed Temptations Tattoo and Baller Incorporated.
In the past, the expo has offered contests, live entertainment and special guests from the reality show “Ink Master.” This year, attendees can look forward to more live art and entertainment as well as opportunities to shop and get tattoos and body piercings, according to the website.
“It will be the best, not the biggest, but the best show we’ve ever had,” the hosts said.
Returning guests may notice some familiar faces from previous years, including burlesque dancer Cervena Fox and sword-swallowing couple Captain and Maybelle. The Miss DC Pin Up Contest, a fashion contest that determines the best old-school pin-up fashions, will also make a comeback.
Attendees can also showcase the tattoos they came with or those they get while at the expo.
The expo will start at 1 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Sheraton Pentagon City hotel, located along Columbia Pike at 900 S. Orme Street. It will wrap up on Sunday, Feb. 18. The full event schedule is available on the event website.
Guests can purchase tickets at the door on each day of the expo.
Rosa Mexicano’s Arlington outpost closed its doors today, after opening a little over a year ago in Pentagon City.
An employee confirmed the closure of the restaurant to ARLnow, citing issues with the location and proximity to the mall. A moving truck and crew were seen clearing out the space, while a sign on the door confirmed its closure.
Rosa Mexicano opened its Pentagon City location in late 2022, a year or so after its first D.C.-area location — across the street from the Capital One Arena in D.C.’s Penn Quarter neighborhood — closed after 16 years in business.
The New York-based restaurant chain serves classic Mexican fare, such as tacos, enchiladas, ceviche and fresh-made guacamole, in a colorful setting.
The Pentagon City location featured a bar with a long list of tequila- and agave-based cocktails, seating for 200 guests, a private dining room for events and an outdoor patio.
The chain still operates a local location — in National Harbor — as well as locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York and at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Hat tip to Angela Fox
Six juvenile suspects are facing charges after an alleged mini crime spree in the Pentagon City area Saturday evening.
The first incident happened around 5:30 p.m., near the Whole Foods store on 12th Street S., when a group of teen boys approached a woman and “demanded her property.” She ran away and nothing was taken, according to police.
A second incident happened about ten minutes later on the 1600 block of S. Eads Street, as the group approached a woman and brandished a gun, ultimately stealing her phone, police said.
Six suspects were subsequently detained at the Pentagon City Metro station and a BB gun — along with the stolen phone — was recovered, according to Arlington County police.
The second one happened right by my apartment. Saw a woman 60+ fleeing into her apartment crying while 2 young kids ran down the street. This happened at 6pm! Absolutely tragic.
— ZH (@ZestHockey) January 28, 2024
More, below, from today’s ACPD crime report.
ATTEMPTED CARJACKING, 2024-01270180, 500 block of 12th Street S. At approximately 5:39 p.m. on January 27, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was outside her parked vehicle when she was approached by several male suspects who demanded her property. The female victim ran from the scene and sought assistance. No items were reported stolen. At approximately 5:50 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Eads Street for the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined a separate female victim was walking in the area when she was approached from behind by several male suspects. One suspect brandished what appeared to be a firearm, during which the victim threw her cell phone. The suspects picked up her cell phone before fleeing the scene. A lookout was broadcast and officers located the six juvenile suspects entering the metro and detained them. A BB gun and the victim’s cell phone were recovered by officers. Various petitions were obtained for the six juvenile suspects including the offenses of Attempted Carjacking, Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Felony and Use/Display Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.