Virginia Square | ARLnow.com

Concept of Expanded GMU Arlington Campus Released

Published November 8, 2019 at 3:00PM | Updated November 8, 2019 at 6:02PM

A 2019 rendering of the expanded George Mason University campus in Virginia Square (via GMU)

The expansion of George Mason University’s campus in Virginia Square is envisioned as a gleaming glass-and-steel tower with the school’s distinctive “M” emblazoned on top.

That’s according to a new concept design for GMU’s planned Institute for Digital Innovation, released as the university announced $235 million in new funding from the state to expand the campus and develop more tech talent. The new building will be built atop the long-shuttered Kann’s Department Store, on the west side of the Fairfax Drive campus.

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UPDATED: ACFD Evacuate Building Near Virginia Square Metro for Fire Alarm

By ARLnow.com

Published October 25, 2019 at 10:35PM | Updated October 25, 2019 at 10:53PM

Building evacuated by a fire alarm (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Updated 10:50 p.m. — The fire alarm has stopped and residents are returning to the building.

First responders are on the scene at 3601 Fairfax Drive where dozens of residents have been evacuated from Latitude Apartments after reports of a fire.

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Developer Skanska Buys Former Arlington Funeral Home Site in Va. Square

By Airey

Published October 15, 2019 at 1:30PM | Updated October 15, 2019 at 4:26PM

Rendering of original plans for the nine-story office building at 3901 Fairfax Drive. (Image via Arlington County)

A parking lot in the Virginia Square has a new owner, and potentially, a new future.

Swedish developer and construction company Skanska announced today (Tuesday) that it had bought the site at 3901 N. Fairfax Drive from an affiliate of of the Bernstein Management Corporation and intends to make long-stalled development plans a reality.

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Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published October 14, 2019 at 7:30AM | Updated October 14, 2019 at 3:44PM

It’s Columbus Day — Despite the federal holiday, all Arlington County government offices, courts, libraries and facilities will be open today. Barring breaking news, ARLnow will be publishing on a limited schedule today. [Arlington County]

Theft from Casual Adventure — From an Arlington County Police crime report: “At approximately 11:35 a.m. on October 10, police were dispatched to the late report of a larceny. Upon arrival, it was determined that an unknown suspect entered a business at approximately 5:30 p.m. on October 9, selected numerous fleece jackets before fleeing the scene without paying.” [Arlington County]

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JUST IN: ACFD on Scene of Apartment Fire in Virginia Square

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2019 at 2:30PM

Fire at the Quincy Plaza apartments (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

(Updated at 2:45 p.m.) Firefighters are on scene of an apartment fire at the Quincy Plaza apartments in Virginia Square.

The fire was first reported just after 2 p.m., on the 12th floor of the apartment tower at 3900 Fairfax Drive. The fire is reported to now be out, controlled at least in part via a sprinkler system.

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‘Electrical Emergency’ Closes Road in Va. Square

By ARLnow.com

Published September 30, 2019 at 4:45PM | Updated September 30, 2019 at 8:43PM

Electrical emergency on 14th Street N. in Virginia Square (photo by Vernon Miles)

(Updated at 8:40 p.m.) An “electrical emergency” — reportedly a utility pole being burned by a malfunctioning power line — has prompted an extended road closure in Virginia Square.

Police have closed 14th Street between N. Lincoln Street and N. Kirkwood Road, near Arlington Science Focus Elementary School, to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

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Video Shows Drivers in Va. Square Blowing Past Undercover Cop in Crosswalk

By ARLnow.com

Published September 26, 2019 at 1:30PM | Updated September 26, 2019 at 5:14PM

Arlington County Police pedestrian traffic enforcement in Virginia Square in 2019 (via ACPD)

Arlington is a hard-charging town, home to the headquarters of the world’s most powerful military and the second headquarters of one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Sometimes, however, the Type A-ness that helps make Arlington Arlington produces negative side effects. A prime example one might cite? More-impatient-than-average drivers.

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Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published September 13, 2019 at 7:30AM

GMU to Expand Va. Square Campus — “George Mason University wants to transform its Arlington campus into an ‘innovation district’ as it kicks off an Amazon-inspired overhaul… Mason expects to use the expansion to add 3,000 to 4,000 graduate students to the campus by 2024.” [Washington Business Journal]

Man Arrested For Assaulting Police in Ballston — “At approximately 8:32 p.m. on September 11, police were dispatched the report of a disorderly subject inside a restaurant who had allegedly been throwing items and threatening staff. Upon police arrival, the business staff requested the subject be banned from the property. While speaking with the subject, he threatened an officer and took a defensive stance. While placing him under arrest, the subject became combative, kicked and spit at the officers.” [Arlington County]

Around Town

Renovated Oakland Park in Virginia Square to Open by Year’s End

By Vernon Miles

Published September 6, 2019 at 10:55AM

Construction workers at Oakland Park (file photo)

A small plot on Wilson Blvd bisected by a gravel trail will be reopening as a park with paved central walkway.

The Oakland Park project is centered around plans to bring the park in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and adding overall enhancements to the green space at 3705 Wilson Blvd.

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BREAKING: Office Building Evacuated Due to Reported Chemical Spill

By ARLnow.com

Published August 22, 2019 at 2:05PM

Hazmat response at office building in Virginia Square

An office building in Virginia Square has been evacuated after a reported chemical spill in the building.

Firefighters — including hazmat teams and medics — responded to the Ballston Gateway building at 3865 Wilson Blvd around 1:45 p.m., for a report of up to 20 people suffering medical symptoms after a coolant tower leaked chemicals into the building’s penthouse.

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Arlington Native Gifts $1.5 million for Va. Square Affordable Housing Development

By Airey

Published August 5, 2019 at 10:15AM

The former American Legion Post 139

An Arlington couple has gifted $1.5 million to an affordable housing project county officials hope will help veterans.

Ron and Frances Terwilliger donated to the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) to help fund the redevelopment of Virginia Square’s American Legion Post 139. The aging building is slated to be demolished and rebuilt into a 160-unit, seven-story affordable housing building with a preference for veteran tenants.

Around Town

New Asian Restaurant in Virginia Square to Open Next Week

By Vernon Miles

Published July 25, 2019 at 1:30PM

Pike Kitchen coming to Virginia Square

The former Atrium Cafe (901 N. Nelson Street), adjacent to the Virginia Square Metro station entrance, is being converted into a new Asian eatery called Pike Kitchen.

The Pike Kitchen in Rockville, Md. is a food hall-type venue with a variety of cuisine options, like bibimbap and bubble tea. From the signs outside the Virginia Square location, the new Arlington eatery seems to share a similar concept.