The Arlington County Board has unanimously approved three significant development projects across the neighborhoods of Rosslyn, Ballston, and Shirlington, anticipated to bring nearly 1,250 new housing units to the area.
This decision was finalized just before the Board’s summer break on Tuesday, with zoning changes being adopted to facilitate the Penzance’s One Rosslyn and Ballston One redevelopment projects, along with plans to introduce new apartments and townhouse units on the Shirlington House site.
County leaders emphasized the need for increased housing in these three neighborhoods, aiming to address the region’s housing challenges.
One Rosslyn is set to be a prominent three-tower development at 1901 and 1911 Fort Myer Drive, where current office buildings occupy the land. The ambitious $600 million project has been described as critical for the community’s future by Board member Matt de Ferranti. Discussion in the Board meeting notably highlighted environmental and traffic safety concerns related to the project.
Despite lingering apprehensions from county leadership, the project received overwhelming support from the Board.
We have to make compromises — compromises are very difficult, remarked Board Chair Takis Karantonis as the vote approached near midnight.
The approved plan includes nearly 1 million square feet of new development, primarily composed of apartments and condominiums, alongside a limited retail space. The project’s floor area ratio of 9.92 is close to the maximum allowable of 10 for developments in the Rosslyn area.
The proposal outlines three main components: a 23-story condominium building with 73 units on the northeast side, a 27-story apartment building featuring 311 units on the northwest side, and a 29-story apartment building with 461 units toward the southern part of the site.
During the public hearing leading to the vote, the community debated the merits of constructing a new pedestrian skyway over eastbound Langston Blvd. Ultimately, Board members agreed with staff and various advisory commissions that prioritizing an at-grade crossing would enhance overall safety and accessibility.
The at-grade crossing is likely to improve safety for everyone over time, stated Board member Susan Cunningham. She also promised that comprehensive safety improvements would be implemented throughout the Langston Blvd corridor over the next decade.
In terms of community feedback, the proposal garnered substantial support from county staff and advisory bodies, save for one major exception. The Planning Commission expressed unanimous support, while the Housing Commission highlighted the development’s financial contributions to the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, which are expected to facilitate the creation of over 60 new committed-affordable units.
Conversely, the Transportation Commission voted in favor of the development plan with an 11-0 vote; however, the Climate Change, Energy and Environment Commission advised against it, citing deficiencies in the project’s engagement with the Green Building Incentive Program. Cindy Lewin, chair of the Climate Change Commission, emphasized that the project lacks necessary measures to address the climate crisis and the county’s established climate goals.
Construction for One Rosslyn is anticipated to begin in 2026.
The second notable development, Ballston One, also under Penzance, seeks to replace an existing office building at 4601 Fairfax Drive with a new seven-story apartment building aimed to provide up to 328 housing units. This project is strategically positioned as a visual gateway for motorists entering Ballston off I-66.
Chair Karantonis praised the design of the new building, describing it as an appropriate entrance point for the neighborhood. The project will occupy a 2.28-acre parcel with boundaries defined by Fairfax Drive, N. Wakefield Street, Marymount University’s Ballston campus, and various surrounding structures including the Ballston Wetland Park.
The redevelopment plan calls for construction above the current building’s garage. Yet, Penzance’s ability to proceed hinges on the federal government’s decisions, as approximately 40% of the existing building is leased to the General Services Administration. Penzance expects the federal tenant to relocate by late 2026, although lease terms could allow for an indefinite extension of occupancy.
The developer faced questions regarding the seven-story limitation imposed by zoning rules, especially since higher construction could be viable. Penzance representative reiterated previous explanations that associated costs would not be offset by rental income if they built taller.
Under the conditions outlined in the agreement with county officials, Penzance will contribute about $2 million to the Affordable Housing Investment Fund rather than providing affordable units on-site.
Meanwhile, the Shirlington House project has also garnered unanimous support from the Board. The owner plans to add 73 new units to the existing eight-acre site at 4201 31st Street S. This development will retain the existing apartments built during the early 1960s while utilizing excess available density for introducing 59 units in a new seven-story building along 31st Street, along with 14 townhouse-style units.
Once completed, the total number of units on the property will rise to 509 while preserving the original 10-story, 436-unit structure.
In a further commitment to the community, the property owner has agreed to allocate 12 of the new units as committed affordable housing. Additionally, plans for the development include the construction of a new bicycle lane along 31st Street adjacent to the property.
image source from:arlnow