The Arlington Transportation Commission has unanimously endorsed a transformational 845-unit redevelopment project in Rosslyn. The vote, which passed 11-0, supports a proposal by Penzance on a 2.3-acre site located at 1901 and 1911 Fort Myer Drive, adjacent to Gateway Park.
Commission member Sohail Husain, who participated in the site-plan review committee, described the project as a significant opportunity to revitalize an area that has often been perceived as monotonous and lifeless. He noted that Rosslyn has traditionally served as a mere thoroughfare connecting Washington, D.C. with Arlington, lacking the essence of a genuine neighborhood.
The proposed redevelopment aims to inject vitality into the community, with Husain expressing optimism for its potential impact at a recent meeting held on June 30.
Nevertheless, while many commission members recognized the merits of the project, they collectively agreed with staff recommendations to forgo a new skywalk over eastbound Langston Blvd. This decision comes despite some community advocates pushing for its inclusion.
Penzance’s redevelopment plan entails the demolition of existing office structures, replaced by nearly 960,000 square feet dedicated to residential space and approximately 14,500 square feet of ground-floor retail establishments. The ambitious project includes several new buildings within its boundaries, which are bordered by Langston Blvd and Gateway Park to the north, N. Moore Street to the east, 19th Street N. to the south, and Fort Myer Drive to the west.
Key components of the proposal consist of a 23-story condominium building featuring 73 units in the northeastern section and a 27-story apartment building containing 311 units in the northwest area. Additionally, a 29-story apartment building housing 461 units is slated for construction in the southern parcel.
During discussions, commission members brought forth inquiries regarding transportation and transit-related issues, particularly focusing on enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Husain emphasized ongoing opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, underscoring the importance of addressing these concerns proactively.
In contrast, the project is not expected to fulfill the community’s wishes for a new skywalk over Langston Blvd. Robert Gibson, a planner with the Department of Environmental Services, pointed out that a pedestrian and cyclist overpass would cater to a limited demographic while incurring significant costs.
When pressed for specific cost estimates, Gibson indicated that they do not have concrete figures available yet, stating that they are still in the process of evaluating those details.
Historically, skybridges were prevalent in Rosslyn from the 1960s until the 2010s, but urban planning trends have seen a shift against such structures. Many skybridges within the area have been removed, and the current development plans propose the dismantling of the remaining ones. Gibson remarked that the previous models of skybridges had not worked as intended, advocating instead for creating a more pedestrian-friendly ground-level environment.
Transportation Commission member Adam Theo echoed this sentiment, declaring that adding a new skybridge would not adequately resolve the safety issues facing pedestrians and cyclists. The notion of having a new skywalk has garnered support from the North Highlands Citizens’ Association and certain safety advocates. However, the North Rosslyn Civic Association stands in opposition to the proposal.
The fate of the skybridge concept will be further deliberated, with the Planning Commission set to consider it on Wednesday, followed by a County Board decision on either July 19 or July 22. In a recent vote, County Board members approved a three-year extension for previously sanctioned site-plan amendments dating back to 2012, which had been on the verge of expiration at the end of June. Although Penzance intends to proceed with the new plans rather than the amended ones, extending their legitimacy offers the developer more flexibility in management.
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