November 2007 CPRO e-Newsletter
Siena Park Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for November 14
Excitement is building as site preparations get underway for the new Siena Park on Columbia Pike at S. Wayne St. in Arlington. Woodfield Investments, the developer of the 6-story mixed-use project, will conduct a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14. Elected officials, neighborhood leaders, and the developer’s team will be on hand to commemorate this significant milestone. The public is encouraged to attend. An important piece in the Pike’s revitalization, Siena Park will include more than 32,000 sq. ft. of new retail space, 12,000 sq. ft. of office space, 188 apartments, and more than 400 underground parking spaces. It replaces a long-vacant Safeway grocery store and a large surface parking lot. For more information contact Jim Whittaker of the CPRO at 703-892-2776 or jwhittaker@ columbiapike.org, or Margaret Smith Ford of Woodfield Investments at (301) 789-2045.
Streetcar Project Makes Priority List
At their regular meeting on October 22 the Arlington County Board voted unanimously to include the Columbia Pike Streetcar Project on its list of priority transportation initiatives. While the vote did not commit funds to the effort, it provided a statement of support needed for future funding consideration by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. With an estimated cost of $120-140 million, the electric light rail system is the most significant project on the County’s transportation priority list.
Thousands Enjoy 1st Annual ‘Taste of the Pike’ on a
Picture Perfect Day
Mother Nature, proving she is a big fan of Columbia Pike, provided a remarkably warm, sunny, and beautiful day on October 21, and a great crowd gathered for a grand multicultural celebration and the start of a new tradition on the Pike. County Board Vice Chairman Walter Tejada addressed the early afternoon festival-goers and said the event is an example of the vibrancy of the Columbia Pike Community and an indication of how Arlington welcomes its diverse population. The international food festival featured a wide variety of delicious fare from area restaurants including Atilla’s Restaurant (Mediterranean), Dama’s (Ethiopian), San Vicente Restaurant (Salvadoran and TexMex), Taj Palace (Indian), Salvo’s Pizza Pantry (Italian), and Thai cooking by Krit Yampai, Southern American fare from Big Daddy’s BBQ, and baked treats from Shoe Box Oven.
CPRO partnered with the Arlington County Multicultural Advisory Commission to bring the sights and sounds of more than a dozen performing groups to the event including the Mariachi band Asi es mi tierra, the Asian dance group Sutera Malaysia, the Arlington Dance Theater, Mexican Folklorica, Hawaiian dancers from Halou-o-aulani, the Guatemalan Folkloric group WUQXINCAN, local barbershop quartet the Arlingtones, Bolivian dance groups Santiago de Anzaldo and Bolivian Tradiciones, the Panamanian Grupolfawa, the Mongolian School Dance Group, the Columbia Pike Community Chorus, and a Tai Chi demonstration by Henry Tsiang. Special thanks goes to the Commission’s Vice-Chair and Columbia Pike resident, Wuiping Yap, who provided invaluable assistance in a variety of ways including performance programming, serving as the MC on the day of the event, and performing with Sutera Malaysia.
Vendors were busy showing and selling arts and crafts and other goods while civic and non-profit groups provided information about their activities and services. Edgemoor Real Estate Services and the architecture firm of Davis Carter Scott, who will redevelop the Arlington Mill Community Center Site as the County’s private partners, were on hand to discuss the exciting project. Meanwhile, representatives from Arlington County and transportation consultant DMJM Harris talked to festival-goers about plans for a modern streetcar system for Columbia Pike. One special feature of the Festival was its community health fair component where local health service organizations and health care providers offered information and free vision, blood pressure, and dental health screenings.
Our lead sponsors for the event were the Washington Forrest Foundation, and Edgemoor Real Estate Services/ Davis Carter Scott. Our other sponsors were PikeRide; Giant Food; Virginia Commerce Bank; Silverwood Associates; Elite Electrical; The Dorchester, Westmont, and Oakland Apartments; B.M. Smith & Associates; Columbia Pike Plaza; Woodfield Investments; Beeson Creative Group; Brown’s Nissan; and BB&T. Thanks to all for a great event!
To view more photos click on each of these links:
http://www.columbiapike.org/home/210633.html
http://www.columbiapike.org/home/210841.html
http://www.columbiapike.org/home/210842.html
http://www.columbiapike.org/home/210847.html
New Advisory Group Formed to Consider Columbia Pike Form Based Code Issues
A new Form Based Code Advisory Working Group has been formed to help the County refine the zoning document that applies to much of the commercial property on Columbia Pike. The Form Based Code, considered by many a model of citizen-centric planning and a tool for creating desirable redevelopment, was adopted by the County nearly 5 years ago. While a number of development projects were planned, approved and are being built according to the Form Based Code, interpretation of its rules and requirements has sometimes proven to be difficult, and some provisions may be in need of clarification or revision. The group is chaired by Inta Malis, who is also chair of the County’s Planning Commission and is a resident of Columbia Forest. Panel members include one representative from each of the Pike’s neighborhood associations, and one representative from CPRO.
Next Public Meeting on Arlington Mill Community Center Redevelopment Set for November 15
The second of three meetings on the proposed public-private partnership to redevelop the Arlington Mill Community Center will be held on Thursday, November 15, 7:00-10:00 pm at the Courthouse Plaza, conference rooms C-D, on the lobby level. This project calls for a new community center, a 10,00 square foot public plaza on Columbia Pike adjacent to Four Mile Run Park, ground level retail, a mix of approximately 200 affordable and market rate rental apartments, and underground parking. It is anticipated that the meeting will address design and building architecture, transportation, streetscape and parking. Come learn more about what is being planned for this important project and take advantage of this opportunity to provide input!
“Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network” Brings Area Companies Together to Promote the Pike and Themselves
The next breakfast gathering of Pike-area business people will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 8:00 am at the Walter Reed Community Center. Mark your calendar today and plan to join us and learn more about what’s happening on the Pike, discuss challenges and solutions with other local businesses, and market your own company. The Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network is a joint initiative 0f CPRO and Arlington Economic Development’s Bizlaunch, with support from partners such as the Arlington Chamber of Commerce; the Hispanic Committee of Northern Virginia; Arlington Small Business Development Center (SBDC); the Business Development Assistance Group (BDAG); the Ethiopian Community Development Council’s Enterprise Development Group; and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. To register for this FREE event call Pam Holcomb at 703-892-2776 or send an email to pholcomb@columbiapike.org.
Pike Area Home Sales Holding Fairly Steady
Regular reports of big declines in the housing market got you down? If you own a home in South Arlington’s 22204 zip code, take heart, because the market here continues to be quite healthy. In 2007 (through November 5) a total of 456 homes were sold in 22204, comparable numbers to the same period in 2006 when 483 homes were sold. And, the length of time those homes stayed on the market grew only nominally from 56 to 65 days. Homes here are also holding their value, as sales prices are down only 2 percent, far less than most areas, to an average of $408,196. Perhaps this indicates that Columbia Pike in increasingly being discovered by DC area homebuyers seeking a great location and relative affordability. In fact, the Washington Post Express included Columbia Pike (along with Petworth, DC; Merrifield, VA; and Hyattsville, MD) in its October 24 feature of up-and-coming neighborhoods entitled “The Hot Zones.” Meanwhile, favorable interest rates continue to be available as the average interest for 30-year fixed loans fell last week to 6.26 percent, the lowest level sine mid-May of this year. (Market data provided by Jeff Payne, agent for Prudential Carruthers Realtors. For more information, please call 703-855-6796 and ask for Jeff Payne and Noemi Ramirez Goldstein.)
2007 Pike Progress Lunch to be Held on November 26
The annual Pike Progress Luncheon is the development community’s premier event focused on the revitalization of the Columbia Pike Corridor. The 2007 luncheon will be held at 11:45 am-1:45 pm on Monday, Nov. 26 at the Sheraton National Hotel, 901 S. Orme St. in Arlington, Virginia. Speakers include Chris Zimmerman who is a member of the Arlington County Board and chairs the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority; Terry Holzheimer who is Director of Arlington Economic Development, and Margaret Smith Ford of Woodfield Investments who is developing the 6-story mixed-use Siena Park at the former Safeway site. This event presents a convenient way for planners, developers, land owners, financiers, and real estate brokers to network while being updated on the status of Pike redevelopment efforts and learning about upcoming opportunities. Cost of the lunch is $35. To register contact Pam Holcomb at 703-892-2776 or pholcomb@columbiapike.org. This event is made possible by contributions from our lead sponsors, Walsh Colucci Lubeley Emrich & Walsh PC, and Fraser Forbes Land Sales. Many thanks to our other sponsors who are Paradigm Companies, Woodfield Investments, and US Bank, and our host—Sheraton National Hotel.
Art, Food, Wine, Friends & Fun!
The Columbia Pike Artist Studios is holding their annual open house and art exhibit on Saturday, November 17 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The work of 30 area artists using a variety of media will be on display, much of it for sale. Refreshments will include wine, cheese, other beverages and snacks. Admission is free. The Studio is located on the 2nd floor of the Cinema N’ Drafthouse building at 932 S. Walter Reed Dr. For more information go to their website at www.columbiapikeartists.org
Local Restaurants in the News
The Washington Post’s 2007 Dining Guide, released on October 14, singled out Thai Square (3217 Columbia Pike) as among the best restaurants in Arlington, and among the best ethnic restaurants in the DC area. Awarding three stars to the restaurant, critic Tom Sietsema wrote that when you go to Thai Square “anticipate vivid, varied and fresh flavors—and what might be the best Thai cooking in the area.” Also, in the latest ratings from the Zagat Guide, Bangkok 54 (2919 Columbia Pike) has emerged among the top restaurants in the area scoring 25 of 30 points for food, and 23 points each for décor and service. And, in the November 7 Washington Post food section, My Family’s Cafe Pupuseria at 2911 Columbia Pike is featured among 5 area restaurants for their authentic and delicious Salvadoran pupusas. Congratulations to these local favorites! Meanwhile, L.A. (Lower Arlington) Bar & Grill, on the lower level of 2530 Columbia Pike, is under new management, and offering half price burgers at lunch and dinner on Wednesdays. Go check out the improvements being implemented by the new team.
Special Holiday Cookbook Signing at the Farmers Market
Looking for new and truly delicious holiday recipes? The Washington Post culinary blogger Kim O'Donnel (www.kimodonnel.com) will be on hand at our Columbia Pike Farmer's Market on November 18th for a book signing of her new cookbook A Mighty Appetite for the Holidays. Known for her week-daily "A Mighty Appetite" column and "What's Cooking" web chat, Kim’s new cookbook provides a unique collection of recipes expressly for the upcoming feasting season, from Thanksgiving 'til New Year's Day! Come meet the author, bring home a signed cookbook, and enjoy making new meals from our market’s great home-grown vegetables and fruits! The Columbia Pike Farmers Market is open every Sunday through November, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in front of the Eckerd/Rite-Aid at the corner of S. Walter Reed Dr. and the Pike.
Contact Us
As always, the CPRO staff welcomes your input. Email your suggestions, questions, comments, and offers of assistance to jwhittaker@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776. Know someone who would like to receive the CPRO e-Newsletter? Please send us email addresses and we will add them to our distribution list. As always, for more information about what’s happening on the Pike go to www.columbiapike.org
