September 2008 CPRO e-Newsletter
TASTE OF THE PIKE! Returns Sat., Sept. 20, 12-7 pm--Arlington Mill Community Center-- Admission is FREE!
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<!--[endif]-->Come see why the Columbia Pike area has been called "the World in a Zip-Code" and enjoy specialty foods from around the globe prepared by some of the Pike’s favorite restaurants and caterers, including Rincome (Thai), Dama (Ethiopian), San Vincente (Salvadoran), Rina’s Fresh Fruit & Smoothies, Hector Palomo Catering (Peruvian), Pan American Bakery (Latin American), and Big Daddy’s BBQ, along with a nice selection of beer, wine and other beverages. Plus, at the 2nd annual Taste of the Pike—A Multicultural Celebration you’ll be entranced by the spectacle of more than a dozen musical and dance groups (such as this Bolivian dance group from last year’s event) performing in a variety of folkloric and contemporary styles. CPRO is pleased to again be partnering with Arlington’s Multicultural Advisory Commission to produce this exciting event. You will want to visit the booths of local civic groups, shop for the fine goods of arts and crafts vendors, and check out the exciting children’s area including a large inflatable moon bounce/obstacle course, face painter, and global arts-based activities- there will truly be something for everyone! Admission is FREE. Sat. Sept. 20, noon to 7:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Arlington Mill Community Center at 4975 Columbia Pike.Click here to access the application to rent booth space. Special thanks to the following sponsors who are making this community event possible: Washington Forrest Foundation; Edgemoor Real Estate Services; Silverwood Homes; Dominion Virginia Power; Woodfield Investments; Dittmar Company; Heritage Property Co.; and the Dorchester, Westmont Gardens, and Oakland Apartments of Columbia Pike.
Columbia Pike Among the “Next Big Hot Spots”
The cover story of Washington Business Journal’s latest real estate supplement, OnSite, is all about the hunt for the DC area’s next hot spots. And, the experts are on to us. Columbia Pike is indeed included among the top 13 emerging areas where mixed-use transit–oriented development will create more desirable, vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. While underdeveloped areas near Metro Stations make the list, Columbia Pike is viewed a “model for tomorrow’s non-Metro neighborhoods.” The planned Columbia Pike Streetcar project, along with the compact redevelopment encouraged by our Form Based Code are expected to bring about the desired transformation. To see the full article
click here.
Tanglewood Property Available for Redevelopment
The owners of the 44 Tanglewood condominium units have joined together to sell their property at 4241 Columbia Pike. The existing mid-rise building was constructed in 1966. The one acre site is within the Village Center revitalization district (that includes the intersection of S. George Mason Dr. and the Pike), and the Form Based Code would allow a new building up to five stories tall. Interested parties should contact listing agent Dan Lockard of Fraser Forbes at (703) 790-9400.
Meanwhile, the All Around Art store at 3102 Columbia Pike has closed, and the property is available for sale or lease. Interested parties should contact Art Miller or Brian Hill of Long & Foster Commercial Division at 703-506-2850. Also, the 6,500 sq. ft. former Hollywood Video store space in the Westmont Shopping Center (3263 Columbia Pike) is available for lease. The adjacent 1,500 sq. ft. unit is available as well. Contact Chuck DeMarco of Polinger Shannon and Luchs for more information.
County/U.S Land Swap Planned
On Tuesday, Sept. 16 the County Board is expected to approve an exchange of land just north of the Pike with the United States Government. According to the plan, the County would acquire approximately 4.23 acres of real property, (a portion of a parcel known as Navy Annex, Federal Office Building #2) in the Foxcroft Heights neighborhood. In return, the U.S. Government would receive a comparable sized parcel made up primarily of Southgate Road bounded by the Arlington National Cemetery to the North. This swap would facilitate future development of a heritage museum on the new County property, and expansion of the cemetery on the Federal Government’s property.
Check Out Our New Feature: “Global Dining on the Pike”
Columbia Pike has long been known for its wide variety of delicious dining options, but with the Pike’s emerging revitalization this seems like a good time to re-introduce our restaurants and markets.Starting this month, CPRO is highlighting a restaurant or market with a new feature:
“Global Dining on the Pike.”This month, we’re featuring Dama Restaurant, Café, and Bakery located on the Eastern end of Columbia Pike, near the Air Force Memorial. Meet the Dama family and learn why people keep coming back to their unique establishment – it may surprise you. To access the Global Dining feature click here. Bon Appetit! It’s an invitation for all of us to experience how culturally rich our community is. The people behind these establishments all have stories, and we’d like to share them with you. We all come from many different cultures, and can benefit from learning about each other. And what better way to start than by eating!
Unique Pike Businesses Celebrate Milestones
To commemorate
JOURNEYoga’s one year anniversary all neighbors are invited to participate in a weekend celebration, September 19-21. Activities will include special yoga sessions, discussions, meditations and more. Visit
www.JOURNEYoga.net for details.
Faux and Fleur Design’s 6
th annual open house will be held on October 4 and 5. Festivities include a tour, items for sale, and do-it-yourself classes. Go to
www.fauxandfleur.com for more information. Local artist
Kevin Irvin, who is doing work for the Crystal City BID, the Marine Corps Marathon, and others, has moved his studio to the second floor at 3213 Columbia Pike. Check out his website at
www.jazirock.com.
Non-Profit News
The Arlington Free Clinic (AFC) has selected the firm of Perkins & Will to design the interior of their new clinic space at the Halstead (corner of Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Dr.) They expect that the space will be turned over to them in December. Thinking green, the Clinic has set a goal of LEED Silver Certification for their new facility. Meanwhile, to help fund the construction ACF is offering donors naming opportunities for various spaces in the clinic. For information contact Pat McDermott at 703-979-1425 or go to
www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org.
The Arlington Center for Dance (
www.arldance.org (703) 778-3008) is holding their inaugural benefit auction on Sat., Oct. 4 6:30-10:30 pm at their facility located just off the Pike at 3443 Carlin Springs Rd.
Just Neighbors, which provides services to low income immigrants and refugees has moved to 5827 Columbia Pike, Suite 320. For more information visit
www.justneighbors.org.
Peaches, Corn, Tomatoes, & More Starring at Farmers Market!
The Columbia Pike Farmers Market, now in its 13
th season, takes place each Sunday through November from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in Pike Park, at the corner of S. Walter Reed Dr. and Columbia Pike. Come out and treat yourself to the fresh local produce, organic meats, baked goods, milk, cheese, flowers, coffee, tea, and handmade chocolates, salsas, soaps, and more. In the past month we have added three new vendors—Virginia Pure Beeswax Candles & Honey, Henna Tattoos by Pragate, and Pressed Flower Art & Jewelry by Reinvented Elegance. Also, we are pleased to be partnering with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), which is receiving donations of 600-700 pounds of unsold produce from our farmers each Sunday. For a full list of vendors who participate in our market
click here.
Longstanding Churches Continue Strong Community Presence
In remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures,
Arlington Presbyterian Church (3507 Columbia Pike) will conduct a Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4 (St. Francis’ feast day) at 5 p.m. The service will take place in the side garden on Lincoln Street. All animals (with their humans) are invited to attend. Also, did you know that Arlington Presbyterian has been operating a large clothing bank from its basement for nearly 40 years? It is true-- the Rhonda Gilliam Clothing Bank offers more than 30,000 items of clothing free of charge to those in need each year. For more information or to donate or volunteer call (703) 920-5660. You canhelp
Arlington United Methodist Church celebrate its 150
th anniversary by submitting an anniversary logo design embodying the theme “Alive in the Spirit.” Top entries will be included in a group show early in 2009, and the winning entry will receive a cash award. For more information about their many arts oriented activities visit
www.faithrenaissance.org. The
Trinity Episcopal Church, which dates to the early 1800s, is home to the Columbia Pike Community Chorus, Musikids, and the Trinity School of Early Learning, and operates the Columbia Pike Thrift Shop at 4101 Columbia Pike. They are also holding their 5
th annual Trinity Treasure Hunt Yard Sale on Sat. Sept. 27, 2008, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. at the church, 2217 Columbia Pike. For more info visit
www.trinitychurcharlington.org.
Join CPRO and Support the Pike’s Revitalization
CPRO receives an annual grant from Arlington County that makes up almost one-third of our budget. For the remainder we rely on the support of our members, as well as organizations and companies who sponsor our events. Please consider becoming a CPRO member today. To access a residential/civic, or business membership form please follow the link below. Thank You!
http://www.columbiapike.org/membership/index_E.htmlContact Us
As always, the CPRO staff welcomes your input. Email your suggestions, questions, comments, and offers of assistance to Jim Whittaker at
jwhittaker@columbiapike.org; Pam Holcomb at
pholcomb@columbiapike.org; or Amy McWilliams at
amcwilliams@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
