<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Just days after opening the leasing office at the Halstead (1028 S. Walter Reed Dr. at Columbia Pike) Bozzuto Management reports that an initial set of apartments have been rented, and the first residents are scheduled to move in on Dec. 13. For more images from CPRO’s recent hard hat tour of the property click here. For more information about living at the Halstead call their rental office at 703-486-1028 or go to www.halsteadarlington.com. For information about retail space contact Lindsey McGaw of KLNB Retail at 703-722-2707.

The 10-story mixed use building that is rising at 5500 Columbia Pike (at S. Greenbrier St.) has a new name. Formerly referred to as “Columbia Village,” the development has been re-branded “55 Hundred.” Work crews are currently pouring concrete for the top floors of the building that will include 7,500 sq. ft. of ground floor retail and 235 apartments, and is the first redevelopment project in the Pike’s Western Gateway revitalization district. To view a recent construction photo (as well as pictures of other Pike developments) click here. The developer, Fairfield Residential, has also posted a new webpage at www.55hundredlifestyle.com.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Woodfield Investments, the developer of Siena Park which is being built on the Pike at S. Wayne St., has hired Madison Retail Group to handle leasing of the building’s 32,000 sq. ft. ground floor. After months of excavation, concrete has been poured for most of the underground parking structure, the building will soon reach grade level, and delivery is expected in late 2009. Building plans show that ground floor retail opportunities include 7 storefronts ranging in size from 1,900 to 10,500 square feet. For more information prospective retailers should contact Jim Farrell or Anastasia Kharchenko of Madison Retail at 202-730-2000.

The Washington Business Journal has presented EnviroCab CEO Hans Hess with its 2008 Green Business Award! EnviroCab, which is headquartered at 2617 Columbia Pike, was founded in 2007 with the area’s first all-hybrid taxi fleet. The hybrid cabs produce lower emissions than standard vehicles, plus Hess purchases carbon credits to more than offset the emissions the cars do produce. Way to go EnviroCab! For more information go to www.envirotaxicab.com.

Local officials who have been involved in planning the Columbia Pike streetcar system have never expected to receive federal funding for the project-- until now, that is. In the November 7-13 issue of the Washington Business Journal Arlington County Board member and Metro Board Chair Chris Zimmerman is quoted as saying “I think there’s a really good chance for some viable federal funding.” What’s making the difference is a likely shift in the nation’s transit priorities under President Obama in favor of light rail, and the likelihood of a large federal investment in transportation as part of the next economic stimulus package. The local share of streetcar system costs are expected to supported by Arlington and Fairfax counties’ dedicated transportation funds that are being built via a supplemental commercial property tax. Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that Cincinnati is the latest city to join a list of 40 municipalities that are looking to build streetcar systems to improve transportation and produce economic development. More than a dozen municipalities already have operating streetcars including Portland, Charlotte, Seattle, New Orleans, and San Francisco; and Denver, Houston, and Salt Lake City have recently introduced new systems or plan to very soon.

The next breakfast gathering of the Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network will occur at 8:00-9:30 am on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse. The special guest speaker will be Shahriar Amiri, Arlington County Building Official, who will discuss the County’s efforts to streamline the building permit process. These events, co-presented by CPRO and AED’s BizLaunch, offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet other local business people, discuss common challenges and share solutions. Participants promote their own businesses and develop new contacts from the government, nonprofit and private sectors that can be helpful to them. Courtesy of our sponsors, Nationwide Insurance agent Renee Oliver and the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse, admission is FREE, but you must register. Register Online. For more information phone Darnell Roseboro (703) 228-0833 or Pam Holcomb (703) 892-2776.

The George Mason Shell (4211 Columbia Pike) has closed while it is being upgraded with new tanks and dispensers. The station operator reports that when the service station reopens it is likely to be something other than a Shell Gas station and will offer the most competitive gas prices on the Pike. That sounds like good news to us!

Get Ready for Winter at Ski Chalet!You know the winter season is upon us every year when Ski Chalet (2704 Columbia Pike, 703-521-1700, www.skichalet.com) brings out its new supply of ski and winter sports equipment, clothing and accessories. Ski Chalet currently holding a Share the Warmth Sale that runs through November 23 -- donate an article of used, warm winter clothing and get $10 dollars off for every $79 of new merchandise that you buy. It’s a good time to check out why Ski Chalet remains a longtime local area favorite!

The Rancho Migueleno Barbershop has opened right next door to the restaurant of the same name www.elranchomigueleno at 3709-D Columbia Pike. The barbershop is operated by Pike resident Yudelys Centeno, serves men, women, and children, and is offering a 50% discount for first time customers. Call 571-244-8211 for more information. Visit the new shop and then go next door for excellent Salvadoran food and entertainment!

If it’s been awhile since you’ve been inside the Columbia Pike Goodwill store at 4714 Columbia Pike you’ve missed some big improvements—better product displays, new departmental and seasonal signage, and a thriving book department on the lower level. That’s right, the recently expanded “Book Nook” is now the recipient of a large percentage of metro area book donations, and it also features videos, music (both vinyl and CD) as well as audio books. It’s a great time to rediscover the Pike’s Goodwill Store!

Whether you prefer old or new, large or small, there are many attractive office space options on Columbia Pike. At the small end of the spectrum there is workspace for one available in the office of the Virginia Sustainable Building Network (with internet access and shared copy machine)—contact Annette Osso at 703-486-2966 to discuss. On the corner of the Pike and S. Walter Reed Dr. there are 630 sq. ft. and 830 sq. ft. (or 1460 ft. combined) offices available on the second floor. Interested parties should contact William Reap at 703-892-4966. On the larger side, two full 9,000 sq. ft. floors are available in the B.M. Smith building at 2300 9^th St. S. Call Ken Matzkin of Buck & Associates at 703-528-2288 for more information. Want office space in a new building? 2^nd floor offices of various sizes are available in the new Siena Park which is under construction on the Pike at S. Wayne St. For more information contact Kate Ahearn of CBRE at (202) 585-5595.

The non-profit Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) is holding a Community Bazaar (cash only transactions), for the next four weeks at 903 S. Highland (1^st Floor). Items for sale include brand new curtains, towels, bed linens, pillows, coffee makers, lamps, kitchen wares, chairs—all sold at very affordable prices. Bazaar hours are 12 Noon-2 PM & 5-8 PM on Fridays and 9 AM – 3 PM on Saturdays.

The Columbia Pike Farmers Market’s regular market season is ending on Sunday, November 22^th. The great feedback CPRO has received from our producers and from everyone who visited our market has inspired us to keep the market going for another four weeks (same time, same place) as a “holiday market.” We are lining up vendors who will be selling hand-made and imported crafts that will make great gifts! Some Christmas trees and wreaths will also be for sale. In addition, some of your favorite regular farmers market vendors will continue to be there selling organic meats and baked goods, soaps, and fresh eggs and milk. Check out our website in the coming weeks to get a complete list of vendors at the market.