Progress pictures of the first Arlington VIDA Fitness

VIDA Fitness recently shared photos via Facebook of the progress taking place at 4040 Wilson, where the fitness company will have their first Arlington location:

The Robert Ball Sr. Award

The Shooshan Company would like to congratulate the newest recipient of the Robert Ball Sr. Award, Dr. Matthew Shank, President of Marymount University. Thank you for your contributions to Ballston! As Inside Nova states: "The final event of the evening was the presentation of the Robert Ball Sr. Award to Dr. Matthew D. Shank, President of Marymount University, in recognition of his contributions to Arlington and his dedication to serving the community. Serving as Marymount’s president since 2011, Dr. Shank has worked tirelessly to strengthen Arlington both intellectually and aesthetically, from his role in developing the 'Blue Goose' into the Marymount Ballston Center to his work with the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network and numerous additional community organizations." Read the full article using the link below. Last year, in 2017, The Best of Ballston awarded The Shooshan Company's CEO and President, John Shooshan, with the Robert Ball Sr. Award in recognition of his contributions to Ballston and Arlington. [caption id="attachment_1444" align="alignnone" width="387"] Photo courtesy of Ballston BID.[/caption] The Shooshan Company would like to congratulate all of the award recipients and thank Ballston BID and everyone involved for such a wonderful evening and event. References: Best of Ballston winners include Marymount University president. (2018). Inside Nova. Source: http://www.insidenova.com/news/business/arlington/best-of-ballston-winners-include-marymount-university-president/article_0d3b6038-73ee-11e8-b813-5fb93e440cf2.html Annual Meeting & Best of Ballston Awards. (2017). Ballston BID. Source: http://www.ballstonbid.com/annual-meeting-best-ballston-awards Ballston BID Facebook. (2017). Facebook. Source: https://www.facebook.com/BallstonBID/

TechSpace At Two Liberty Center

TechSpace has officially opened their doors on the 8th floor of Two Liberty Center. Their website states: "Situated merely a few miles away from Washington, DC, Techspace Arlington offers a work environment buoyed with impressive city views and plenty of natural light. From impromptu meetings in the open collaboration area to presentations in fully-equipped conference rooms to brainstorming sessions in private offices, your employees will have everything they need to promote maximum productivity. Define your team with your coworking space and see why you need to work with TechSpace today." TechSpace also points out what to expect: Curated Space: "TechSpace Arlington occupies the 8th floor of Two Liberty Center on Wilson Boulevard, right across the street from the mixed-used urban village Ballston Quarter. 20,000 square feet of space includes 56 private, interconnecting office suites with 198 workstations. Whether your needs are for a coworking membership, 50-person satellite office, or 15-person private office, the floor plans are designed to foster a collaborative, community-centric environment - without breaking your budget." Concierge Staff: "Think the Four Seasons but with office space - customer service at its finest! Whether you need help ordering office supplies, catering a lunch meeting, or booking a conference room, our concierge staff always satisfies the needs of our members." Unique Features: "All TechSpace locations offer standard perks such as conference rooms, a member center, 24/7 access, and our premier technology platform, but each one has its own exclusive features too. At Arlington, enjoy access to various building amenities including a rooftop terrace, bike storage, locker rooms, and showers." Learn more about TechSpace Ballston and schedule a tour at www.techspace.com/coworking-space-near-washington-dc/ballston/. To learn more about Two Liberty Center at 4075 Wilson Blvd. in Ballston, Arlington, including amenities and space available, please visit twolibertycenter.com.   References: Arlington Office Space: Ballston. (2018). TechSpace. Source: https://www.techspace.com/coworking-space-near-washington-dc/ballston/  

Floor Plans: The View At Liberty Center Apartments

The View Luxury Apartments are located at 4000 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203. Designed by RTKL Architect’s office out of Miami, FL, The Shooshan Company really wanted to create a high-end, contemporary apartment building that catered specifically to the main demographic of the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor.  Designed with high-end finishes, appliances, “Nest” technology thermostats in each unit, The View distinguishes itself in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor as an apartment building that is ahead of its time.
  • Unrivaled views of Washington DC monuments from the upper floors
  • Rooftop plunge-pools and club room
  • Ground Floor fitness center
  • LEED Gold Certification
  • Retail: 4 restaurants including Kapnos Taverna, Pepita Cantina, Yona Noodle Bar and Taylor Gourmet.
The View offers Studio, Loft, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom + Den and 2 Bedroom apartments, with 24 different floor plans which you may view HERE or below: [gallery ids="1769,1770,1771,1772,1768,1752,1753,1754,1755,1756,1757,1758,1759,1760,1761,1762,1749,1750,1751,1763,1764,1765,1766,1767"]   THE VIEW ranks with a high Walk Score, making daily errands like groceries, retail shopping, dining and more a simple process. In addition, location to parks, schools and entertainment have a favorable ranking with these Ballston apartments which are also near the popular orange line metro rail along with Capital Bikeshare stations. You can find availability and request a tour HERE. Read more about the amenities, view photos or contact The View at www.theviewapartments.com.

Visit the FreshFarm Ballston Market Every Thursday

With the longer days of summer, take time to enjoy all that the warmer months have to offer, including venturing to some area farmers’ markets. If you live around Ballston, you are within walking distance to some wonderful restaurants, shops, and grocery stores, as well as the Ballston Farmer's Market. Every Thursday afternoon (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm), the Ballston FreshFarm Market serves up locally grown fruit and vegetables, along with gourmet cheeses, honey and beeswax products, eggs, meat, pies, eggs and more. In fact, you can make a late lunch or dinner out of it. Enjoy one of the smoothies made at the market, pick up some crab cakes, and sample some tasty gourmet spreads or dips. If you can’t wait for Thursday, check out the other Arlington farmers' markets in Rosslyn and Crystal City at FreshFarmMarkets.org. This web site also provides market locations throughout the Washington area, from the White House and Union Market to Silver Spring and even out to St. Michael’s on the Eastern Shore. Regardless of location, be sure to bring your shopping bags for some eco-friendly shopping. Take advantage of fresh offerings to give your taste buds a break from the usual fare. And with live music and weekly chef demos, the Ballston FreshFarm Market provides a wonderful backdrop for your shopping and socializing. According to FreshFarm.org, 2018 Ballston Farmers and Producers include:
  • BREAD & WATER: artisan sweet & savory baked goods
  • BUN'D UP: handmade buns with sweet & savory fillings
  • COULTER FARMS: organic grass-fed beef, pastured pork, lamb, eggs & creamline dairy products
  • COWBELL KITCHEN: pressed sandwiches, quiche, pastries & desserts
  • CUCINA AL VOLO: handmade pastas, ravioli, sauces, & pork sandwiches
  • GREENHEART JUICE SHOP: locally sourced, unpasteurized, cold-pressed juice
  • ICE CREAM JUBILEE: small-batch premium ice cream
  • LITTLE AUSTRIA: European-style strudels & pastries
  • MICKLEY'S ORCHARD & FARM MARKET: tree & field fruit, vegetables, preserves & apple cider
  • MOCK'S GREENHOUSE: hydroponic greens & tomatoes
  • MONROE BAY WINERY: wine made from Virginia-grown grapes
  • NUMBER 1 SONS: barrel-fermented pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi & kombucha
  • OAK LANE SOAPWORKS: handmade soaps
  • PLEITEZ PRODUCE: field vegetables & cut flowers
  • RAINBOW HILL FARM: organic vegetables, fruits, flowers, chicken eggs & duck eggs
  • RED TREE FARMSTEAD: field vegetables & cut flowers
  • ROCKAHOCK FARM: baked goods, chutneys, preserves & mustards
  • SHE PEPPERS: hot sauces, chile pastes, seasoning blends & pickles
  • SPOT OF TEA (formerly Cassava): locally sourced boba teas & Vietnamese coffee
  • TIMBER PIZZA COMPANY: wood-fired pizza & sandwiches
  • WESTMORELAND BERRY FARM: tree fruit, berries, vegetables & preserves
Partner organizations for the FRESHFARM Ballston Market are:
  • Ballston BID
  • AFAC
Find more information at www.freshfarm.org/ballston References: FreshFarm Markets. (2018). Freshfarm. Source: http://freshfarm.org/  

Arlington Parks Ranked Among Nation’s Best

​Arlington has one of the best park systems in the country according to The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit group whose website states their mission is “to create parks and protect land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.” Washington, D.C. is also in the top five. The nonprofit's methodology for ranking parks consists of 4 factors according to their website:
  • Acreage:
    • Median park size and park acres as % of city area
  •  Investment
    • Spending per resident includes public, private, and monetized volunteer hours
  •  Amenities
    • An average of six key park facilities on a per capita basis
  •  Access
    • Percentage of the population living within a ten-minute walk of a public park
The top ten parks listed were:
  1. Minneapolis, MN
  2. St. Paul, MN
  3. Washington, D.C.
  4. Arlington, VA
  5. San Francisco, CA
  6. Portland, OR
  7. Cincinnati, OH
  8. Chicago, IL
  9. New York, NY
  10. Irvine, CA
"Park Facts" (from the website) for Arlington include:
  • Park acreage: 1,767 acres
  • People served per park acre: 129
  • Oldest municipal park: Glencarlyn Park, est. 1940
  • Largest municipal park: Glencarlyn Park, 96 acres
  • Most-visited municipal park: Long Bridge Park
You can view more stats on the website here. References: 10 Minute Walk. (2018). The Trust for Public Land. Source: https://www.tpl.org/10minutewalk Methodology. (2018). Parkscore. Source: http://parkscore.tpl.org/methodology.php City Profiles: Arlington. (2018). Parkscore. Source: http://parkscore.tpl.org/city.php?city=Arlington

Kelly Shooshan on the Ballston Connect Podcast

Kelly Shooshan, CEO of the Shooshan Company, joins Tina Leone in the studio to discuss her vision for Ballston's future, her role in some of the area's most impressive redevelopments and the dynamics of running the family business. Listen here: Source: BallstonConnect Podcast. (2018). Ballston BID. Source: http://ballstonconnectpodcast.libsyn.com/

New Photos of The Rixey: Ballston’s Newest Apartment Development

One of The Shooshan Company's most recent projects is The Rixey which has:
  • 15th floor rooftop featuring a clubroom with views of the DC skyline
  • Roof top lounge with event kitchenette, grilling stations, and private cabanas with TV's
  • Roof top plunge spa and sun deck with views of the Washington Monument
  • Expansive fitness center with Peloton bikes, yoga room, and cardiomachines
  • Ground floor lounge
  • Coffee bar
  • Outdoor courtyard
  • Bike repair station
  • Fire pit to enjoy with friends
  • WiFi throughout amenities
  • On-site retail with outdoor seating
  • LEED Gold Certified
  • Short walk to the Ballston-MU Metro Station
If you haven't seen The Rixey in person, we've got some new photos to check out: For more information or to schedule a tour, call The Rixey at 571-342-3330. References: The Rixey. (2018). The Rixey. Source: http://www.livetherixey.com

Floor Plans: 4040 Wilson Blvd.

4040 Wilson, the final component to the Liberty Center Development, offers the most unique opportunity in the market. The project which is under construction and set to deliver in April 2020 as a twenty-two (22) story single mixed-use office, residential and retail tower in Arlington. This is the first project of its kind in the market, providing tenants the ultimate mixed-use environment in a single building, but allowing each division to operate independent of the others. The 22,000 square foot floor plan is virtually column-free — achieves an unrivaled 6.8% single tenant core factor — and meets new standards in tenant efficiency and flexibility.   Find open, light-filled floor plans built just for your needs and view availability at 4040wilson.com/available and view the whole brochure HERE and see the latest photos and renderings at 4040wilson.com/gallery/.

Arlington Bike To Work Day 2018

Friday, May 18, is officially Bike to Work Day in the Metro DC area. BikeArlington (a division of Arlington County Commuter Services) and many other organizations join together to encourage commuters across Arlington, Alexandria, Washington, D.C. and Maryland to use a different kind of transportation. BikeArlington's website states: "BikeArlington invites you to join thousands of area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to get to work! Meet up with your neighbors and coworkers at one of the 100 regional pit stops to enjoy food, music, and fun activities with fellow bikers." The following map of 100 Bike to Work Day pit stop events in Virginia, D.C., Maryland and other cities comes courtesy of www.biketoworkmetrodc.org  Bike Arlington also states that "Bike to Work Day is a FREE event and open to all area commuters whether you’re new to riding or ride every day. The first 20,000 people to register receive a free t-shirt to wear at work with pride and are automatically entered into the regional and local raffles for sweet prizes and bikes." If you do not have a bike, you may always visit www.capitalbikeshare.com to find the closest Capital Bikeshare station near you. References: BikeArlington. (2018). Arlington County Commuter Services. Source: http://www.bikearlington.com/bike-to-work-day/ Find Your Pit Stop. (2018). Bike to Work Day. Source: http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/first-time-rider-info/bike-to-work-day-2018-pit-stops