Shooshan Company
IN THE NEWS
A Brief History of the Ballston Metro Station
We recently wrote about the new Marymount campus at 1000 N. Glebe Road and how pieces of the original "Blue Goose" were salvaged to create markers with information about Arlington to surround the building. One of these incredibly interesting markers gives a brief history of the Ballston Metro station and how it came to be:
This marker reads:
Ballston Metro
"The expansion of the Federal government and the increase of the population in the mid-20th century led to the dramatic changes to the region. After the closure of the trolley lines in Arlington County, buses were the primary means of public transportation.
In the mid-1960s, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) originally proposed a rapid rail system that had two lines in Arlington County, one line following I-66 to Fairfax and another line servicing the Pentagon, National Airport, and Crystal City. Arlington County officials, however, successfully lobbied for the proposed I-66 line to follow Wilson Boulevard and Fairfax Drive instead (the former route of the WA&FC trolley line) to stimulate development along the aging corridors.
The Ballston Metro Station, located four blocks from here on Fairfax Drive, opened in 1979 and transformed the community from small shops and businesses to a thriving urban village."
It's always interesting to learn the history behind our community and the new Marymount campus found and interesting way of incorporating this into the overall design.
Take A Look Around Marymount’s New Ballston Campus
Marymount University’s Ballston campus, formerly known as “The Blue Goose,” is set to officially open in August. The new buildings have much to offer and add to the wonderful Ballston skyline. One of the many unique design choices (and as a homage to the original building) was the use of salvaged pieces from The Blue Goose to create markers placed along the side path with facts about Ballston, Arlington and of course, The Blue Goose:
This marker reads:
The Blue Goose
"A colorful example of modernist architecture stood on this site from 1963 to 2015. Its geometrically arranged, polychromatic blue metal panels earned it the local nickname of “The Blue Goose.” Designed to take advantage of its corner lot, the orientation of the building allowed its two main blocks to meet at the intersection of the North Glebe Road and Fairfax Drive.
Highlighted by a central gentle inverse curve, the facade featured metal hopper windows surmounted by fixed single-light windows. Narrow metal mullions or thicker metal pilasters divided these windows and ran seamlessly between each story to enhance the verticality of the building. Upon completion of the Blue Goose, the developer, M.T. Broyhill and Sons, moved its offices into the building."
If you haven't been by the new buildings yet, we encourage you to stop by 1000 Glebe Road, Arlington VA and see the most recent addition to Ballston. -The Shooshan Company
Sunset Yoga at Ballston Bocce Park
Ballston Quarter, the new "urban village" where Ballston Common Mall once stood, offers different events while they continue the renovation. Recently, they joined with Ballston Sport & Health to offer Sunset Yoga which takes place this coming Wednesday, July 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Sunset Yoga will be held at Ballston Bocce Park, just 5 minutes away from Two Liberty Center where The Shooshan Company offices are located. Everyone is welcome and attendees are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Be sure to bring your own yoga mat or towel. In addition, Ballston Quarter will be giving out sunglasses and bottled water to help with the sun. Temperatures are expected to be around 86-90 degrees. Registration is free and available on Eventbrite by clicking here. To find out what else is open during the renovation, you may visit their website at www.ballstonquarter.com/#renovation. References: Ballston Quarter Sunset Yoga. (2017). Ballston Quarter. Source: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-yoga-with-ballston-quarter-and-ballston-sporthealth-tickets-34016907486
Free Summer Concerts at Lubber Run Amphitheater
If you're looking for ways to enjoy the nice weather in Arlington over the next few months, the Lubber Run Amphitheater, located on Columbus Street, has free concerts and entertainment taking place all summer long through June, July and September. The Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation and Arlington’s Cultural Affairs division have teamed up to create an impressive lineup with all types of music including Blues, Latin, Jazz, Brazilian and more - there's even some magic shows taking place! The events take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm or Sundays at 6:00pm, with the exception of a few that start earlier. To see the full lineup with descriptions and start times, be sure to visit www.arlingtonarts.org/venues/lubber-run-amphitheater. Lubber Run Amphitheater 200 N Columbus Street Arlington, VA 22203 The performance schedule is below and the full descriptions can be seen online here.- Friday, June 30 – Revelator Hill
- Saturday, July 1 – Cissa Paz
- Sunday, July 2 – Sligo Creek Stompers
- Friday, July 7 – Los Gallos Negros
- Saturday, July 8 – King Soul
- Sunday, July 9 – Akua Allrich
- Friday, July 14 – Company Danzante
- Saturday, July 15 – Chopteeth Afropunk Big Band
- Sunday, July 16 – Kenny Rittenhouse
- Friday, July 21 – Little Red & The Renegades
- Saturday, July 22 – Elikeh
- Sunday, July 23 – Little Bit of Blues
- Friday, July 28 – Chieck Hamala Diabate
- Saturday, July 29 – Elena y Los Fulanos
- Sunday, July 30 – Cristylez Bacon
- Friday, August 4 – Dupont Brass
- Saturday, August 5 – WSC Avant Bard
- Sunday, August 6 – The Scotch Bonnets
- Friday, August 11 – Rico Amero Sr.
- Saturday, August 12 – Signature Theatre Cabaret
- Sunday, August 13 – National Chamber Ensemble
- Sunday, August 27 – “Speed” The Magician
- Sunday, September 10 – Mystic Drumz
- Sunday, September 17 – The Great Zucchini
John Shooshan Receives Robert Ball Sr. Award
The Best of Ballston awards and Annual Meeting, presented by Ballston BID and Clark Construction, took place on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at The Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel. Best of Ballston Awards included:#bestofballston Innovation Award goes to @Cybraics 4 all the work they do on a daily basis- they embody what Ballston is all about!
— BallstonBID (@BallstonBID) June 21, 2017
#bestofballston Property Manager Award winner is Cheryl Dennis with Peidmont Realty for all her great work for Ballston tenants & the BID
— BallstonBID (@BallstonBID) June 21, 2017
In addition to the above award winners, The Shooshan Company's CEO and President, John Shooshan, was honored to receive the Robert Ball Sr. Award in recognition of his contributions to Ballston and Arlington. Ballston BID's website states, "His talents and dedication to Ballston have strengthened the network in our community and have enhanced the neighborhood aesthetically and intellectually." [caption id="attachment_1444" align="alignnone" width="592"]#Bestofballston Broker Award winner is the team from @joneslanglasall: Bob VeShancey, David Goldstein and Herb Mansinne
— BallstonBID (@BallstonBID) June 21, 2017
Photo courtesy of Ballston BID.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1443" align="alignnone" width="593"]
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:
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/
Arlington Chamber June 2017 “Business After Business”
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce provides many networking opportunities for those who work in all neighborhoods of the county. The next event takes place in the evening and is part of the "Business After Business" program. On 4420 N. Fairfax Arlington, VA 22203) to exchange business cards and enjoy food and drinks while getting to know other individuals and businesses of the community. In addition, the Chamber website states, "Those present at the event have the opportunity to win door prizes, and there's also a cash jackpot for members only." The Shooshan Company is proud to be a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and sincerely appreciates having the opportunity to network and meet other working professionals in the Arlington area. Be sure to register in advance on the Arlington Chamber of Commerce website here.References
Business After Business. (2017). The Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Source: http://web.arlingtonchamber.org/events/Business-After-Business-2244/details
Pepita Cantina’s “Tiki Thursdays”
Starting next Thursday, June 15, Mike Isabella's Pepita Cantina will start hosting their "Tiki Thursdays" from 5:00 PM to close. The innovative Mexican restaurant will offer Hawaiian dishes and cocktails only available on Thursdays. The website states, "Food includes Trader Vic's PuPu Platter or bites à la carte like Tuna Poke, Wings and Chicken or Beef Skewers." We encourage anyone looking for a unique experience, delicious food and signature cocktails to visit Pepita Cantina, located at The View Luxury Apartments at 4000 Wilson Blvd in Ballston. Restaurant entrance is located on North Quincy Street and additional parking is available at 4075 Wilson Blvd in Two Liberty Center across the street from The View. See the full "Tiki Thursdays" food and signature cocktails menu on Pepita Cantina's website here.
Marymount University Celebrates New Ballston Campus
Marymount University’s Ballston campus, formerly known as “the Blue Goose,” recently celebrated the near-completed project with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. [caption id="attachment_1431" align="alignnone" width="225"]
Marmount University board of trustees chairman Joseph Maurelli and current Marymount president Matthew Shank cut the ribbon on May 24, 2017. Photo courtesy of Clark Construction[/caption]
A few years ago, Marymount University selected the Shooshan Company to re-develop this Ballston campus, which included a full demolition of the existing building. Now, after only two years of operating out of a swing-space just down the road, Marymount University will return to the site in a brand new building designed by world renowned architect, Gensler.
As reported by INSIDE NOVA, "The university will occupy six of the nine floors of the 165,000-square-foot academic building, whose construction was a partnership between the university and the Shooshan Co. It will include classrooms, administrative offices, a library, cybersecurity lab, 200-seat auditorium, chapel and both a dining hall and Starbucks that will be open to the public...In the end, it was a team that included the university, Shooshan, Clark Construction, Hitt Construction and a slew of bankers and bond houses – plus a good amount of prayer – that made it possible."
Inside Nova also described the process prior to Marymount choosing a partner: "Everybody wanted a piece of this particular site. One of the prospective partners even brought in football superstar-turned-development mogul Roger Staubach to make a pitch. In the end, Shooshan, which has developed a host of projects in Arlington, won out. John Shooshan, the firm’s founder, said it was the 'common vision [and] common faith' of the leadership of both organizations that meshed well."
The Shooshan Company is proud to be a part of such a historic landmark and looks forward to seeing everyone enjoying the new building. The new Ballston campus is expected to officially open in August.
References:
New Ballston Building Wins Accolades From Marymount Community. (2017). Inside Nova. Source: http://www.insidenova.com/headlines/new-ballston-building-wins-accolades-from-marymount-community/article_dd043dbe-4143-11e7-bb85-9b60d13eefdd.html
Yona Japanese Restaurant Continues To Impress
It's been one and a half years since Yona first opened their doors at The View Luxury Apartments. Monday, November 30, 2015, saw the grand opening of the much-anticipated concept from Washington, D.C. based celebrity chef Mike Isabella and experienced Chef Jonah Kim. Located at 4000 Wilson Boulevard, the official website of YONA describes it as, “A full-service Japanese restaurant from Mike Isabella Concepts serving lunch and dinner daily. The menu features both traditional and more inventive takes on familiar Japanese dishes, including onigiri rice balls, sushi, ramen and other noodle soups. Heartier offerings include steamed bao buns, fried chicken buckets and Asian-inspired sandwiches.” If the restaurant description wasn't enough to draw you in, Jonah Kim and Mike Isabella were listed among the 2016 RAMMY winners along with Thrillist mentioning Chef Jonah Kim as one of “The Most Important DC Chefs to Watch in 2016." Since 2015, countless Arlingtonians, Washingtonians and more have packed into this beautifully decorated restaurant to experience a unique and fresh take on classic dishes. Anna Spiegel, Food Editor of the Washingtonian, writes: “True to name, noodles star on the menu…guest can try several varieties of ramen, including kimchi-filled Korean with poached squid and pork belly, a veggie version that mixes soy milk in the broth, and a robust ‘miso porky'." We also encourage you to read the Arlington Magazine review by David Hagedorn, complete with stunning photos by Jonathan Timmes, at arlingtonmagazine.com/restaurant-review-yona/. Yona is open Monday - Saturday from 11:30 am - 10:00 pm and Sundays 11:30 am - 9:00 pm. For those who do not live at The View, the restaurant is only a few blocks from the Ballston metro station and is sure to keep those looking for something different satisfied. You may find the full menu on their website at http://yonava.com/menu. The Shooshan Company is proud to collaborate with Celebrity Chef Mike Isabella to bring restaurants like Yona, Pepita Cantina and Kapnos Taverna to Arlington. References: (1) Yona. (2015). About Yona. Source: http://yonava.com/about/jonah-kim/ (2) Thrillist / Washington DC. (2015). The Most Important DC Chefs to Watch in 2016. Source: https://www.thrillist.com/eat/washington-dc/10-washington-dc-chefs-to-watch-in-2016 (3) Washingtonian. (2015). Anna Spiegel. Yona from Mike Isabella and Jonah Kim is Open and Serving Ramen: A modern Korean/Japanese restaurant for Ballston. Source: http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/bestbites/food-restaurant-news/yona-from-mike-isabella-and-jonah-kim-is-now-serving-ramen-in-ballston.php (4) Restaurant Review: Yona. (2016). David Hagedorn. Arlington Magazine. Source: http://www.arlingtonmagazine.com/restaurant-review-yona/ (5) Photos from grand opening courtesy of Bonnie Flippin.
Taste of Arlington 2017
This Sunday, May 21, marks the 30 annual Taste of Arlington event from the Ballston BID. 10 food trucks and over 50 restaurants will participate in the event which, in the past, has drawn an average of 50,000 people. TasteOfArlington.com states "this year's festival will take place in between N Randolph St and N Monroe St on Wilson Blvd which is convenient to both the Ballston/MU station and the Virginia Square metro stop." Additional information such as registration, frequently asked questions, a list of participants, sponsors, event features and a complete map can be seen on the official website www.TasteOfArlington.com. For the full size map, click the image below.
References:
Taste of Arlington. (2017). Ballston BID. Source: http://www.ballstonbid.com/taste/