IN THE NEWS

News from the Bisnow Event: State of Arlington and Alexandria

Published December 22, 2016

Recently (December 7), Bisnow DC hosted their event, The State of Arlington County and Alexandria, in Crystal City. Over breakfast, several panelists spoke on everything from buildings to the Metro rail to the Gondola proposal and more. In addition to our very own John Shooshan, other speakers included:
  • Mark Damato – Head of Global Real Estate, CEB
  • Andy VanHorn – Principal, The JBG Companies
  • Mary-Claire Burick (Moderator)– President, Rosslyn BID
  On Arlington County
  • John Shooshan – Chairman, Shooshan Company
  • Tim Helmig – President, Monday Properties
  • David Bevirt – SVP, Brookfield
  • Will Voegele – SVP, Forest City Washington
  • Evan Pritchard (Moderator) – Shareholder, Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh
  On Alexandria
  • Doug Firstenberg – Founding Principal, StonebridgeCarras
  • Jeff Zell – CEO, JM Zell
  • Bob Cohen – CEO, Perseus Realty
  • Fred Rothmeijer – Founding Principal, MRP Realty
  • Anthony Chang – VP, Washington REIT
  As well as:
  • Angela Fox – President & CEO, Crystal City BID
  • Tina Leone –  CEO, Ballston BID
  • Stephanie Landrum – President & CEO, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
  • Victor Hoskins – Director, Arlington Economic Development
  • Ross Draber – COO, United Bank
Specifically on the ongoing efforts to improve the waterfront, Arlington spokespeople talked about how Arlington shouldn't be left behind in the process. Michael Gribbon, as Bisnow reported, states:
"The river is obviously an asset in the Washington metro area that, in some places, is just really a dynamic attraction, and in other areas, it's just woefully underutilized...I think the next logical step is Arlington, it's a resource that needs to be utilized."
In addition, the idea of a boathouse in Rosslyn was discussed to better connect the area with Georgetown. Regarding the gondola proposal, The Bisnow article also states:
"John Shooshan emphasized the problem of funding a gondola, especially in the current fiscal situation. 'We're going to have $20 trillion in debt,' John said. 'So gondolas and things have got to be things that you need and not things that you want.'"
The Ballston BID was present, who tweeted: Arlington Economic Development also tweeted a great quote from the event: Overall the event was a huge success with many great points on what to expect over the next several years in both Arlington and Alexandria. The next Bisnow event, again featuring John Shooshan along with many other wonderful speakers, takes place on January 12 and covers the topic on how the next presidency will affect the commercial real estate industry.
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Arlington’s McCoy Park to Receive Renovations

Published December 15, 2016

According to Arlington County, McCoy park, located at 2121 21st St N, Arlington, VA 22201, is receiving some major upgrades. According to the county's website:
"This project is funded by the developer from FY 2012 Site Plan Ordinance for construction of the parcel (formerly Bergman's Cleaners dry cleaning plant and now MOM's Organic Market) for the community benefit. To maximize available funding the Department of Parks and Recreation will focus improvements on an area no larger than 2,500 sq. ft. Based on discussions held at a May 18, 2016 North Highlands Civic Association meeting, the goal is to enhance the appearance of the park entrance and provide amenities and beautification."
The full "McCoy Park Site Improvements Concept Plan presentation", which took place December 14, can be found on the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation's website by clicking here. According to the official press release, seen here, community benefits include:
  • "11 units of on-site affordable housing
  • "Improvements to neighboring McCoy Park"
  • "Realignment of Custis Trail"
  • "Off-site transportation improvements"
  • "Transportation Demand Management"
  • "Landscaping and perpetual maintenance"
  • "Clean-up of an environmentally contaminated site"
Mary Hynes, Arlington County Board Chair, states:
“This development will transform an eyesore into neighborhood center,” “It embodies the goals of Smart Growth by combining new homes, including affordable units, with the neighborhood’s first grocery store and other ground floor retail, all within walking distance of Courthouse Metro.”
Be sure to read the full press release which contains much more information about the project. At The Shooshan Company, we're always excited to see improvements being made in this great city!   References  
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Arlington Ranks Among Top Virginia Schools

Published December 8, 2016

U.S. News & World Report has again come out with some rankings, according to the Arlington Patch. This time, the focus is on the "Top High Schools of 2016." Among the list are a few Arlington high schools including Yorktown High School, which ranked 13th in Virginia and 363 nationwide. Washington-Lee High, located right near our offices in the Ballston area, ranked 17th in Virginia and 430 nationally. The #1 school ranked in Virginia was Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria. You may see the full list on U.S. News & World Report's website here.   References
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Great Chocolate Race 2016 Arlington

Published December 2, 2016

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Preparing for Winter in Arlington

Published November 25, 2016

The Arlington County Government recently published a news release titled "Arlington Ready for Winter." The report goes into detail on what residents of Arlington can expect from the county in terms of preparation, especially after the heavy winter last year. The main points were:
  • Piloting augmented deployment for large snow events
  • 9,200 tons of salt stockpiled
  • $1.38 million budgeted for snow removal
  • Improved snow issues form
The full report and detailed updates may be seen on the Arlington County Government website here. The news release also lists ways for residents to help with snow removal including coordinating with neighbors to park cars on one side of the street, clearing sidewalks, working from home or teleworking, use de-icers on sidewalks and staying informed through the Snow and Ice Central webpage.   References
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Arlington Fall Foliage

Published November 16, 2016

According to the Arlington Patch and Virginia Department of Forestry, the autumn colors seen on the trees throughout Arlington will remain that way through all of November. "Unseasonably warm" weather has allowed the leaves to last longer than usual, providing Arlingtonians with a beautiful view. The report also states: "Weather.com projects the weather in the area to stay in the 60s for the first half of the month, slowly dipping into the 50s later on. So there won't be much of that characteristic fall chill in the next couple weeks, but at least you'll have beautiful weather to enjoy the colorful landscape." References
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Two Liberty Center Receives Platinum Award

Published November 10, 2016

Two Liberty Center, located at 4075 Wilson Boulevard, has recently received the Platinum award from Arlington County Commuter Services for its alternative transportation program. Two Liberty is the only Platinum recipient to date in Arlington County and achieved this level by "featuring programs like carpool discounted parking, bike storage, onsite fitness centers, a free SmarTrip card for new tenants and tenant transportation events and promotions." Electric vehicle charging stations are also being installed. Having transportation alternative options is essential in areas like Ballston where everything needed is closer together. Walking is always encouraged and the orange line metro rail is right around the corner, not to mention the various Capital Bikeshare stations close by. In fact, 4075 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington has a walk score of 96, which is defined as a "walker's paradise." Arlington County Commuter Services mentions that having these options leads to "Improved tenant/employee health, well-being and satisfaction." Awards are available for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. According to ArlingtonTransportationPartners.com, requirements to receive a Platinum rating include completing three additional actions "after completing BRONZE, SILVER and GOLD Levels." The property can choose from:
  • "Completing two additional SILVER Level actions and two GOLD Level actions
  • Achieving mode shift goals within one year through tenant transportation survey
  • Earning Bicycle Friendly Business designation
  • Providing non-mandated Class I bicycle parking
  • Providing non-mandated shower and locker facilities
  • Installing non-mandated display and/or electronic screen providing transportation information
  • Offering up to $255/month direct or combination transportation benefit, as defined by the IRS, to property management employees
  • Sponsor an ATP event"
Two Liberty Center at 4075 Wilson Blvd. was developed by The Shooshan Company and completed in 2007. More information can be found on the website at www.TwoLibertyCenter.com. References
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Veterans Day events in Northern Virginia

Published November 4, 2016

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Bisnow Event: State of Arlington County and Alexandria

Published October 28, 2016

Be sure to reserve your tickets for BisNow DC's State of Arlington County and Alexandria event which features "major projects, office outlook, and a multifamily and retail update" taking place Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 7:30 AM. The event page also states: "Join Bisnow and our all-star panelist as we dive deep into the State of Arlington County and Alexandria's real estate market. We'll cover all the major projects and take a look into what the future holds for two of Virginia's hottest markets. As always expect plenty of coffee & networking before and after our panel discussions. Join the fun on Twitter by using hashtag #ARLALX16 and follow @BisnowDC!!" Current speakers for the event include:
  • Mark Damato - Head of Global Real Estate, CEB
  • Andy VanHorn – Principal, The JBG Companies
  • Mary-Claire Burick (Moderator)– President, Rosslyn BID
  On the Future of Arlington County
  • John Shooshan – Chairman, Shooshan Company
  • Tim Helmig – President, Monday Properties
  • David Bevirt – SVP, Brookfield
  • Will Voegele – SVP, Forest City Washington
  • Evan Pritchard (Moderator) – Shareholder, Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh
  On the Future of Alexandria
  • Doug Firstenberg - Founding Principal, StonebridgeCarras
  • Jeff Zell – CEO, JM Zell
  • Bob Cohen – CEO, Perseus Realty
  • Fred Rothmeijer - Founding Principal, MRP Realty
  • Anthony Chang – VP, Washington REIT
  Other speakers
  • Angela Fox - President & CEO, Crystal City BID
  • Tina Leone -  CEO, Ballston BID
  • Stephanie Landrum - President & CEO, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
  • Victor Hoskins – Director, Arlington Economic Development
  • Ross Draber – COO, United Bank
Here at the Shooshan Company, we're excited to hear our very own John Shooshan, along with all of the other great speakers listed above, give updates on everything that's happening in the area. Visit the official Bisnow website here to purchase tickets, find the parking, venue and agenda details for the event.   References:

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Ballston Halloween Market

Published October 24, 2016

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