CentralSpace to CentralPlace

Rosslyn Renaissance (RR) and the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) have joined with The JBG Companies to create a temporary urban space in the heart of Rosslyn, on the site of JBG's future Central Place project.  Until construction of Central Place begins, the site will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly space with a stage, benches, tables and chairs on a colorfully-painted plaza adjacent to a sustainable rain garden.

              The new space will open with an Earth Day Program on Thursday, April 22 from 2:00- 3:00 pm.  County Board Chairman Jay Fisette, the Bowen McCauley Dance Company and project representatives will join in the celebration, which will also include free ice cream for all participants. 

         This construction beautification project, located opposite the Rosslyn Metro Station at North Moore Street and Wilson Boulevard, was developed to make the construction site usable for workers, residents, and visitors while The JBG Companies prepares to move forward on its million square foot, two-tower Central Place project. 

              "As we continue to secure tenants for this trophy class office space, we decided to create a rain garden and open up the fenced-off space to show that even construction sites can be sustainable," says Brian Coulter, Managing Principal of The JBG Companies.   The space will be closed off to public use when JBG resumes construction of Central Place, which will include the region's only observation tower as well as a permanent urban plaza opposite the Metro station.

              Rosslyn Renaissance proposed the idea of turning the construction site into a functional public space, and RR member organization Cannon Design worked with RR Urban Design Project Manager Lucia deCordre to develop the plan. Cannon Design hosted a design charette, which included numerous professionals and RR Urban Design members such as LSG Landscape Architects and Eighth Day Design to develop a whimsical design which includes brightly-painted stripes and circles that extend to the surrounding sidewalks.  The Rosslyn BID contributed to the project with its purchase of tables and chairs, the stage, the paint and additional plantings to enhance the ambiance of the space. 

            "This project builds on the ability of Rosslyn Renaissance and the Rosslyn BID to bring together the developers and the community to make Rosslyn a desirable urban destination, even during the construction phase of Rosslyn's redevelopment," said Cecilia Cassidy, Executive Director of Rosslyn Renaissance and the Rosslyn BID.  "It demonstrates the power of working together to celebrate the environment and enhance Rosslyn during the waiting period between the 'old' Rosslyn and the exciting future that awaits us."  

             Cannon Design helped secure volunteers to power wash, paint and prepare the site. Volunteers from the Rosslyn BID and Rosslyn Renaissance, Cannon Design, Arlington Public Schools and surrounding school systems, Girl Scouts and residents participated.

          Cannon Design's Lala Matties, also a member of the RR Urban Design Committee, says the bright new space gives the busy urban corner a whole new feel.  "Whether you experience it on the ground or view it from your office, as my colleagues and I will from the 29th floor across the street, the dynamic space adds new character to Rosslyn that will make many people smile. How fortunate for us to have this opportunity to contribute, live and work in this vibrant community of Rosslyn,” says Matties.