Community Spotlight: River Place
How a long-standing community in Rosslyn is banding together to face new challenges
Tucked off of Arlington Blvd., the River Place apartment buildings sit overlooking a panoramic view of the Potomac. Just a block and a half from Rosslyn’s metro station, River Place North (RPN), one of the four buildings in the River Place complex, boasts some of the best views of D.C., while still within walking distance of Rosslyn’s favorite restaurants and attractions, like the Marine Corps War Memorial and numerous art installations. But the walkability (Rosslyn does have a Walk Score of 93!) and breathtaking views aren’t the only perks RPN has to offer.
While people might rent or buy an apartment in RPN for the views, Daisy Angelino, Association Management Specialist, knows it’s the sense of community that has made all the difference for those who have called the area home for so many years. A Rosslyn resident herself, Angelino has watched the neighborhood develop into a hub for international businesses, while still maintaining an inviting quality.
“You walk into any local business and they know you,” Angelino noted in a recent interview. “I’ve watched Rosslyn grow over the years from an area dominated by offices into a real community. It’s a city with a neighborhood feel.” Which she also attributed to the Rosslyn BID’s ambassador program and events, serving to bring residents together outside of the complex.
One RPN resident of four years, Adam, told the BID that RPN’s central location has been one of his favorite aspects of his time in Rosslyn. Just a quick walk to great food, drinks and coffee, and walking distance from nearby neighborhoods like Georgetown, Courthouse or Clarendon. “The location is all around excellent!” Adam concluded.
Formerly known as Arlington Towers, the River Place buildings have remained a staple in the community for decades. As a cooperatively owned complex, the units in RPN are owned individually by members, and so residents are personally invested in the community. And as one of the only co-op buildings in the area, RPN owes much of their community atmosphere to the fact that many of the staff and residents have been there for many years and have come to know each other as family.
So when COVID-19 hit, Angelino wasn’t surprised to see members of the community, board of directors, residents and staff alike band together through the crisis. Staff have taken it upon themselves to help high risk people in the building, and RPN implemented front door deliveries to accommodate those who felt uncomfortable in common areas. RPN was even able to partially open the onsite “Party Room” with limited seating and increased disinfecting, so that residents could utilize the space for work from home or virtual classes.
For residents like Adam, the communication from RPN’s management has stood out most. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and one of the best things is the communication,” Adam said. “We always know when something’s happening in the building, and they’re very responsive to any sort of request or inquiry.”
Since the onset of COVID-19, RPN has also adopted a rigorous approach to keeping the environment clean for all. With the addition of new sanitizing technology, free of harmful chemicals, a UV-C commercial grade air sanitizer, added signage to promote physical distancing and more, RPN has placed the health of its residents and staff at the forefront.
But with all of these precautions, it’s the residents of RPN that have come together to maintain this sense of community in a difficult time. Through continued high demand services, a vendor sponsored virtual happy hour, and in banding together to lend a helping (socially distant) hand to high risk residents, the people of RPN have proven that they’re ready to weather the storm, together.