Our biggest stories of 2018
1. The Alcove, Rosslyn's first experiential retail pop-up, opened on the corner of 19th and N. Moore Sts.
During its two-month tenure from August to October, The Alcove was home to 60 events and welcomed nearly 12,000 visitors.
2. In May, we launched Arlington County's first public parklet at Oak St. and Wilson Blvd.
Parklets typically take over existing, under-utilized parking spaces and provide an extension of the sidewalk. The Rosslyn Parklet is serving as a two-year prototype that may one day be replicated elsewhere in the county.
3. Held on a perfect spring day on Central Place Plaza, the first Rosslyn READS! Spring Book Festival was a massive success.
It raised more than $20,000 for Turning the Page, a nonprofit focused on public education projects in the D.C. metro area. More than 6,000 used CDs, DVDs and books were sold. Attendees enjoyed author talks and engaging live performances.
4. The Observation Deck at CEB Tower opened in June, offering 360-degee views of the monuments and the D.C. skyline from the 31st floor.
In its first year, The Observation Deck has added a café and HoverDC, an immersive experience that simulates what it would be like to fly over D.C.
5. Rosslyn enjoyed the arrival of a great mix of new retail in 2018, including six restaurants, two coffee shops, a dentist, a physical therapy studio and one hotel.
Welcome to BASH Boxing, Bethesda Bagels, Bourbon Coffee, CAVA, Compass Coffee, Convene, Dental Studio at Rosslyn, Homewood Suites by Hilton Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge, Nando's PERi PERi, Optimal Physical Therapy, Poke Bar, The Simple Greek, Spaces and The Yard.
6. Restaurateurs Fabio and Maria Trabocchi announced that they would open a second location of their pasta house, Sfoglina, in Rosslyn.
The couple operates several well-regarded D.C. restaurants, including Fiola, which earned a Michelin star. Planned for the ground floor of 1100 Wilson Blvd., Sfoglina specializes in handmade pasta made in the Italian tradition.
7. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam visited Rosslyn in June for the grand opening of the Accenture Cyber Fusion Center.
The new center helps organizations combat data breaches and cyberattacks, and should bring 1,000 skilled technology jobs to the region by the end of 2020.
8. The University of Virginia's Darden School of Business opened new facilities at 1100 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn.
One of the top-ranked business school in the nation, the Darden School now offers its Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA and Executive Education programs from the 30th and 31st floors of the Darden School Sands Family Grounds. The Darden School also offers event and conference space.
9. "Gravity and Grace," a site-specific, large-scale LED public artwork, went live at Central Place Plaza in Downtown Rosslyn.
Created by internationally renowned California sculptor Cliff Garten, the artwork is integrated into the architecture of Central Place's residential tower, where it provides an ever-changing spectrum of intense color amidst Rosslyn's busy urban environment.
10. In July, Nestle USA hosted their Good Life Fest on Central Place Plaza to celebrate the official grand opening of their new U.S. headquarters.
The company shared a sampling of its brands and hosted chef-led cooking demonstrations. It was a very successful event and no one left hungry!
Bonus Story: The "Rosslyn Turkey" captured headlines when he was spotted roaming a neighborhood construction site in March.
He was scared and stressed, but fortunately was captured by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) and released into a quiet patch in the woods.