Arlington is poised to approve plans for the tallest buildings in the Washington area.
Saturday, the county board will consider signing off on JBG Companies’ plans for a 30-story residential tower and a 31-story office tower, to be built opposite Rosslyn Metro station.
“It’s [part of] a big effort to revitalize Rosslyn, to provide us with a more sculpted, distinct skyline,” Arlington planner Tom Miller said.
Architectural drawings show sleek glass buildings with curved roofs. A public observation deck will top the taller officer tower. A 17,000-square-foot plaza sits between the towers.
About 45,000 square feet of retail space is planned on the ground floors of both buildings, Miller said. Plans call for 570,000 square feet of office space in one building and about 350 luxury residential units in the other. Half would be condos, half apartments.
JBG proposes to build the towers on the block bordered by Wilson Boulevard, 19th Street North, North Moore Street and North Lynn Street. It is one of two blocks in the planned Central Place development. Monday Properties is in the early stages of planning a similar development one block west, Miller said.
There are four buildings and three small parks on the block JBG wants to build on, including the Orleans House Restaurant, a McDonald’s and an office building. Orleans House owner Chris Sarris wouldn’t comment on the status of the building. JBG’s project manager, Kathleen Webb, said the developer has “the site under control.”
JBG also needs Federal Aviation Administration approval of the towers’ height, because of the proximity to Reagan National Airport. The FAA’s public comment period ended in February, but JBG has not received a decision, Webb said.
JBG’s plans include a $4.5 million donation to the county’s affordable housing fund, and a $3.5 million contribution toward three new elevators for the Rosslyn Metro Station. The elevators’ total cost is estimated at $35 million to $40 million.
The board will hear public comment on the Central Place proposal Saturday morning.
