Rants and Ramblings: random commentary about culture, media, politics, technology and whatnot.

courthouse development

Some interesting news this week about commercial development in the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington, Va., courtesy of the Washington Business Journal:

The JBG Cos. has its sights set on turning one of the last developable blocks in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood into a massive office and retail complex.

The Chevy Chase-based developer is in initial discussions with Arlington County to develop the area fronting Clarendon Boulevard and flanked by Courthouse Road and North 15th Street, along with the county-owned parking lot at 1400 Courthouse Road.

The Courthouse Metro block, currently split by North Uhle Street, would be developed into a 700,000-square-feet landmark commercial building. It would be the area’s tallest building — up to 16 stories. The project would offer street-level retail and connect to a cultural center and a civic plaza where the county’s parking lot is now…

The adjacent 2-acre lot that is now a parking lot is pegged as the site for a cultural center, civic plaza and underground parking, all of which connect to the rest of Courthouse Square.

(Washington Business Journal: “JBG unveils plans for two prime Courthouse sites” - 05/11/07)

The “Courthouse Metro block” the article references includes a newish 3-story building that houses Strayer University and a 24-hour CVS Pharmacy, as well as a block of shops and restaurants that includes Cosi, Boston Market, Ritz Photos, Jerry’s Pizza & Subs and Summers Restaurant.

I won’t shed any tears about the demise of that Cosi location, cursed with bad service during the day and unbearable cigarette stink in the evenings.

I do fear for Summers. Sure, the food’s not all that great, but it’s a good neighborhood sports bar. (And I’m still a bit bummed about Dremo’s and Carpool’s impending demises at the hand of More Condos.)

(Thanks to Jeremy for the heads-up.)