The Arlington Board of Supervisors ironed out details Saturday to approve plans for two towers, including the tallest building in the Washington area, to be built opposite the Rosslyn Metro station.
Hopes are that the project, one of two blocks called Central Place, will revitalize the Rosslyn neighborhood. On Saturday, several residents urged the county board to approve the plans.
“Without Central Place, we’re left with a convenient but unpleasant neighborhood,” said Roa Lynn, a 20-year resident of the Atrium. “I beg you to go forward. Let’s make Rosslyn as nice as other parts of Arlington.”
The project, however, hangs on Federal Aviation Administration approval of its height, due to its proximity to Reagan National Airport. The FAA has approved the 30-story residential building, but the 31-story office building has yet to be approved.
Opposition to the developers’ plans was scant Saturday. Board Vice Chairman Walter Tejada was disappointed with the architectural design, calling the glass towers’ curved roofs “a missed opportunity to create something more striking.”
Most concerns centered on access to the observation deck that JBG Companies has promised to build atop the taller office tower. The deck will provide 360-degree views from about 350 feet in the air.
JBG had proposed charging admission to pay for the deck’s maintenance except for several hours of free entry on alternate weekends. Tejada and board member Jay Fisette objected to charging Arlingtonians for visiting the deck.
Fisette pointed out that the county is allowing JBG to build on a block that currently houses three small, free parks in exchange for the observation deck and a plaza between the towers.
The board and the developer agreed to open the deck six days per week. Two days per week will be free to visitors who present proof of Arlington residency. JBG will maintain the deck, which will be managed on a nonprofit basis by a consortium of residents, county staff and JBG.
Pending FAA approval, JBG plans to break ground in spring 2008, completing construction by 2010.
mhegstad@dcexaminer.com
