Gateway Enhancements
Enhancing the critical gateways of Crystal City is a primary task in the Crystal City BID’s Work Plan. Since the Crystal City BID’s formation, staff has been identifying locations for strategic enhancements that can greatly improve the arrival experience into Crystal City. Currently, the Crystal City BID has two major projects in the pipeline that, once completed, will provide an entry experience worthy of a transforming Crystal City.
SOUTHERN GATEWAY
This 30,000 square foot parcel of land, owned by Gould Property Company, is located at the intersection of Route 1 and Crystal Drive and presents the first impression of Crystal City onto nearly 50,000 drivers that arrive to the area on a daily basis. The Crystal City BID partnered with award-winning designers at Gensler to develop a plan that communicates the excitement and vibrancy of Crystal City. The project adds new turf, 28 trees, and beautiful LED lighting features laid out in an interesting and attractive geometric pattern that continues up the façade of the southernmost building in Crystal City, which is owned by BPG Property.
With Virginia Department of Transportation and Arlington County permits in hand, the Crystal City BID contracted Rand Construction to implement the plan. Construction is estimated to take 6-8 weeks , giving residents, employees, and visitors to Crystal a new welcoming gateway by Thanksgiving 2011.
METRO GATEWAY
The current design of the Plaza above the Crystal City Metro Station focuses more on funneling the more than 26,000 daily riders into and out of the station than as a functional urban plaza. In partnership with Vornado/Charles E. Smith and Arlington County, the Crystal City BID has proposed a series of incremental upgrades that have included shrub removal, installation of Art Walls, and will culminate in a major plaza overhaul that will include an expanded pedestrian zone, pleasant seating areas, new pavers, fresh landscaping, and a visitor information kiosk managed by Arlington County.
Stay tuned for additional information on the proposed plan and anticipated construction schedule.
Northern Gateway – Long Bridge Park
Long Bridge Park, formerly known as the North Tract Project will be a new state of the art aquatics, health and fitness facility and park on the north end of Crystal City in Arlington. Its concept was approved in February 2004 by the Arlington County Board. Currently, plans are underway for a swimming and exercise venue set within a dynamic recreational complex that will feature four full-size athletic fields overlooking premier views of Washington D.C.
On March 15, 2010, the first phase of construction began at Long Bridge Park. The first phase is roughly a $24 million dollar project and includes the renovation of Old Jefferson Davis Highway (to be re-named Long Bridge Drive), environmental remediation, 3 athletic fields, an Esplanade, rain garden, and various support facilities.
15th STREET GATEWAY
Arlington County’s plans to convert the northern part of Crystal Drive and 12th Street to two-way traffic will create a 20,000 sq. ft. area of open space at the 15th Street Gateway. In partnership with B.F. Saul and Gensler, the Crystal City BID is designing a new enhancement to make this corner a landmark. With its views of the Washington Monument, access to the newly constructed Long Bridge Park and central location, this gateway will provide Crystal City’s residents and visitors an engaging new space.
The 15th Street Gateway enhancement is still in the design process so be sure to check back here for updates.
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