The likelihood of bringing a modern streetcar system to Columbia Pike, which has been in consideration for nearly 5 years, has increased substantially in the past several months, as the project has gained public attention, and funding sources have become more promising.  At the recent Pike Progress Luncheon Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman told the large crowd that he is "more confident than ever" that the system will be up and running in "four or five years."

Proponents of the system have been encouraged by a unanimous County Board vote that placed the Columbia Pike project on a list of County transportation priorities, the establishment of a $300 million per year fund by the Northern Virginia Regional Transportation Authority that can be used to address area transportation needs, and the endorsement of the project by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, the Columbia Pike Streetcar has gained a good deal of media attention of late, as the subject of articles in the Washington Business Journal, the Arlington Sun Gazette, and in a number of segments on WTOP radio.  One reason for the attention here is what’s happening elsewhere in the region and around the country, including in Portland, Oregon (streetcar pictured above), where the streetcar system is credited with helping to revitalize much of the downtown area. "We are beginning to see a streetcar revolution," said Steve DelGiudice, an Arlington County transportation planner, who cites dozens of municipalities that are planning streetcar systems both to efficiently transport more people, and to gain the benefits of new economic development.

 

In another effort to provide information about transit options and the Streetcar Project, DelGiudice, CPRO Executive Director Jim Whittaker, and former Federal Transit Administration official Franz Gimmler addressed the Jan. 9 gathering of the Committee of 100 held at Marymount University. The presentation and question and answer session were videotaped and will be aired on Comcast Channel 69 and Verizon Channel 38 in the days and weeks ahead.

The proposal for a Columbia Pike Streetcar System came out of the extensive public planning efforts that produced the community’s vision for a revitalized Pike, the "Form Based Code" which prescribes the kinds of development that can occur here, and the Columbia Pike Street Space Planning Task Force Report. The specific plan for a 4.7 mile line that will run from Skyline to Pentagon City, operate in mixed traffic lanes, and be supplemented with buses during peak periods, was endorsed by the Arlington and Fairfax County Boards in April and May of 2006.

 

Follow the link below to access frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Columbia Pike Streetcar Project.

 

Concrete slabs have risen quickly at the Halstead in recent weeks, one atop the next, and construction crews are now completing structural work on the top floor. This is an important milestone in that it will allow crews to continue their work inside the building envelope during inclement weather. The 8-story mixed use building will include 30,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail, 269 apartments, and underground parking. The developer, DSF Advisors, is hoping to complete major construction in about 5 months and be able to deliver “vanilla shell” retail spaces in July for interior work. The building is expected to be open in November of this year.

 

The Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse just keeps getting better!  Already known for its great live entertainment and movies, the owners of the Drafthouse have acquired the space adjacent to the theater and are opening “The Old Arlington Grill”, a restaurant and loungeaccessible from both their lobby and the street. The name of this exciting new dining venue is a tribute to the Arlington Theater, the name of the long-time live entertainment establishment that was replaced by the Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse in 1985.  Scheduled to open the third week of January, the Old Arlington Grill will specialize in traditional American grill fare but with “a modern twist in an urban bar setting.”   Sure to become a Columbia Pike neighborhood favorite, the Old Arlington Grill will offer a great range of specials and will feature live acoustical music and stand-up comedy.  For more information about the menu, hours, and specials and events, go to http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/oldarlingtongrill.

 

The Arlington Career Center, located at 901 S. Walter Reed Dr. will become one of Virginia’s first career and technical academies under a new state program, according to an announcement last Friday by Governor Tim Kaine. Under the initiative the Career Center will receive a $20,000 planning grant followed by a $100,000 award upon approval by the Board of Education and the State Council of Higher Education. The local center will focus on 5 main areas: automotive, digital media, information technology, emergency medical services, and engineering. Programs in Stafford, Newport News, Suffolk, Russell, and Halifax also won grants which are being funded by the National Governors Association, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Intel Corporation.

A fresh new look has come to CPRO’s home on the internet! The new design is intended to have a lighter and more current feel and to provide a better framework for conveying all of the present and future good news about Columbia Pike. Thanks go to our internet host Demosphere International and to web designer (and Columbia Pike resident) Greg LaPorta! Additional features, functionality, and improvements to site organization are still in the works. Please visit www.columbiapike.org to check out our new look.

Did you know that Columbia Pike will soon be 200 years old? Chartered by Congress in 1808 as the Columbia Turnpike Road and officially opened the following year, the Pike’s historical journey includes federal soldiers marching from Washington DC to battle sites in Virginia during the Civil War. As we look to the future of a revitalized Columbia Pike, commemoration of this important corridor’s rich and evolving history is in the early planning stages. Please email pholcomb@columbiapike.org with your ideas and suggestions for the Pike’s 200th Anniversary activities and events! 

 

The new Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network attracted nearly 60 local business people to its second gathering on the morning of Dec. 5 at the Walter Reed Community Center. Attendees heard a preview of future retail opportunities in buildings currently under construction along the Pike corridor, as well as information about the status of other revitalization efforts. The event, sponsored by Security One Bank, also enabled the group to discuss ways to promote their businesses and the Pike as a whole. The Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network is a joint initiative 0f CPRO and Arlington Economic Development’s Bizlaunch, with support from partners such as the Arlington Chamber of Commerce; the Hispanic Committee of Northern Virginia; Arlington Small Business Development Center (SBDC); the Business Development Assistance Group (BDAG); the Ethiopian Community Development Council’s Enterprise Development Group (ECDC EDG); and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.   For more information about the Network contact CPRO at 703-892-2776.

 

Journey Yoga (2826 Columbia Pike) has begun offering Capoeira classes (Brazilian Martial Art/Dance) on Monday nights. The 90-minute classes begin at 8:15 pm. For information about Journey Yoga’s many offerings and schedule go to www.journeyoga.net.

 

Liberty Tax, a leading international tax service recently opened its newest office at 5011 Columbia Pike in Columbia Pike Plaza. For more information call 571-970-5921.

 

The H&R Block tax preparation office at 2607 Columbia Pike has opened its doors for the season, through April 17. Following the tax season H&R Block uses that space as a training center for their tax professionals. For more information call 703-920-2710.

 

Ra Ink, a new tattoo and piecing parlor is open for business on the second floor of 3213 Columbia Pike. For more information go to www.rainkstudio.com

 

 

As always, the CPRO staff welcomes your input. Email your suggestions, questions, comments, and offers of assistance to jwhittaker@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776.   Know someone who would like to receive the CPRO e-Newsletter? Please send us email addresses and we will add them to our distribution list. As always, for more information about what’s happening on the Pike go to www.columbiapike.org