Repositioning a Commercial Property in an Urban Community
Rosslyn City Center | Arlington, VA
The Rosslyn City Center project was a phased renovation repositioning 84,000 sq. ft. from an outdated office tower with retail into a modern, transit-connected mixed-use community. The team transformed the 1980’s space into an exciting and dynamic place for all-day dining, working and socializing—a place where people want to be and can be at their best. The extensive revitalization was designed to create a distinctive sense of belonging through inspired design features, reimagined workspaces and experiential activated environments. At the center of the redevelopment is Assembly, a different kind of food hall and now one of the best dining destinations in the city.
The investment in, and physical transformation of, Rosslyn City Center has brought exciting new and innovative options for our neighbors and visitors to shop, dine, relax and work in Rosslyn.
Mary-Claire Burick
President of Rosslyn Business Improvement District
Key Considerations
Sustainably Reshaping the Landscape
A goal for the project was to revitalize and re-use the existing structure. The extensive building renovation entailed a façade replacement, structural demolition and infill of concrete slabs, office and retail fit-out, and updating the MEP systems. The first and third floors of the retail levels proved the greatest challenge due to the existing concrete slabs being post tension. To adapt some of the new modifications outlined for the project, the design team carefully reviewed and strategically designed new vertical openings, core drills and structural elements required to allow for the new design to work.
Overhauling Aging Infrastructure
Due to the aging infrastructure of the building, significant demolition was required to achieve the design goals. This included demolition and relocation of an escalator, as well as elevator renovations. Additionally, two of the floors requiring demolition were built on post-tension slabs, which required post-tension lock offs to safeguard the structure and ensure the structural integrity to the building.
Coordinating Around Supply Chain Constraints
Supply chain challenges arose due to the onset of COVID-19, which required extensive coordination from DPR’s project team. The biggest challenge faced during the project was the material delivery delays, including the terrazzo flooring and Italian tile, which could have massively impacted the schedule of the project. Working closely with our trade partners, we were able to expedite delivery and re-sequence work to keep the project on schedule. DPR also utilized their self-perform teams to supplement the on-site workforce regulating the fluctuations in the schedule.
Protecting Pedestrians and Adjacent Metro Station
The project sits atop the Rosslyn Metro Station, with 15,000 pedestrians accessing the station daily. Because of its central location and importance as a transportation hub, the team was proactive in their planning and communication with the local community and building tenants. It was important to the building’s owner that their project did not disrupt the local neighborhood. The team led coordination efforts with WMATA, Arlington County, neighboring property owners and residents. They met with the affected parties to understand their needs and access requirements. To accommodate the renovation, the team had to shut down a bridge that provided pedestrians access from the Rosslyn Station to other parts of Arlington. The team proposed a solution, which temporarily redirected pedestrian traffic through the building. This allowed the terraces on two floors of the building, and a staircase which tied directly into the bridge, to be replaced.
Key
Considerations
Sustainably Reshaping the Landscape
A goal for the project was to revitalize and re-use the existing structure. The extensive building renovation entailed a façade replacement, structural demolition and infill of concrete slabs, office and retail fit-out, and updating the MEP systems. The first and third floors of the retail levels proved the greatest challenge due to the existing concrete slabs being post tension. To adapt some of the new modifications outlined for the project, the design team carefully reviewed and strategically designed new vertical openings, core drills and structural elements required to allow for the new design to work.
Overhauling Aging Infrastructure
Due to the aging infrastructure of the building, significant demolition was required to achieve the design goals. This included demolition and relocation of an escalator, as well as elevator renovations. Additionally, two of the floors requiring demolition were built on post-tension slabs, which required post-tension lock offs to safeguard the structure and ensure the structural integrity to the building.
Coordinating Around Supply Chain Constraints
Supply chain challenges arose due to the onset of COVID-19, which required extensive coordination from DPR’s project team. The biggest challenge faced during the project was the material delivery delays, including the terrazzo flooring and Italian tile, which could have massively impacted the schedule of the project. Working closely with our trade partners, we were able to expedite delivery and re-sequence work to keep the project on schedule. DPR also utilized their self-perform teams to supplement the on-site workforce regulating the fluctuations in the schedule.
Protecting Pedestrians and Adjacent Metro Station
The project sits atop the Rosslyn Metro Station, with 15,000 pedestrians accessing the station daily. Because of its central location and importance as a transportation hub, the team was proactive in their planning and communication with the local community and building tenants. It was important to the building’s owner that their project did not disrupt the local neighborhood. The team led coordination efforts with WMATA, Arlington County, neighboring property owners and residents. They met with the affected parties to understand their needs and access requirements. To accommodate the renovation, the team had to shut down a bridge that provided pedestrians access from the Rosslyn Station to other parts of Arlington. The team proposed a solution, which temporarily redirected pedestrian traffic through the building. This allowed the terraces on two floors of the building, and a staircase which tied directly into the bridge, to be replaced.
NAIOP Northern Virginia Best of Retail Merit
Award
The Rosslyn City Center project was named a NAIOP Northern Virginia Best of Retail Merit Award winner.
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