Archive for the 'Focus on Arlington' Category
Star Trek Meets Dewey Decimal
October 22nd, 2007 Categories: Focus on Arlington, Green Living, Out and About
A few years ago a leaking hot water heater took a chunk out of my coveted book collection. Then another move made me realize that hauling around boxes of books was not very practical and added a lot to the moving bill. So after years of avoiding the public library it seemed like a good idea to check out how they might have changed. In the Northern Virginia area we are lucky to have a huge selection of libraries to choose from including a new state of the art library that opened recently in Shirlington.
As soon as you walk in the door you realize this is not a place were you are going to find rows of those pesky card catalogs but instead a sleek state of the art computerized facility. Offering 26 PC stations, total wireless access if you bring your own laptop, a 75 person meeting room with Smart Board and check out with a library card with built in RFD chip. There are comfortable chairs scattered throughout the library and you are allowed to bring in a cup of java!
This $225 million dollar facility replaces the old “temporary” library which was flooded in 2006. The building was built following “green” building principles including recycled-content carpeting, low VOC paints, a reflective roof and energy efficient systems. Arlington County is in the process of applying for LEED certification from the Green Building Council. Originally conceived as a one story building the project grew when the Signature Theater learned that it would need a new home as well. Known for taking risks with adaptations of overlooked theater products, the Signature Theater has won acclaim with 54 Helen Hayes Awards over the last 20 years.
With community art on display, an LED architectural light show which can you can see as soon as you enter Shirlington Village and a mosaic fountain designed by Martha Jackson-Jarvis a local sculpter you will see how this library is one step above ordinary.
So if you have been avoiding the library because of the fear of the dreaded SHHHHH then you need to take another look at what is happening in your local library. The new one in Shirlington gives you a great opportunity to avoid heavy lifting the next time you need to move.
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Over 60 and Still Young at Heart
August 12th, 2007 Categories: Communites to Visit, Focus on Alexandria, Focus on Arlington
Yes the townhouses and condos that comprise Fairlington were originally constructed between 1942 and 1945. Hard to believe when you walk down through the neighborhood and see the wonderfully maintained brick buildings. Fairlington was original constructed as a garden apartment complex to house defense workers and their families during World War II. The homes were later sold to a private developer and leased as rental property. In the early 1970’s, the property was converted to condos made up of seven different communities. In 1998 the areas of North and South Fairlington were added to the Virginia Landmarks Register and in 1999 they were added to the Federal registry of National Historic Places.
With the rolling hills, tree lined streets, variety of housing and close location to DC Fairlington continues to be popular place for both first time home buyers and long time residents. The community has multiple pools and tennis courts. It is a great walking community and residents are actively involved in maintaining the charming feel of the community. Fairlington addresses cross county and city boundaries of Arlington and Alexandria City.
There are seven communities that make up the Fairlington Community.
Fairlington Villages
Fairlington Arbor
Fairlington Glen
Fairlington Green
Fairlington Meadows
Fairlington Mews
Fairlington Commons
Fairlington Villages
A sister community of Fairlington Townes is located just across King Street.
With the Old Town Alexandria 5 miles away, the new revitalized Village of Shirlington and easy access to DC it is easy to see why after 60 years this community continues to thrive.
Check back often and for monthly marketing reports and if you are interested in about the advantages of living in Fairlington give me a call.
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