Penrose Square
A new town square is currently under construction at 2500 Columbia Pike. The new space completes the redevelopment of the Penrose Square block which includes 300 new apartments and new retail space owned by B.M. Smith & Associates and delivered in 2011. The return of a major grocery store, three new restaurants and a diverse retail cluster are defining this part of the Pike’s revitalized Town Center. Phase I (17,760-sq. ft.) of the square is expected to be opened to the public in Fall 2012.
Penrose Sq. Phase I
The master plan for the Penrose Square was approved by the Arlington County Board In July 2009. Penrose Square is the first and largest of three new squares planned for Columbia Pike’s Town Center. These public spaces are key to the County’s efforts to transform the Pike.
“Penrose Square will provide a beautiful, well-planned public gathering place on Columbia Pike,” said County Board Member J. Walter Tejada. “This is an important step forward in the County’s efforts to revitalize the Pike by turning it into a lively, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use corridor with plenty of outdoor spaces where people can come together.” The square’s design, pictured here in a rendering, was developed by a 12-member citizen Working Group appointed by the Board. The working group, working with the landscape architectural firm, Oculus, envisioned a space that would draw the community together to socialize, dine, relax or recreate.
Main elements of the design include:
- Bosque (tree-covered) terrace with movable seats and tables
- Centrally located paved plaza
- Low seating wall and step feature
- Zero-depth, interactive water fountain
- Two mounded lawn areas that provide casual seating options
- Custom retaining walls along Columbia Pike and South Cleveland Street
- Public art features that relates to local history
The square will be built in two phases. Phase I will consist of a 17,760-sq. ft. parcel which represents the eastern half of the square. Construction of Phase I is expected to be completed in Fall 2012 and has an estimated cost of $2.2 million. Phase II – approximately 15,000 sq. ft. – will be provided by and coordinated with the future redevelopment of the Fillmore Shopping Center site. Although a construction date for the second portion of the square is not yet determined, it is projected to cost an additional $2 million.
Penrose Square Design [pdf, 7.3MB]
I didn’t know where else to post this comment, but this seemed the most appropriate since it was development related.
It looks like a Penske Truck Rental is going in on Columbia Pike at the intersection of S George Mason. Really disappointed to see this going in. This intersection continues to go from bad to worse. The u-haul rental that is further west on Columbia Pike is a frequent hang out for laborers.
Penske made minimal improvements to the building or lot.