Big Things Are Coming to Crystal City

It was a pretty dark time for South Arlington 10 years ago today, when the Crystal City Business Improvement District first formed: Base Realignment and Closure legislation had been passed the year before, and the area was expected to lose more than half the jobs there.

A decade later, there's much reason to celebrate.

Crystal City was far from becoming the ghost town it once was, but 2006 was certainly a challenge for the area. Nevertheless, some things had already started changing for the better, including new restaurants, two-way traffic on Crystal Drive, new parks and other aspects that locals felt weren't being marketed effectively to potential companies looking to move into the region.

As a result, the Crystal City BID was formed to "build momentum toward building a new Crystal City," Angela Fox, president and chief executive officer of the BID, said in an email interview with Patch. Ten years later, the area could not look more different, Fox said, pointing to hundreds of events held each year, from races to farmers markets to theater performances.

"The fabric has changed with new art, better connected transit, a more business-friendly economic climate, and a focus on expanding the incredible basis of infrastructure, including an airport you can walk to, easy access from trains and roadways, the most centralized location in the area, gorgeous parks with free outdoor wi-fi, a great public school system, and so much more," Fox added. "There are low-hassle enjoyable events for diverse interests, yummy restaurants, beautiful spaces, and it keeps getting better."

With 10 years in the books, Crystal City will need to be focused on what the future holds, she said, noting that the BID would continue to expand what it offers today as well as partner with developers to upgrade some of the aging building infrastructure.

"Whole Foods will open at the end of June," Fox said. "Earth Treks, a 45,000 square foot climbing gym will open in July. New buildings and renovations are underway. We also expect to bring more retail and entertainment options to the area, as well as a new aquatic center.

"We envision Crystal City to be not just a place for tech and innovative companies to locate, but also a place where new ideas, concepts, technologies and strategies can be actively tested and brought to market -- a true innovative laboratory, as well as an awesome place to live, work, play, and stay," she added.

Image via Crystal City BID