Our team at Kathleen Fong Group takes pride in our status as neighborhood experts. We truly find joy in keeping our friends, clients, and community members in the know, especially at a time when our DC Metro region is evolving at such a rapid pace.
Our area continues to benefit from the influx of workers joining Amazon at HQ2 and Nestle (both headquartered in Arlington, VA). In addition, Alexandria’s Potomac Yards area is seeing expansion with the addition of Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus. Did you know that a new Metro station and numerous transit improvements will be added to the National Landing area as well?
Added retail and commercial development along the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria has also ushered in an amazing rebirth there, and is highly popular for those seeking the charm of a truly historic community coupled with walkable options for recreation and dining.
Added retail and commercial development along the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria has also ushered in an amazing rebirth there. Photo courtesy of Hannah Morgan.
Tysons is showing signs of mirroring Mclean with the addition of The Boro, Whole Foods, and Wegmans. Downtown Mclean is status quo, with only one new luxury condo project to date.
Falls Church City will also see added growth as two new mixed-use areas add movie theaters, shopping, and retail space to both the western edge (closest to West Falls Church Metro) and the center of town (near West Street). Housing prices in Falls Church City continue to move up as this little slice of a town is being noticed for its walkability appeal not to mention its terrific farmer’s market!
When it comes to DC property, we continue to see growth around the Navy Yard. Areas adjacent to The Wharf area are also being developed in large thanks to the fresh and inviting environment of the reclaimed waterfront. Upper NW is about to see round two of growth with the development of Fannie Mae into a retail shopping area, City Ridge (which will include the district’s first Wegmans), a hotel, and over 600 residential units. The city market at O in Shaw is being developed by the same group.
The Wharf in DC is being developed in large thanks to the fresh and inviting environment of the reclaimed waterfront.
Where Maryland borders DC, we’re seeing Friendship Heights and Chevy Chase struggle with the loss of Merchants, magnified when Neiman Marcus and SFA Men’s Store cleft Mazza Gallerie. Chevy Chase itself is awash in vacant storefronts as all of the luxury goods stores (except for one) have moved to City Center. Even still, I can’t help but wonder whether the island is a place that will have lasting appeal.
Bethesda Row has remained vital and is still a great destination for shopping and restaurants. Edgemoor neighborhood continues to claim some of the highest prices for home sales in our area. Two of the top sales in that community — settling over 8M and 11M — were designed by none other than Glenn Fong.
Back in Arlington, there is a more recent project nearing completion at the top of Roslyn. The Pierce is nearing completion and is about 50% sold. The development of the Key Bridge Marriott will certainly be interesting to watch.
The Pierce luxury condos will feature sophisticated open floor plans and sophisticated design. Photo courtesy of Pierce.
The end of the pandemic certainly has changed our migration patterns. Many of us are moving further out to quieter more pastoral settings. Some of us are upsizing into spaces that will more easily allow us to work from home. Some of us are seeking forever homes that will allow for seamless aging in a place with minimal stairs. Many of us have adopted a new companion and want a yard for ease in late-night walks. No matter the shift, we are for certain that our collective “forever” has changed drastically in the last 15 months. Here’s to hoping we retain a deeper sense of appreciation for the places we call home, the people we call family, and the health of our neighbors in the times ahead!
