JBG Smith Plans 1,000 New Housing Units Near Amazon’s HQ2
By Christina sturdivant-Sani July 23, 2019 4:25 pm
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Chevy Chase, Md.-based developer JBG Smith has submitted plans to Arlington County to expand its RiverHouse residential complex located near Amazon’s forthcoming Northern Virginia headquarters.
JBG Smith’s plans include adding nearly 1,000 housing units to the existing 1,670 apartment units that are located in RiverHouse’s three high-rise rental towers that were constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, according to a statement from JBG Smith.
The firm will construct two six-story multifamily buildings totaling about 750 rental units, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms. The properties will be located between two existing 16-story rental buildings.
There will also be a for-sale housing component, consisting of multi-level townhomes built on “under-utilized surface parking lots” on the site, per the statement.
“One of our overarching goals through the design process was to submit a development plan that respects and complements the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhoods while creating a more cohesive sense of community,” Andy Van Horn, an executive vice president at JBG Smith, said in the statement. “We also focused on providing a wide range of rental and for-sale housing opportunities that meet the differing needs of Arlington’s diverse and growing residential population.”
With Amazon employees set to arrive later this year, Van Horn said it was also JBG Smith’s goal to deliver additional housing units “to help meet anticipated new housing demand and mitigate upward pressure on rents in National Landing.”
Arlington County typically reviews the submitted plans and provides comments within a month, according to the JBG Smith spokeswoman, adding that public meetings will then be scheduled “and the official process commences.” Once approved, JBG Smith expects to begin construction in late 2020, according to the statement.
While the firm has not released price points for the houses and rental units, it is obligated to meet the county’s base affordable housing requirements “and will likely do so through a contribution to the [county’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund],” a JBG Smith spokeswoman told Commercial Observer.
The designs for RiverHouse also include central courtyards within each building and 30,000 square feet of “community-oriented” street-level retail such as a daycare center and medical office, according to the statement. The project will feature an enhanced walkway connecting South Lynn Street to South Joyce Street, a fitness center, private outdoor spaces and an upgraded trail surrounding the site.
Bound by Army Navy Drive, South Joyce Street and South Lynn Street, the complex is located across the street from Pentagon Row shopping center and a short walk from the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and the Pentagon City Metro station.
