Arlington County is home to a variety of neighborhoods that have their own variants of population and personality, ultimately impacting the overall look and feel of each one. And while new homes, business-focused buildings and apartment complexes pop up all the time throughout the region, only a select few are recognized for their design.
This December, five projects were honored in Arlington County’s biennial DESIGNArlington Awards for excellence and architectural diversity, ranging from a cemetery to a school.
To be considered for the Award of Excellence, projects must have been in existence since 2000 and fall into seven categories: residential, commercial, open space, sustainable design, historic preservation, institutional or public art. After submissions are collected, a panel of distinguished judges with design experience vote for the best projects.
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While 13 total sites were recognized, below we share the details of the five projects that were given Awards of Excellence in 2019.
Arlington National Cemetery Millennium Project
What: In 2019, the first expansion of the Arlington National Cemetery in 40 years was officially completed. The Millennium Project added approximately 27 acres and an additional 56,000 burial spaces in and above ground for those who have actively served in the United States military.
Owner: U.S. Department of the Army
Architect: Jacobs
Design and Construction Manager: Jacobs
Ballston Quarter
What: While the Ballston Common Mall opened in 1951, the entire complex received a complete renovation and name change to become Ballston Quarter this past year. The building—now consisting of a 23-story, mixed-use tower and open-air layout—is home to a food hall, high-end dining options, shopping and entertainment for the local community.
Owner: Brookfield Properties, QIC
Architect: CallisonRTKL
Contractor: Clark Construction Group
The Heights Building
What: In 2014, the Arlington County School Board approved the construction of a new school on the property of 1601 Wilson Boulevard, and this past September, it officially opened for local students. The building is a five-story urban school, equipped with outdoor classrooms, advanced technology and several other amenities that go above and beyond in terms of design.
Owner: Arlington Public Schools
Architect: Leo A. Daly
Contractor: Gilbane Building Company
Manifold House
What: The Manifold House, located in the Clarendon neighborhood, is inspired by one couple’s passion for repairing small-scale engineering parts. It has been recognized by the Northern Virginia Design Awards for its intricately detailed structural frame, weathered steel louvers and overall uniqueness. Within the home, there is a family room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor, as well as a master suite and two bedrooms on the top floor, plus rooftop access.
Owner: Heather and Billy Buck
Architect: David Jameson
Contractor: Sagatov Design + Build
Rubio Residence
What: This past year, home owner Greg Rubio completed a two-story rear exterior addition to his own home in Arlington, pairing modern design with a classic, 1940s base. The new addition is curved with extended window paneling, glass block and nautical elements.
Owner: Greg Rubio
Architect: DW Ricks Architects
Contractor: Ralph Carder Company
