Beginning in the next few weeks, demolition and construction will begin on the Arlington Mill Community Center renovation project.
Originally approved by the County Board in 2008 to include a mixed-use building with a new community center, gymnasium, retail space, residential units, as well as, a separate residential building with an affordable housing component. The hard economic downturn of 2009 has changed plans for the site.
Current plans when the center reopens in 2013 will include:
- A Gym
- Retail Space
- Public Plaza
- Garage
Once Phase 1 of the community center is completed, Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing will begin construction on an affordable housing project adjacent to the community center with 122 units. The mixture will include 6 efficiency, 18 one-bedroom, 73 two-bedroom, and 25 three-bedroom units. For more information on Affordable Housing in Arlington, read on.
For neighbors, Arlington County has released the following guidelines:
- Demolition will last approximately 30 to 45 days, weather permitting
- Hours of operation – 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on weekdays; 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
- Crews will demolish the building by pulling down the structure and pushing it in on itself.
- Noise will be within approved levels – not exceeding the County noise ordinance – and during demolition hours of operation.
- The safety of all workers and residents is our top priority.Signs and a construction fence will warn pedestrians and vehicles.
- Pedestrian traffic will be guided by flag men when construction vehicles are entering or exiting the site.
- Asbestos abatement is under a separate contract and scheduled for completion prior to the demolition to ensure dust from the work is not hazardous.
- The contractor will also work to minimize disruption to local residents and traffic.Pedestrian access will be maintained along S. Dinwiddie St. and S. Arlington Mill Dr.
- No impact expected on bus or other transit. No street closures are planned.
- Crews will haul materials from the site via S. Dinwiddie St., Columbia Pike, and S. Four Mile Run Dr.
- Lights in the existing parking lot will remain powered to allow residents access until construction begins.