Project Summary

Transforming a Classic Mall into a Vibrant Destination
CallisonRTKL is redesigning the 1980s era Ballston Common which is being re-branded as Ballston Quarter, transforming an enclosed mall with office and parking into a mixed-use city center and cutting-edge retail destination that appeals to the influx of smart, young urban dwellers in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC.
Originally master planned and designed by CallisonRTKL in the 1980s for the same owner, Forest City, now Brookfield Properties, Ballston Quarter’s new design removes portions of the mall’s roof, creating an indoor/outdoor street anchored by an existing Macy’s at one end and a new 400 unit, 22-story luxury residential tower over new retail at the other where a Macy’s Home store stood. CRTKL served as Design Architect and collaborated with Cooper Carry, who also acted as Architect of Record, on the re-design of the mall. CRTKL provided full Design Architect and Architect of Record services on the project’s residential tower.
The layout of the mall will also be reconfigured to maximize exterior storefronts, connecting to Wilson Boulevard and inviting shoppers in. In addition, a new retail mix will offer visitors a variety of shopping options. About two-thirds of the existing mall’s roof is being removed to create an open-air, two-level street. The enclosed and conditioned portion is being completely renovated, with strengthened connections to parking and the existing Regal Cinema. The two existing office towers are being renovated to reinforce the transformation of the development.
The existing main entrance along Wilson Boulevard will become an open-air plaza with new stairs leading down to a new food hall. The new space will accommodate events and performances, with spectator seating along the grand stair. The design extends the existing brick façade along Wilson Boulevard inside the block to express a central “warehouse” building along the north side of the new street, with an “old meets new” ambiance against the modern design of the new tower and new finishes on the south side. Existing atop the adjacent parking garage is the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, where the Washington Capitals ice hockey team practices along with several local schools and clubs, making the development an important community gathering place. CallisonRTKL’s design also includes enhancements to vertical transportation to better connect the ice rink facility with the shopping center.
Ballston Quarter is one of several CRTKL mixed-use projects in the immediately adjacent area of Arlington, all contributing to the city’s renaissance as a smart growth tech hub near the nation’s capital.