ROSSLYN, VA–Plans to build a non-motorized boathouse on the Rosslyn shoreline have been floating around for a good thirty years. Now, though, there is real momentum behind the project, Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, tells GlobeSt.com.

Namely, the Environmental Assessment for the project is nearing completion and the word is that the National Park Service will give it a favorable review, Burick says. “It will go to public comment very soon,” she says.

“The planets are finally aligning for this project.”

If the boathouse does come to fruition it would be the perfect symbol for the hard work Rossyln has done to become more than just a commuter town within a stone's throw of the Capitol.

It would be located next to the pedestrian bridge that leads to Theodore Roosevelt Island, close to the parking lot. The project hasn't gotten far enough along for specs — or a name for that matter — but the general outline is clear. The lower part of the boathouse would be situated under the hill, where the paddle boats and canoes etc would be stored. The upper part of the boathouse would offer retail and other amenities.

“This will show we are past the tipping point of being more than just a commercial district,” Burick says. Indeed, there is a heavy residential component to Rosslyn now, 40% of which is from the Millennial generation. The submarket also boasts some 2,000 hotel rooms and many of those visitors are not just going to Washington DC for business, but are also spending money in Rosslyn itself. “Tax assessment were up last year and that was because of extended hotel stays,” Burick says.

Visitors to Rosslyn will have another attraction to see in a few months: On Jan. 1, 2018 the observation deck of JBG's two-tower Rosslyn Gateway project will open. Rosslyn Gateway, which is located at the foot of Key Bridge, also has a 45,000-square foot plaza, another attraction for visitors and residents.

Meanwhile, the rumor mill offers plenty of hints of potential projects in the making. There is talk of Snell Properties redeveloping properties and American Real Estate Partners is reportedly looking at redeveloping the Metro station. Host Hotels has also put out RFPs for developers for the Key Bridge Marriott.

“Rosslyn has a core of developers that have been here for a long time and they are truly committed to the neighborhood,” Burick says.

“The planets are finally aligning for this project.”

If the boathouse does come to fruition it would be the perfect symbol for the hard work Rossyln has done to become more than just a commuter town within a stone's throw of the Capitol.

“Rosslyn has a core of developers that have been here for a long time and they are truly committed to the neighborhood,” Burick says.

Instant Insights /

Rosslyn Boathouse About To Move Forward

Related Stories

Recommended For You