The 12-story WDG Architecture-designed property will rise upwhere a parking lot currently sits on Fairfax Dr. near theArlington Funeral Home. "This project meets all our goals for theVirginia Square community, as well as for Arlington," Barbara A.Favola, chair of the Arlington County Board, explains. "The theaterjoins the Central Library, the Arlington Arts Center and GeorgeMason University to enhance Virginia Square's identity as acultural destination."

She adds that the public plaza and ground-floor retail "willbring significant benefits to the community and enliven thisattractive mixed-use development. This project brings 'smartgrowth' to a new level." In further efforts to contribute to thecommunity, developer TCR will set aside seven of the 135 asaffordable housing units, and the company will also donate $400,000to Arlington County's Housing Reserve Fund.