Rendering of Potomac Yards with the inspiration for some facades.

UrbanTurf recently maneuvered around construction on the site of what will over the course of the next several years become a mixed-use development in Northern Virginia so expansive that developers consider it a village within a city: Potomac Yard.

On 167 acres of what was once one of the busiest rail yards in the U.S., Potomac Yard, bounded by Route 1 on the west, Potomac Avenue on the east and just south of Reagan National Airport (map), will bring 1.8 million square feet of office space, 325,000 square feet of retail, 1,683 residential units, 300 hotel rooms, and possibly another Metro station to Alexandria.

A model of Potomac Yard

Several developers are tackling different sections of Potomac Yard, creating a heterogeneous feel. While a mile-long walking trail along the eastern side of the long and skinny development will reach to the Braddock Road Metro, plans are in place for a Potomac Yard Metro station that could open by 2016. The Potomac Yard Shopping Center already exists just to the north of the planned development, with one the highest grossing Target’s in the country as the centerpiece. There is also some talk of creating more urban, mom and pop-type retail on the acreage eventually. When complete, Potomac Yard will also feature Alexandria’s largest park, as well as a promenade along the Potomac River with playgrounds, soccer fields, fitness trails and shaded gathering areas.

Living Area and Kitchen

UrbanTurf toured the first phase of townhomes and condos at the sprawling development, which have been developed by Pulte Homes. The properties range in size from 1,471 to 3,009 square feet and are priced from the mid-$400,000s to the $800,000s. The homes are inspired by the Victorians around the DC area, so the bay windows and brick facades will look familiar to DC-area residents. The interiors are fairly spacious with plenty of breathing room, which the developer highlights in the model units with oversized furniture and decor.

Living Room

The townhomes come in a variety of sizes, and many have carriage houses out back that consist of a garage below a loft-like space that could be used as a studio, second kitchen or another bedroom area. The large townhome we toured had that space set up as a photography studio, and in the main house there was an extra family room upstairs, complete with a bar and TV-watching area.

The homes and condos are selling fairly quickly, and are delivering in phases that are staggered by several months.

$559,000

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$997,000

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Call or email for the inside scoop (703) 864-3438

Coming Soon in Arlington Village

Charming Two Bedrooms

Perfect. “I can work with this,” I told him. This client was looking for a bachelor pad – someplace with luxury and lots of amenities.

While i think he was exaggerating a bit because he does have a price range, it made me start thinking about what the ultimate bachelor pad would be if the price range were unlimited.

The luxury Arlington Condominium came to mind-  “Turnberry Tower”

This penthouse condo unit currently has the highest price tag of any condo in Northern Virginia, listed at $4,150,000

This building has amazing views and luxury amenities including valet parking.

Turnberry Tower

luxury views

gourmet kitchen

unbelievable amenities

For more photo and details click here

Osteria Del Ray

In many areas, the shops and restaurants that become well-known to local residents also help define a neighborhood. In the Del Ray neighborhood, there’s been a small burst of retail businesses open recently, which gives the neighborhood its unique character of independent businesses along a “Main Street.”

Locals are excited about the the long anticipated Pork Barrel Barbecue. After well over a year of permit delays they finally opened their doors in December.

Osteria wine bar and restaurant, operated by the neighboring La Strada, and Fabulous Frocks, a designer consignment bridal boutique also opened last month. Market 2 Market eatery opened last fall in the space behind St. Elmo’s

Last week The Happy Tart, a gluten-free bakery, on Mt. Vernon Avenue opened. Grape and Bean is building out their new location at the corner of Commonwealth and Walnut. Though technically Rosemont, it close enough to be frequented by the Del Ray community. La Bergerie’s new cafe, Le Cafe de Del Ray has been approved by the city and is scheduled to open this year.

Del Ray hasn’t always had such cache. Growing up in the area the 1980s, there wasn’t much of anything there. My mom recalls when Del Ray was a working class neighborhood of railroad workers, with a bank, a couple of waffle shops and a Pep Boys (where Potomac West Interiors is now.)

The Happy Tart, a gluten-free bakery, recently opened on Mt. Vernon Avenue. (Jessica Richardson)

Today, the sidewalks are bustling with foot traffic on any given weekend. I live a mile up the hill in Braddock Heights and love walking down with the stroller when the weather is nice. The Del Ray community as a whole is pretty eclectic and people tend to have a “shop local” mentality.

Of course, not all businesses in Del Ray have worked out. Last year a few businesses closed, including Bungalow Housewares Gallery, Barkley Square ( a dog bakery) and  Del Ray Shoe and Luggage Repair. The Shops at The Calvert also closed while the building is undergoing renovations.

The new location of Grape and Bean gets a coat of paint. (Jessica Richardson)

Neil Hall, co-owner of Kiskadee, a popular women’s clothing boutique that opened five years ago, said the location predisposed his decision to open a shop. “I always thought it would be a good location. If we hadn’t found this spot there is a good chance we would not be in business.”

Compared with other areas, square footage in Del Ray is also a draw for businesses. Linda Fairall, owner of Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria, , was initially looking in Old Town but decided on Del Ray when she found a large enough space for the kind of build-out she wanted. The ample parking and location were also key factors in her decision.

“We are close enough to Old Town that brides can easily fit our shop into their rounds on a Saturday of bridal gown shopping, and there are so many fantastic spots for brunch or coffee here in Del Ray that brides-to-be can easily make a day out of it with their friends and family.”

This article was written by Jessica Richardson and featured in The Washington Post’s “Where We Live Blog”