When the doors opened on the newly renovated Ballston Quarter in Arlington, Virginia in April 2019, visitors were thrilled with the retail and dining options -- transforming what was once an enclosed generic American shopping mall into a dynamic, open Main Street experience.

Originally master planned and designed by CallisonRTKL in the 1980s, Ballston Quarter’s new design removed portions of the mall’s roof, creating an indoor/outdoor street anchored by an existing Macy’s and a new 400 unit, 22-story luxury residential tower over new retail.

The retail layout was reconfigured to maximize exterior storefronts that connect to Wilson Boulevard and inviting shoppers to explore. About two-thirds of the existing mall’s roof was removed to create an open-air, two-level street. The enclosed and conditioned portion was completely renovated, with strengthened connections to parking and the existing Regal Cinema. The two office tower lobbies were also renovated to reinforce the transformation of the development. The Kettler Capitals Iceplex also brings in the community.

The main entrance along Wilson Boulevard serves as an open-air plaza with stairs leading down to a new food hall. The outdoor space can accommodate performances, with spectator seating along the grand stair.

The brick building facades were extended into the internal retail mews and enhanced with steel detailing. The palette of the brick provides architectural contrast to new modern limestone facades across the alleyway.

Ballston Quarter

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