DC Metrocentric

Arlington County has finally given the OK for the demolition of two city blocks in central Clarendon to make way for the new Clarendon Center mixed-use project. The modified plan which was approved includes the preservation of the Art Deco Old Dominion building as well as local favorite Clarendon Grill (fans of 80s cover bands have no fear).

The southern half of the project — which will undergo construction before the northern half — is slated to hold a 244-unit, 12-story residential tower, a nine-story office tower, 38,000 square feet of retail and a landscaped second-level courtyard. The lot is directly across the street from the Clarendon Metro and we have always thought the corner was under utilized! Hopefully the developer will be able to get some good street level retail business given that the area currently has a few vacant store fronts that have been empty for a while!

Since we love demolition so much we will be sure to bring you all the pics as the old building comes down. It should be especially fun to watch because the project is so close to the Metro tunnel that they can’t use traditional wrecking balls or explosions which would cause too much vibration. The demo will employ what they call a high-reach demolition unit that has a hydraulic crusher. So basically the building is going to be destroyed by taking big old bites with a giant claw… it’s going to be fun to watch!