Story

CBG delivered UrbA Phase I, a 310-unit mixed-use development, to Arlington, VA's Ballston neighborhood on time and within budget. The site, originally a surface parking lot adjacent to a fully operational Harris Teeter, was reimagined to maximize density and connectivity. Phase I introduced a flagship Harris Teeter and luxury apartments, allowing the original store to be demolished for Phase II construction. The project team successfully established a vibrant, transit-oriented community while laying the foundation for future phases. UrbA Phase I encompasses a broad scope of work, offering a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with high-end finishes, quartz countertops, and EnergyStar® appliances. The community provides a state-of-the-art fitness center, a coworking lounge with private conference rooms, a rooftop, a pet run, and a private courtyard with an outdoor kitchen and gas grilling areas—amenities that will also be available to residents of future phases. Serving as a dynamic focal point at the Harris Teeter entrance on Glebe Road, an Arlington Public Art streetscape mural celebrates Ballston’s past and present, enriching the pedestrian experience and reinforcing the development’s community connection. During construction, CBG introduced a panelized Light Gauge Steel (LGS) structural wall system to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure precision. The LGS system required precise MEP coordination, ensuring all load-bearing studs aligned from the podium to the rooftop. To keep the existing Harris Teeter adjacent to the site fully operational throughout construction, CBG provided safe surface parking for customers and ensured uninterrupted store access via protected pedestrian walkways. Meanwhile, strict core-and-shell leasing requirements mandated that all corridor-facing spaces be fully complete before leasing could begin, complicating phased delivery and limiting turnover flexibility. The team overcame these challenges through meticulous scheduling, clear coordination with stakeholders, and wayfinding signage to maintain accessibility for neighbors, residents, shoppers, and delivery vehicles. Obtaining LEED® Silver certification, the community features recycled materials, low-emitting paints and coatings, and exterior green walls to mitigate the heat island effect. The community also promotes alternative transportation, offering eight electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, 100+ bike racks, and a secure 1,862 SF bike storage room. Mobilizing on the project site in November 2020, CBG was confronted with COVID-related supply chain disruptions and utility coordination challenges with Arlington County and VDOT. Through proactive planning, early material procurement, and strategic sequencing, CBG ensured smooth project delivery. Offsite storage of materials, appliances, and HVAC equipment enabled the team to mitigate cost escalation and guarantee availability, keeping the project on schedule. UrbA Phase I effortlessly blends urban living with retail convenience. The future phases will introduce additional luxury apartments, a public park, and dedicated surface parking for Harris Teeter customers, expanding the neighborhood’s mix of high-end housing, retail, and public spaces. Building on the successes and lessons learned, the team is well-positioned to seamlessly execute the next two phases.