Presentation at 4MRV Working Group Jeffrey Zeeman Arlington Commission for the Arts
Creation of official Arts District along several full blocks of South Four Mile Run Drive Maintain / enhance some compatible existing uses: Inner Ear Studio, 3700 building, brewery, AFAC. DMV music history venue adjoining studio? Convert old Signature Theater building and warehouse on Oakland Street to arts spaces with distinct character, including second, larger black box theater and gallery spaces (or tear down/rebuild) Potential acquisition, in long-term, of big warehouse space adjacent to Jennie Dean and conversion to artist live/work space? Or new construction of artist live-work spaces elsewhere in area Combination of County acquisitions and developer incentives Additional restaurant/bar/cafe venues to complement arts venues
Preserve and enhance the 3700 building for exclusive use by Arlington arts organizations Potentially move parks offices in building to another site to create more permanent space for arts organizations and arts frontage on S. Four Mile Run Dr. Possible expansion of building to encompass full second floor Improved signage and ingress/egress to building transform exterior into an obvious arts space Renovation / expansion of Theater on the Run Public art in, on, and around building Satisfy the need for permanent, stable, dedicated office, rehearsal and performance space for Arlington arts organizations
Concentrate public art in 4MRV area County Public Art Master Plan identified 4MRV as a high priority for public art projects. See p. 56. Establish a mural district (e.g., massive mural on storage building overlooking Jennie Dean, encourage murals on other light-industrial facades) Integrate public art within passive areas of Jennie Dean Add public art along the river / path adjacent to the stream, referencing / integrating natural environment Public art accessible for AFAC and dog park users Consider a signature, very prominent "Arlington" (or 4MRV-themed) welcome sign / sculptural element?
Improved infrastructure but maintain light industrial feel of area Parking! -- but be creative in designing parking structure Enhanced public transit (including shuttle service from metros?) Clear, welcoming, aesthetically-inventive signage and street furniture Install sidewalks and lighting to make the area walkable Bike racks -- also artist designed and bike paths County facade / signage grants for businesses that remain? Better visual and physical links to existing Shirlington arts facilities prominent and readily-visible bridge(s) over the stream and appealing pedestrian pathways linking to bridge on both sides of stream
Additional thoughts Flexible outdoor amphitheater space for musical performances and/or screen-on-the-green in Jennie Dean or elsewhere Streetscape and potentially some green space that is readily convertible for outdoor arts festivals ABC Distributors Lumber Center building potential artist gallery / work space for future expansion of district and link to Nauck? 24-7 activation of this part of Four Mile Run via a few residential buildings, ideally artist live-work space or other artist-friendly housing, plus commercial venues that are open into the evening
Benefits Meets County need for expanded and enhanced arts venues and practice/office spaces, which has become critical following closure of Artisphere Only area of Arlington with possibility for creating an arts district with critical mass needed to succeed builds on existing prominent arts facilities in area (Signature Theater, movie theater, 3700 building, etc.) Industrial character of area is uniquely suited for arts conversion. No other section of Arlington features this type of intrinsically artist-friendly physical environment, or will allow for wildly creative construction and public art Transform this area of Arlington into a true destination rather than feeling like an afterthought proximity to highway is a major plus Complements and enhances existing uses (Jennie Dean, dog park, AFAC, brewery) a synergistic relationship with the rest of the valley