Release Date: Jun 6, 2016

Crystal City Business Improvement Districts Celebrates Ten Years

For Immediate Release: June 6, 2016
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Crystal City Business Improvement Districts Celebrates Ten Years
A Decade of Transformation

Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – Joined by stakeholders, partners, tenants, neighbors, and friends, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) this evening celebrated a decade of amazing transformation in Crystal City.

“The creation of the Crystal City BID is a perfect example of how to turn crisis into opportunity,” said Angela Fox, President/CEO of the Crystal City BID. “Today’s bustling sidewalks and parks, successful retail and restaurants, new businesses and start-ups and an emerging innovation ecosystem all have their roots in this foresight, a testament to how businesses and local government can tackle problems through creative collaboration.”

The Crystal City BID was formed in 2006 as a direct response to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) legislation that would result in major job relocations and historic office vacancies in Crystal City. Though many aspects of Crystal City had already changed - new restaurants, a new "Main Street" in Crystal Drive, new parks/plans - the perception of Crystal City had not tracked accordingly. The Crystal City BID was formed to create place, activate, and market as well as build momentum toward creating the new Crystal City.

Accordingly, the Crystal City BID has dramatically transformed the perceptions, experiences, and realities of Crystal City. There are 100's of events held each year - from 5Ks every Friday in April, to fun sipping and tasting events throughout September, weekly Farmers Markets, art markets, and world-class theater. Crystal City has also become a district for innovation with a connected ecosystem of tech incubators, a 21,000 square foot maker space, and weekly innovation events. All together, these programs bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the neighborhood each year.

The very urban fabric of Crystal City has also changed with new art, better connected transit, a more business-friendly economic climate, and a focus on expanding the incredible basis of infrastructure, including an airport you can walk to, easy access from trains and roadways, the most centralized location in the area, gorgeous parks with free outdoor wi-fi, a great public school system, and so much more.

The momentum continues with businesses that would not have looked at Crystal City a decade ago moving in routinely. More residential development is underway to help meet the increased demand for people that want to live here – thousands of new residents are expected over the next ten years. Hotels continue to welcome visitors for both business and leisure because people are more and more familiar with how easy it is to connect with the region from Crystal City. Whole Foods and a 45,000 square foot climbing gym, Earth Treks will open this Summer. There is also a continuing focus to bring more retail and entertainment options to the area, as well as a new aquatic center.

Crystal City is not just a place for start-ups or innovative companies. It is also a thriving neighborhood and community where new ideas, concepts, technologies and strategies can be actively tested and brought to market - a true innovative laboratory, as well as an awesome place to live, work, play, and stay.

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About the Crystal City Business Improvement District
The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is INNOVATIVE, ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.