Penrose Public Square Update
Come out and enjoy Penrose Square. The new community gathering spot is an enjoyable outdoor area with a water feature, a tree terrace with movable tables and chairs, and gardens with a variety of flowers, grasses, ornamental bushes and trees to add color year around. When the interactive water feature is activated this spring it will shoot thin jets of water 5 – 12 feet into the air. Visitors can enjoy the movement and sounds of the sprays of water.
The Echo sculpture is a striking feature both day and night and it honors Arlington’s industrious and innovative leadership in the history of radio communication.
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Concept Plans
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Project: Penrose Square – Phase I Location: 2503 Columbia Pike (In front of the new Penrose Square Development) Contacts: Diane Probus, 703-228-0787 Funding: PAY-AS-YOU-GO Capital Funds and General Obligation Bond Funds Status: Completed November 2012Description:As part of the County’s ongoing effort to revitalize the Columbia Pike Corridor, Penrose Square is the first of three squares to be built in the Columbia Pike Corridor. The square is an active pedestrian center and community gathering spot within the corridor’s Town Center.
Public Square Design: Phase I has a tree-covered, upper terrace with movable tables and chairs; an inner plaza with a water feature; a unique two piece sculpture called “Echo”; a plaque describing the historic significance of the site, and an attractive stone wall which defines the front of the square along Columbia Pike. Small gardens are dispersed throughout the square and along the edge of the property wall. The crepe myrtles, holly, decorative grasses and a variety of flowering bulbs will provide seasonal colors in the square. A Phase II expansion of the square is planned when the adjacent site redevelops which will increase the size of the square and the size of the features included in Phase I. Sustainable Features: The tree terrace area will have Silva Cells installed beneath the surface to facilitate stormwater runoff filtration into the soil while providing maximum soil volume for root growth. The Silva Cells prevent compaction of the soil so that tree roots are protected and also help to retain water to sustain the trees during dry periods. The spray water from the fountain is collected, treated and then reused in the fountain again to conserve water. Super Stop Station: In the near future, a Super Stop Station will be constructed along the front sidewalk of the square which will support the current Pike Ride system as well as future generations of transit that are planned for Columbia Pike. |
