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Springfield Town Center Update

May 17, 2012

Central Hall

Central Hall of Springfield Town Center

The Connection wrote today that Jeff McKay thinks Springfield Mall is actually going to begin turning into Springfield Town Center. They also published a couple of Vornado’s architectural renderings (which must be new, because the theater featured is not AMC as in the older ones):

According to the Lee District supervisor, who has worked closely with the developer and county officials to move the ball forward on the project, all of the mall’s interior tenants were given 90-days notice to vacate in March so the first phase of the renovation can begin July 1.

He said Vornado will leave anchor tenants Macy’s, Target and JCPenney open as the New York-based company guts and renovates the cavernous interior space, launching the first stage of plans to transform the 1973 suburban mall into Springfield Town Center.

THE FIRST PHASE, which is expected to take two years, includes construction of one central entrance instead of multiple entrances, and the addition of a state-of-the-art movie theater and food court.

“No one will be happier to see this move forward. We will pop open the champagne for this,” McKay said.

Later phases of the renovation – expected to take about 10 to 15 years – will complete the town center look, with a mix of upscale retail and commercial development, a 225-room hotel, pedestrian plazas, recreational facilities, 2,000 residential units and transportation improvements.

Movie Complex

I don’t know about you, but my level of optimism about this project is now dependent on actually seeing something good happen. I don’t consider tossing out the tenants to be a positive step in and of itself – I want to see construction.

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23 Adult Truths

May 1, 2012

Posted to Facebook by a friend. I would credit the original author but it’s been around awhile and I don’t know who it was. It’s rather Steven Wright-ish.

Frankly, it could have been me . . . or you.

  1. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 times and still not know what time it is.
  2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.
  3. ?I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
  4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
  5. How on earth are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
  6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
  7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
  8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
  9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.
  10. Bad decisions make good stories.
  11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
  12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.
  13. I’m always slightly terrified when I quit Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
  14. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
  15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
  16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Coors Light.
  17. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.
  18. ?I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
  19. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?
  20. ?I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
  21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
  22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’d bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.
  23. The first testicular guard, the “Cup,” was used in hockey in 1874; the first helmet was used in 1974. It took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important?

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Should You Replace Your Windows?

April 20, 2012

One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression potential buyers will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn.

So does that mean you should replace your windows?

That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

  • Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should.
  • Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
  • If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.
  • Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.
  • Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire.
  • Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows?

Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.

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Let’s Go House-Hunting With Ellen

April 5, 2012
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Big Johnson Winners Announced!

April 4, 2012

The Big Johnson Coed College Basketball Challenge is over, and for the tenth straight year, I lost! Not surprising – there were over 90 entrants this year and next year we will shoot for over 100 with perhaps, a bigger prize? This year’s Big Johnson champion, The Rev. Brian Johnson, is a repeat winner and [...]

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Parkway To Be Repaved – H@$$ Freezes Over

March 26, 2012

Patch reports that Fairfax County Parkway (or whatever it’s name is going to be) will finally be repaved, now that it’s a primary road and eligible for federal funding. Here’s the report: The Virginia Department of Transportation will repave 24 miles of the 32-mile, six-lane Fairfax County Parkway between Route 7 in Dranesville and Rolling [...]

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Springfield Town Center Needs A Marketing Director!

March 25, 2012

What ho! Vornado Realty Trust has an opening! Marketing Director, Springfield Town Center (Springfield Mall redevelopment) Vornado Realty Trust has an immediate need for a Marketing Director at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, VA. The existing Springfield Mall will soon undergo a major redevelopment which upon completion will become a grand new shopping environment. The [...]

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