County Board Approves Space to Enhance DARPA Security

Published on June 16, 2018

Citing its desire to retain DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency headquartered in Ballston, the Arlington County Board today unanimously approved adding 1,265 square feet to its building for a secure screening and visitor check-in facility.

DARPA will add 1,265 square feet to the building it leases, known as the South Office Building of the Founder's Square development, at 675 N. Randolph St.

"Arlington, which is still dealing with the consequences of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process that hit this community's office tenant market harder than any other in the nation, fought hard back then to retain DARPA," County Board Chair Katie Cristol said. "Located in the heart of Ballston, DARPA employs some 220 people and is integral to the County's efforts to position ourselves as a hub of innovation and technology. We are pleased to be able to accommodate the agency's need for increased security."

The building that DARPA leases was built utilizing additional density provisions, Cristol noted, as the Board offered flexibility to meet DARPA's need for a highly secure building.

Adding the space for the screening and visitor check-in facility will not substantially alter the mass or form of the building, and will provide a better entrance by bringing part of the façade 21 feet toward N. Randolph Street, closer to the public sidewalk.

Background

The Board first approved the mixed-use office, retail, and residential development that is the Founder's Square site plan in July 2008. The development is bounded by North Glebe Road, North Quincy Street and North Wilson Boulevard, and includes the North Office building, a 15-story office building (under construction), the 13-story secure South Office building that is home to DARPA, a 17-story residential building, a 12-story residential building and a one-story retail building.

To read the staff report, visit the County website. Scroll to Item No. 6 on the agenda for the June 16, 2018 Regular County Board Meeting.

Learn about DARPA.