County Headquarters to Remain Open During Renovation Work

Published on September 14, 2021

Most public areas of Arlington County's Ellen M. Bozman Government Center in Courthouse will remain accessible while the building undergoes renovation work on the lower levels, beginning Sept. 20 and lasting through January 2023.

Lower-floor public service counters like Voter Registration, the Treasurer's Office, and the Commissioner of Revenue's Office will continue operating throughout construction with directional signs in common areas to guide visitors to their destinations. Starting Sept. 27, the Treasurer's Office also will be located on the first floor to allow people to make in-person payments for their real estate and vehicle taxes through the Oct. 5 due date.

Renovation details

The renovations are designed for better, more concentrated use of space by the public and staff. They also include a new reception area on the lobby level, more conference rooms, and security enhancements.

In addition, Arlington Public Library's Plaza Branch, in the lobby, will add a children's area. The branch will remain closed to the public during construction, as it has been since March 2020 due to the pandemic.

The Bozman Center's garage-level elevator bays and staff-only breakroom on the ninth floor will also see renovation work.

Project background

The County Board approved the $4.8 million renovations contract for Bozman this past July. The funding comes from a tenant improvement allowance that the Bozman Center landlord, JBG Smith (JBGS), provided to the County following a lease renewal in 2018.

The County owns the land under the Bozman Center while JBGS owns the building. A letter of intent to restructure the lease agreement, announced this past March, could extend the current expiration date from 2062 to 2119.