Arts Studio Renovation at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive

Location

3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206 View Map

Status

Construction

The interior renovation of 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive began the week of July 8. Work hours are Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. The project includes various infrastructure improvements that will allow Arlington's Cultural Affairs Division to bring most of its artist services under one roof, providing a holistic and equitable approach to local artists and arts organizations.

About the Project

The County is renovating an interior, vacant portion of the Cultural Affairs Building at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive to enhance cultural and arts programming and services. The building currently houses multiple Arlington Cultural Affairs programs, which will not be affected by the renovation. After the renovation is complete, several programs currently located in other facilities will relocate to 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive. This includes the ceramics and printmaking studios at the LAC Studios and the textiles studio (formerly known as the Costume Lab) within Gunston Middle School. View the fall 2023 presentation to artists for more information.

This project promotes the arts within Arlington County by providing fully equipped fine craft studios for skilled artisans to develop their practice and share with the community through classes, demonstrations, art talks, and other activities. Construction activities will focus on providing a new, modern space for artists by enhancing natural light; controlling noise; allowing for flexible space configurations; and improving the durability of flooring.

Upon completion, the first floor will consist of the three studio spaces and a retail area for the display and sale of art created in the studios. Office and storage space will be on the second floor. The 3,169 SF ceramic studio will have a glaze kitchen, member shelving area, a throwing studio, hand-building studio space, multiple electric kilns, and a new gas kiln. The 1,169 SF printmaking studio will have a dedicated dark room with a large washout booth, and a studio space with a fume hood, flat files, drying racks, custom screen storage cabinets, and inking stations. The 1,392 SF textile studio will have multiple sewing tables, steam press, fabric storage, mannequin and pattern storage, a dye vat sink, washer, and dryers.

What to Expect

Renovations will be constructed on the building's interior during standard work hours (weekdays, approximately 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.). No disruptions to local businesses or residents, traffic flow or other outside activities are expected during the renovation. Users of the facility will continue to have access to the building and existing programming. In the rare event that there are any outages, users will receive advanced notice.

About the Process

The Adopted FY 2023 - FY 2032 Capital Improvement Plan includes design and construction funding for the 3700 S. Four Mile Run location to prepare for accepting cultural and arts programs currently located in other public facilities.

Activities	Timeline
Design phase	Complete
Permit review and approval	Complete
Bid phase (Selection and Board approval)	Complete
Construction phase	July 2024 - Summer 2025
Close-out phase	Summer 2025
Facility opens	Summer/fall 2025