Site Considerations

For this and other information you may find it useful to contact any of the following organizations:    Arlington Economic Development at (703) 228-0808, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce at (703) 525-2400, or the Arlington County Planning Division at (703) 228-3525.

In addition, for information on specific commercial areas in the County, contact the following public/private partnership organizations below. These are available to market their respective areas. Each has full-time staff prepared to assist area businesses:

• Ballston–Virginia Square Partnership (703) 528-3527
• Clarendon Alliance (703) 276-0228
• Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) (703) 892-2776
• Rosslyn Renaissance (703) 522-6628

Good advice and ideas can also come from talking to relevant trade associations, equipment and product suppliers, as well as business owners with experience in your field.

When choosing a site for a business, consider the nature of your service or product and who your customers will be. What kind of trading area do you want to serve?

• Commercial
• Industrial
• Residential
• Seasonal
• Tourist
• Educational or institutional
• Daytime or evening trade

Retail businesses which desire walk-in trade usually seek a location on a main street, in a shopping center, or near a Metro station. Wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers usually need more space at lower cost per square foot, require less visibility, and also want good vehicle and loading access. Business and professional services tend to look for office buildings, professional centers, or upper floors above retail businesses. Auto-oriented businesses and businesses with a large trade area want sites on busy streets and highways. In selecting a location, consider these factors in addition to zoning:

• Cost of rent for space
• Visibility
• Image
• Parking for customers
• Parking for employees
• Highway, street or walk-in access
• Loading space
• Compatibility with nearby businesses

You may also want additional information about the neighborhood such as:

• Demographic characteristics
• Direct Competition
• Public and private development plans
• Information on nearby businesses
• Pertinent regulations and ordinances