Transforming Northern Virginia with Office-to-Residential Conversions

The adaptive re-use of obsolete office buildings into housing is increasing, serving as a forward-thinking solution to address rising office vacancies, boost economic vitality, and enrich communities. Recently Northern Virginia magazine featured three of VIKA's projects, Three Collective, 3601 Wilson Blvd., and CityHouse Old Town, as key projects exemplifying the transformative outcomes when empty office buildings become active, multi-functional places connected into neighborhoods.

These office-to-residential conversions are “yielding results, not just in Arlington, but across the region, where vacant offices are finding new life as vibrant residential spaces,” says Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis.

The conversion of 3601 Wilson Blvd is one of the first projects to proceed through Arlington’s new accelerated policy for redeveloping obsolete office buildings, with VIKA serving as a leader in guiding developers and administrators through this new process. The policy offers faster approvals and regulatory flexibility to tackle the challenge of underperforming real estate. “This initiative reflects Arlington’s commitment to meeting the moment,” said Libby Garvey, Arlington County Board Chair. “By rethinking how we use our spaces, we’re strengthening our economy and improving the vibrancy of our community for residents and businesses alike.”

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