2. COURTHOUSE METRO STATION Courthouse is a lively urban and transit-oriented village that serves as the county’s seat of government and hosts the Judicialcentre, Detention centre and primary govt. offices. At the center of Courthouse, Courthouse square will be the premier place for Arlingtonians to gather for conversation, recreation, relaxation & to celebrate important events. Transforming Courthouse into a public square and planning for future redevelopment will provide a centralized civic center and public open space that will engage Arlingtonian residents, workers & visitors. The conceptual plan, design guidelines elements include circulation & parking, open space, building location, use and design, cultural resources & sustainability. The Courthouse square area encompasses approximately 10 acres, centrally located within the Courthouse Metro station area. The existing properties are a mixture of privately owned and County-owned buildings; office, retail and residential uses; public streets; and public & private open spaces. The Courthouse tower (seven-storeyed office tower) was completed in 1961. Metro construction started in 1970, and metro operations began on Dec. 1, 1979. The present day Strayer building was constructed in 2002. In the 1980’s , the success of the metro resulted in the construction of numerous multi-storeyed buildings consisting of residential, office and retail space.
FIG 4.9- Courthouse Square Concept Plan
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