
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in Rosslyn, VA, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Sexual Function

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Rosslyn, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.



Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Rosslyn, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:


Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Rosslyn, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Rosslyn, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Rosslyn, VA
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Rosslyn, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

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Latest News in Rosslyn, VA
Mobility Programs Aim To Forge A Sustainable Future For Multifamily Residents
Bisnowhttps://www.bisnow.com/washington-dc/news/commercial-real-estate/environmental-sustainability-arlington-virginia-arlington-transportation-partners-117296
As transportation remains the top contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, cities are taking action to make sustainable transportation easily accessible. One county in particular is working continuously to provide a sustainable future for its residents: Arlington County.The D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is awash with commuting options, including public transit, bike trails, walking trails, carpooling ...
As transportation remains the top contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, cities are taking action to make sustainable transportation easily accessible. One county in particular is working continuously to provide a sustainable future for its residents: Arlington County.
The D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is awash with commuting options, including public transit, bike trails, walking trails, carpooling and vanpooling. And the region has displayed its commitment to sustainable transportation through initiatives including Sustainable D.C. 2.0 and Arlington Transit’s Zero Emission Bus program.
Arlington Public Library To Discuss How To Handle New Period Of Growth
Mark Handhttps://patch.com/virginia/arlington-va/arlington-public-library-set-priorities-new-period-growth
ARLINGTON, VA — With its newly renovated Courthouse library branch scheduled to open later this month and firm plans in place for a new full-service library to open in Crystal City in 2025, Arlington County now wants to take a look at the overall direction and vision of the county library system that could guide the library's growth over the next few decades.Arlington Public Library leadership will be meeting with officials from the county manager’s office later in 2023 to discuss how the library can best provide services ...
ARLINGTON, VA — With its newly renovated Courthouse library branch scheduled to open later this month and firm plans in place for a new full-service library to open in Crystal City in 2025, Arlington County now wants to take a look at the overall direction and vision of the county library system that could guide the library's growth over the next few decades.
Arlington Public Library leadership will be meeting with officials from the county manager’s office later in 2023 to discuss how the library can best provide services in the decades ahead and how the locations of the county’s library branches can best meet the needs of county residents.
“In the second half of 2023, the County Manager’s Office and Arlington Public Library leadership will engage with the community in longer-term strategic discussions about these issues and how to best provide library services in a changed and changing environment,” Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz said in his message included in the county’s fiscal year 2024 proposed budget.
In these meetings, officials will likely discuss how to prioritize competing needs of new locations, established locations, a sustainable budget for library collections, and a staffing model that provides the highest level of reliability and service for residents, according to Schwartz.
“The public library plays a pivotal role in leveling the playing field of opportunity and providing free access to all community members regardless of income or status,” Schwartz wrote. “Using data and an equity lens framework, the strategic discussion will look at how current and future library services and locations can best meet the needs of all Arlington residents, today and in the future.”
Find out what's happening in Arlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
READ ALSO: Library Subscription Service To Surprise Arlington Readers
Any recommendations that come out of the 2023 meetings could be included in the county’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposal, according to the county manager.
Schwartz emphasized that Arlington County remains committed to its libraries, "a highly valued and trusted resource in the community."
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent labor market issues hit library services particularly hard due to an over-reliance on temporary employees, according to the county manager. Now that the libraries are back to regular service, the county manager is recommending a review of future facility and materials funding for the system.
Arlington’s population has grown from 135,449 in 1950 to an estimated 235,500 in 2022. A lot of this growth has occurred in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor and the Richmond Highway Corridor. Together with the Columbia Pike Corridor, 84 percent of Arlington’s population growth is forecast to occur in these three planning corridors between 2020 and 2045, according to the county manager.
Since 1950, though, the general siting of Arlington public library locations has remained largely unchanged. In 1950, the library locations in Arlington were Aurora Hills, Cherrydale, Clarendon (now Central), Columbia Pike, Glencarlyn, Fairlington (now Shirlington), and Westover.
Aside from the remodeled and expanded Courthouse library scheduled to open in March inside the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center, the most recent change to the county’s libraries was the Westover library moving in 2009 from its cozy location on 18th Street N. to a larger building at the corner of N. McKinley Road and Washington Blvd., next to the new Cardinal Elementary School.
ALSO READ: TikTok Of Arlington Public Library Shows Ease Of Library Card Signup
“After nearly 15 years, Arlington Public Library is about to embark on a time of growth, which brings the opportunity to reach new and more Arlington residents with library services,” Schwartz wrote in his county manager’s message in the budget proposal.
As part of this growth, the county will be looking at the future of the Columbia Pike library branch. With Arlington Public Schools’ planned expansion of the Arlington Career Center building, which has housed the Columbia Pike library since 1975, the county purchased just under an acre at 3108 Columbia Pike in 2022.
The location is identified as a potential site for a future Columbia Pike library and for co-locating affordable housing, one of the county’s top priorities, Schwartz wrote. The site on Columbia Pike currently has a surface parking lot.
As for currently approved plans, the newly renovated library in the Bozman building’s lobby will offer children’s services for the first time and offer similar hours to the county's other neighborhood-based locations, including evening and Saturday hours.
As part of a residential redevelopment project, JBG Smith is financially supporting a new 7,200-square-foot library location at 1901 S. Bell Street in Crystal City. The full-service library is scheduled to open in 2025.
NEW: Huge Hilton hotel coming to new Rosslyn development
ARLnow.comhttps://www.arlnow.com/2022/10/13/new-huge-hilton-hotel-coming-to-new-rosslyn-development/
A 36-story, 331-room “state of the art” Hilton hotel is coming to Rosslyn.The hospitality giant this morning announced the signing of an agreement to operate the high-rise hotel on the former Holiday Inn site. With rooms overlooking D.C. and the Potomac River, the hotel will also feature a rooftop event space and 28,000 square feet of meeting space.More from a press release:Toda...
A 36-story, 331-room “state of the art” Hilton hotel is coming to Rosslyn.
The hospitality giant this morning announced the signing of an agreement to operate the high-rise hotel on the former Holiday Inn site. With rooms overlooking D.C. and the Potomac River, the hotel will also feature a rooftop event space and 28,000 square feet of meeting space.
More from a press release:
Today, Hilton announces the signing of Hilton at The Key, Arlington-Rosslyn, providing even more options to travelers looking for a state of the art, full-service hotel just minutes from Washington, D.C. Located at the foot of the Potomac River’s historic Francis Scott Key Bridge in Arlington, Virginia, the 36-story, 331-room property is surrounded by numerous corporate headquarters based in Rosslyn’s business district and minutes from the 11-acre riverfront Fort Bennett Park and Palisades Trail.
The modern hotel is under development as part of The Key, a project that includes a destination restaurant, street-level retail, and 517 luxury apartments with panoramas of the water and the nation’s capital. Once completed, Hilton at The Key will feature approximately 28,000 square feet of flexible and modern meeting spaces, including an event space on the 36th floor with sweeping 360-degree views of the Washington, D.C., skyline, the Potomac River and Arlington, Virginia.
“Dittmar Company is proud to partner with Hilton as we bring a true destination meeting and event facility to Arlington, Virginia, and the surrounding DMV area,” said Greg Raines, an executive at Dittmar Company.
The 18-story, 50-year-old Holiday Inn was imploded two years ago to make way for the massive new development, which has since been dubbed The Key. A construction update last month noted that crews were preparing to pour concrete for the tenth floor of the building.
The development’s 500+ unit rental apartment building has been christened “Rosslyn Towers.”
“Rosslyn Towers is the latest in the Dittmar Company portfolio of Arlington Luxury Multi-Family deliveries,” says The Key’s website. “The residences will have first class finishes to rival the unmatched location and views present at this iconic location.”
The apartment’s “uplifting live/work/play environment” will feature “an amenity package that is second to none.”
“A 3,000+ square feet fitness center will boast all modern fitness concepts, including fitness on demand,” the website says. “A sports simulator will be located within the large game room to allow interaction with the sports you love, while enjoying the company of others and multiple TVs. A business center, quiet rooms, and community rooms will all be available on the amenity floor and will seamlessly integrate with the 15,000 square foot exterior amenity deck. This deck will have multiple grilling stations, outdoor pool, green space for activities, and much more.”
The Washington Business Journal reported this morning that the apartments are expected to open before the hotel.
” The first of the multifamily units are slated to deliver in early 2024, to be followed by other components including the hotel by 2026 if not sooner,” WBJ reported.
More on the hotel plans, below, from the Hilton press release.
Located within steps of the Rosslyn Metro Station, Georgetown and the National Mall, The Key is also conveniently less than five minutes from Reagan International Airport, making Hilton at The Key an ideal hotel destination for business and leisure travelers. Previously home to a 307-room full-service hotel for more than 50 years, the original hotel was demolished to make way for The Key, a brand-new 1.3-million-square-foot development.
“For more than a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world. The signing of Hilton at The Key, Arlington-Rosslyn heralds an exciting addition to the global footprint of our flagship brand right in our own backyard,” said Leonard Gooz, global brand head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “This new development will be located in the most prime location of the area and will be a highly desired destination for leisure and business travelers visiting northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metro area.”
Hilton at The Key will also be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
New grocery store coming to Virginia’s Rosslyn neighborhood
Diane Adamhttps://www.winsightgrocerybusiness.com/retailers/new-grocery-store-coming-virginias-rosslyn-neighborhood
RetailersChicago-based Foxtrot will open a new location in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, expanding its presence in the DMV area.Get great content like this in your inbox.SubscribeFoxtrot, a label-defying hybrid of urban convenience store, local market and café, will open its sixth Was...
RetailersChicago-based Foxtrot will open a new location in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, expanding its presence in the DMV area.
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Foxtrot, a label-defying hybrid of urban convenience store, local market and café, will open its sixth Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia (DMV)-area location on Friday in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Virginia, the Chicago-based retailer said on Monday.
Located at 1771 Pierce St. in Arlington, the 4,077-square-foot store will feature the “biggest product assortment Foxtrot has available,” the retailer said in a statement.
Foxtrot’s all-day café offerings include seasonal café drinks, smoothies, breakfast tacos, chef-prepared salads and bowls, and grab-and-go meals for lunch and dinner. The store also contains local craft beers and wines hand-selected by an in-house sommelier, as well as everyday grocery essentials. The store will offer delivery and pickup.
Looking to expand its homegrown offerings, Foxtrot currently carries more than 150 local products from over 50 local makers and will continue to add new brands to its shelves. Local brands interested in being featured on Foxtrot’s shelves can submit their products here. Foxtrot currently has 23 locations across Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Dallas, with plans to continue expansion in both existing and new markets this fall.
As part of the store’s opening celebration, live music, food and drinks and other features will be held on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Shoppers who download and use the Foxtrot app opening week will receive a gift while supplies last, the retailer said in a statement.
Founded by Mike LaVitola and Taylor Bloom in 2014, Foxtrot, which raised $100 million in a Series C funding round led by D1 Capital Partners last year, calls itself "the convenience store of the future."There are currently 23 Foxtrot locations across the cities of Chicago, Washington D.C. and Dallas with stores in Austin, Texas, coming soon.
Is River Place’s time coming to an end in Rosslyn?
Matt Blitzhttps://www.arlnow.com/2022/07/14/is-river-places-time-coming-to-an-end-in-rosslyn/
The following deep dive was funded by and first sent to members of the ARLnow Press Club. Join today to support local journalism and to get the exclusive Early Morning Notes email with previews of the day’s stories.River Place in Rosslyn is perhaps one of the most well-known multifamily complexes in the county.The series of four buildings containing about 1,720 units between Route 50 and Wilson Blvd make up the cooperative complex th...
The following deep dive was funded by and first sent to members of the ARLnow Press Club. Join today to support local journalism and to get the exclusive Early Morning Notes email with previews of the day’s stories.
River Place in Rosslyn is perhaps one of the most well-known multifamily complexes in the county.
The series of four buildings containing about 1,720 units between Route 50 and Wilson Blvd make up the cooperative complex that was built seven decades ago. Despite its age, River Place remains valued by residents, owners and real estate agents.
In conversations, phrases like “oasis of affordability,” “jewel of Rosslyn,” “prime location,” and “views that… can’t be beat in the market” get tossed around with regularity.
But what makes River Place truly unique is that it very well could be on borrowed time.
It’s a fact that has been known for awhile, as detailed in this 1982 Washington Post article. The complex was built in the early 1950s on top of 13 acres of land owned by a developer. That land is, essentially, rented from the developer through an agreement that’s known as a “ground lease.”
In 1953, a 99-year lease was agreed to, meaning River Place’s lease runs out in 2052 — 30 years from now. That timeframe, of course, holds a good deal of significance for those looking to take on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in order to buy a property inside of the complex.
Today, the underlying land is owned by local real estate development firm Monday Properties.
When the lease expires in 2052, Monday Properties will be able to do whatever it wants with the well-located land in Rosslyn. Theoretically, Monday Properties — or a new developer, if Monday ends up selling the land — could demolish the by-then century-old River Place.
This potential would leave unit owners out in the cold and their investment, essentially, a pile of bricks.
Monday Properties hasn’t disclosed its plans just yet.
James Marandi, president of the River Places Owners Association, tells ARLnow that neither he, the association, nor the committee assembled to deal with the ground lease situation has had any “recent” conversations with the company.
Monday Properties wouldn’t discuss the situation with ARLnow, either. When reached for comment, a company spokesperson said in an email that Monday Properties does “not have a comment on this story.”
An Arlington County spokesperson tells ARLnow that there isn’t much the county can do.
“This is a private property matter, which limits what the County can do,” the spokesperson said. “This is a matter between the building occupants and the landowner.”
This uncertainty has left some unit owners and residents thinking, perhaps even anxious, about an uncertain future that’s now not as far off as it once was.
“We are not necessarily nervous yet. Thirty years is a long way away,” Marandi tells ARLnow. “But we do realize that the lease expires and something has to be done.”
The unresolved ground lease situation also could have a direct impact on the accessibility of lower-priced housing stock in Arlington, a long-running concern that the county is now trying to grapple with.
As of Friday afternoon, there appeared to be 15 River Place condos for sale on Zillow. All of the units were listed for sale under $300,000, with most under $200,000.
The average price for a home in Arlington, as of earlier this year and including townhomes and condos, is more than $800,000.
In theory, this could make River Place one of the best buys in the Arlington market. But the expiring land lease makes it potentially inaccessible for some.
Dan Perez is a veteran real estate agent with the Keri Shull Team who’s been involved in at least a dozen deals at River Place. According to his data, the average sale price for a River Place unit so far this year is just over $158,000.
The unresolved situation has undoubtedly played a part in pushing prices down, he says. However, banks are eyeing that 2052 date and are already hesitating to lend to buyers who would be taking out a conventional 30-year mortgage.
“Lenders are starting to be a little bit hesitant with lending,” Perez says. “Typically, they are going to require 25% to 40% down [payment] and [interest] rates are usually about a point higher than normal.”
The need for more cash and a less favorable interest rate has pushed what would otherwise be affordable properties out of reach for some.
Because of these parameters, Perez says he’s had a lot of investors looking to buy and then lease out units at River Place contacting him recently. It’s a great deal, he notes, if you have a lot of cash on hand.
“If you pay cash or if you can put a significant amount of money down and have a small mortgage, then it’s one of the best cash flow properties in Arlington.”
That 1982 Washington Post story, with the headline “River Place Co-Op is Selling Borrowed Time,” starts by describing an ad showing young people coming across the Memorial Bridge with all of their belongings in order to move into River Place.
Marandi remembers that ad, having first moved into the complex when he was a student in 1982. Two years later, he bought his first property there.
As a long-time property owner and, now, president of the owners association, he’s known that River Place’s time is ticking. He loves the building and co-op he bought into nearly 40 years ago and believes that River Place still has many good years ahead of it.
“Even though the beautiful brick structure may look to some people, compared to the glass and the steel structures around us, a little bit historic, the insides have been upgraded, updated, and fully maintained,” he says.
But Marandi admits he’s concerned that the situation remains unsettled and the place he’s called home might end up becoming rubble with little recourse.
There are a few scenarios that could play out. One is that Monday Properties could simply negotiate with stakeholders and extend the land lease. Or they could buy out the co-op’s interests prior to the lease ending, as a Wall Street Journal story suggested in 2019.
Others involve Monday Properties selling the 13 acres in Rosslyn to another developer. No one really knows how much that land is worth, but as Marandi put it, “it’s not going to be cheap.”
At that point, the question would be will the new developer keep River Place or demolish it?
No one, but perhaps Monday Properties, knows the answer to that question or any other around the future of the four buildings that have graced Rosslyn’s skyline for seven decades.
“I look forward to hearing from someone soon,” says Marandi. “My door is always open.”
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