Last week, elected leaders and stakeholders from Montgomery County, Md., visited Arlington to examine examples of "missing middle" housing, highlighting the ongoing discussions surrounding housing densification. This tour featured notable developments like Axumite Village and Majestic Oak, aiming to inform Montgomery County's housing policy as they consider zoning changes. The visit underscores the importance of diverse housing options in addressing regional affordability challenges.

Arlington has accepted an additional $20.7 million in federal and state funds as work on the new entrance to the Crystal City Metro station moves forward.
The Arlington County Board approved the hefty appropriation on Saturday. The Federal Transit Administration provided 80% of the funds, while 20% comes from the Virginia Dept. of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
The funding supports the addition of an east entrance to the Metro station at the northwest corner of Crystal Drive and 18th Street S. — a project that broke ground in July with expected completion in 2027.
In total, about $53 million in funding for the $146 million project — part of a package of infrastructure upgrades that helped Arlington secure Amazon’s HQ2 — has come from the federal government. Another $30 million is from the DRPT, according to a County Board report.

We are thrilled to announce that KGP design studio has won the Airport/Transit category in the 2024 ENR (Engineering News-Record) MidAtlantic Best Projects Awards for our work on the new Metro Station at Potomac Yard. KGP was responsible for developing the first phase of the design building the overall concept for this landmark project.

Honolulu's urban landscape is on the brink of transformation as the inaugural phase of the city's much-anticipated rail system will debut on June 30. The eagerly awaited development follows a journey marked by financial hurdles and construction challenges that prompted project scope adjustments, tested its economic resilience, and influenced its delivery timeline. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi recently shared his excitement, hailing this impending milestone as a "joyous moment" during his State of the City address. With a hint of humor, he admitted to initially guessing the opening month as July, highlighting the achievement of being ahead of schedule.

The Potomac Yard Metro Station, designed by KGP Design Studio, is set to open on May 19. Located just south of Reagan National Airport on a former rail yard, this $370 million station is a significant addition to Alexandria's economic landscape. Serving as the 98th station in Metro's network, it connects the Yellow and Blue lines north of Braddock Road.
Despite nearly a year's delay from permitting, labor, and supply challenges, KGP's design vision — inspired by Arkansas's Thorn Crown Chapel — prioritizes natural light and minimal visual impact from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This architectural landmark will anchor a vibrant urban hub with over 550,000 square feet of new commercial space.

Bill Gallagher, founder of KGP Design Studio, began designing Metro stations in 1976, just as Washington, D.C.'s Metrorail opened. Under architect Harry Weese's mentorship, Gallagher helped shape the Metro's iconic look.
Today, KGP continues to improve the Metro landscape, designing canopies, elevators, and entrances at over a dozen stations. Gallagher’s dedication to Metrorail remains strong; he recently expressed surprise at Union Station's vaulted concrete ceiling being painted — a sign of his lasting connection to this landmark system.