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Street Level: New Building Design Channels Bob Peck Chevrolet

An overhang on the new mixed-use development at the intersection of Glebe Road and Wilson Boulevard resembles the classic Arlington landmark Bob Peck Chevrolet.

 

The new development by JBG Companies at the intersection of Glebe Road and Wilson Boulevard resembles former Arlington landmark Bob Peck Chevrolet with it's blue geometrical design overhang. 

Bob Peck Chevrolet was located at this intersection from 1964 to 2006, when JBG Companies bought the 100,000 square foot property for $26 million, according to The Washington Post.

As we reported in November 2010 in our Then and Now series, Bob Peck Chevrolet appeared in U.S. News and World Report in the 1960s as an example of unusual architecture. Bob Peck became one of the area's first car dealers to appear in his own television commercials. 

In addition to his television fame, Peck was also well-known in Arlington for serving on the County Board and School Board in the 1950s. 

According to Arlington Arts "Architect Tony Musolino, who designed the building for Bob Peck recalls that Mr. Peck 'wanted an exceptional building.' He says, 'I was trying to make the roof a billboard ... and I was trying to make the roof look like it floats.' "

The new development is 10-story trophy mixed-use office building with 316,000 square feet of space and is adjacent the new research center for Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Both buildings are designed for LEED Certification. 

About this column: Being at street level means you can see all the comings and goings and changes throughout the Ballston-Virginia Square area. Related Topics: Bob Peck Chevrolet and JBG Companies
Are you happy they brought back this nostalgic Arlington design? Tell us in the comments.

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