Crystal City, Virginia has an underground space in a former mall called The Landing.  

The Landing in Crystal City was a cornerstone of the local community until all the tables and chairs were removed. On Friday nights, there would be around 100 people at the Landing between the board game nights I hosted, and other groups. The Landing was frequently used by other groups as a gathering spot on events and weekends, and people would often use the Landing to eat lunch or dinner.

The Landing is at a centrally located place with free parking, an indoor connection to the Crystal City Metro station. There was also a variety of low cost food options if people wanted to eat there, although purchasing something was not a requirement. Difficultly in finding public space for community events is an ongoing challenge in the DC area, and we should be encouraging more accessible public spaces. 

In August 2024, the landlord, JBG Smith removed all the tables and chairs without warning. They have not given clear information, and have not responded to my attempts to contact them.

The 40 year Crystal City Sector plan adopted by Arlington County to develop Crystal City has this to say about The Underground where The Landing is located: “The goal is to establish a dynamic pedestrian experience that grows and supports a robust marketplace, while creating an attractive, interesting, and fun community and civic life”. (source)

In accordance with the Crystal City Sector plan, these changes should be made to restore community space at The Landing

• Add enough tables and chairs at The Landing in the Crystal City Underground for at least 100 people.
• Keep the bathrooms near The Landing in the Underground open for use.

What others have said about community space in Crystal City.

"The more I think about it, the more I think Crystal City needs an enduring social space. One that isn’t tied to a business."(Z Geography)

Lorenzo Caltagirone, who owned the Total Party store next to The Landing had this to say in a Washingtonian article: ` the mall was a “third place” for people—one distinct from work and home—where he’d still see people congregate for board games on weekends.

“It’s a shame,” Caltagirone said. “It’s kind of a gathering place…which I’m very happy and proud of.” Link

Petition created by Bharat Ponnaluri(gulu@createthirdplaces.org). See this page for more information: https://createthirdplaces.org/about.html

Some relevant links

• Stories from the Underground
• Residents dream up new future for the Crystal City Underground