Arlington approves $175 million Lincoln Square redevelopment

Arlington’s City Council unanimously approved a $175 million redevelopment of the aging Lincoln Square shopping center, allowing Trademark Property Company to move forward with its “Anthem” mixed‑use project [1]. The plan calls for extensive demolition, new retail and office space, a hotel and hundreds of apartment units, reshaping the site into a year‑round destination.

Key takeaways

• Trademark will demolish about 229,000 sq ft and renovate 65,000 sq ft of the existing center [2].
• The redevelopment includes roughly 277,000 sq ft of new retail and office space, a 125‑key hotel and 355 apartment units on the north side [1].
• An additional 152,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space and 125,000 sq ft of office and co‑working space are slated for the initial phase [2].
• The project, rebranded as “Anthem,” aims to serve as a gateway to Arlington’s entertainment district near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field [2].
• Trademark has committed to invest at least $150 million over six years, complementing a $15 million grant approved by the council in 2022 [1].

Council approval and project scope

On March 27, Arlington City Council gave a unanimous vote to Trademark Property Company’s rezoning request, clearing the final major hurdle for the redevelopment [1]. The council’s approval follows a community‑engagement process that included input on the new “Anthem” name and design concepts. Mayor Jim Ross praised the partnership, noting the complexities of the existing leases and the need for a comprehensive vision [1].

Trademark’s plan calls for a phased transformation. The north side of the site, bounded by Interstate 30 and Road to Six Flags Street, will host new residential, office, entertainment uses and a 125‑key hotel, creating a 24/7 neighborhood [1]. Across Road to Six Flags Street, the company will refurbish existing facades, add a new restaurant building and more apartments. Existing anchors such as Ulta Beauty, PetSmart, Boomerjacks, Olive Garden, Raising Cane’s and Studio Movie Grill will remain, with the latter receiving an art‑deco façade [1].

Design elements and community amenities

Trademark’s vision includes public art, green spaces and a schedule of community events such as concerts, wellness classes and artist markets [1]. The redevelopment will retain about 243,000 sq ft of existing structures while demolishing roughly 229,000 sq ft and renovating another 65,000 sq ft [2]. The mixed‑use “Anthem” hub is positioned to complement nearby attractions, including the upcoming National Medal of Honor Museum and the Loews Arlington hotel [2].

Why it matters

The Lincoln Square site has struggled for years despite its prime location at a major interstate gateway. Transforming it into a mixed‑use destination aligns with Arlington’s broader strategy to boost economic activity and create a vibrant, walkable environment near major sports venues. The council’s approval secures the financing and timeline for a project that could generate jobs, new housing and increased tax revenue. With the redevelopment slated to begin soon, the next steps involve demolition, construction of the new retail, office and residential components, and the rollout of public‑space programming that will shape Arlington’s urban landscape for years to come.