After 21 years of advocating for clean streets, public art and smart urban design, the Rosslyn Renaissance organization adjourned for its last time Tuesday night.
The public/private partnership will dissolve its board of directors and merge with its sister organization the Rosslyn Business Improvement District that Rosslyn Renaissance helped form in 2003.
“It is a little bittersweet to say goodbye to Renaissance, but I also think it’s about growing up and growing into what’s next,” said Arlington County Board Chairman Mary Hynes.
Overlooking the Key Bridge on the 14th floor of the Key Bridge Marriot at 1401 Lee Highway, VIPs celebrated the organization’s work in the Rosslyn neighborhood over the decades.
Many of the former board members of the organization were handed awards for their work and commitment to the neighborhood.
The atmosphere was jovial with many recipients lifting their awards in salutation as they joined their colleagues.
Discussions to merge the two organizations started about a year and a half ago, according to the Rosslyn BID Executive Director Cecilia Cassidy.
“It was a matter of practicality,” she said. As part of the merger the BID created an urban design committee that incorporates all the members of the Rosslyn Renaissance’s committee into it.
The BID also expanded its executive committee in January to include four members of the Rosslyn Renaissance.
Improving the Artisphere and making Rosslyn the cultural center of Arlington is the BID’s main goal, Cassidy said. Artisphere is the county-owned arts venue in Rosslyn.
“This is becoming one of the very most exciting parts of the nation’s capital and, in fact, the entire country,” said Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA). “It’s where people want to work and live and play and stay.”
The BID will work with the county during site-plan meetings and other committees, in place of Rosslyn Renaissance. Formed in 2003, the BID gets funding from property owners within the 17-block district.
People at the event said Rosslyn Renaissance was adjourning for the final time Tuesday night, though the organization lists a "TBD" meeting in June. It will officially dissolve June 30, 2012.
