In this week’s update:

🤖 What happens when the creator of ChatGPT sets up shop steps away from Congress? OpenAI just locked in a major D.C. office, and it’s not just for show. From secretive workshops to strategic hires, here’s what the move means for the future of AI regulation and why it could reshape the city’s tech landscape.

🎮 Tysons just got a new playground—and it’s not for kids. Think 50+ fast-paced game rooms, sci-fi vibes, and garlic-parm wings waiting at the end. Level99 is the DMV’s first real-life video game arena, and it’s changing how we do fun.

🚀 Something big is taking off in Chantilly... The Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center — home to icons like the Space Shuttle Discovery — is about to get even bigger. A major expansion is on the horizon, with new artifacts, hidden treasures, and a total hangar makeover in the works.

Driving the news: OpenAI is planting roots in Washington D.C. with a new office space in the historic Gallup Building, a move that signals the AI giant's deepening commitment to government engagement.

Details:

• The lease covers over 14,500 square feet at 901 F Street NW, with the office set to open in March 2026.

• OpenAI is relocating from a smaller coworking setup and plans to scale up its D.C. team beyond the current 30 employees.

• A designated area called “The Workshop” will give lawmakers a chance to test OpenAI's tech firsthand.

Why it matters: For Washington D.C., this isn't just another tech office, it's a signal that the city is fast becoming a policy and innovation crossroads.

Local leaders and regulators will now have direct access to one of the most influential players in AI, right down the block.

The big picture: As AI regulation heats up on Capitol Hill, tech firms are being drawn into the conversation whether they like it or not.

By embedding itself in D.C., OpenAI is choosing to participate, not from the sidelines, but right in the middle of the field.

What’s next: With the D.C. office led by Chan Park and Joe Larson — veterans of public policy and defense tech — OpenAI is gearing up for long-term engagement with regulators, lawmakers, and think tanks.

READ MORE→

Driving the news: Level99 officially opened on Aug. 25, turning 40,000+ square feet at Tysons Corner Center into the DMV’s first live-action gaming venue, just in time for fall plans.

Designed like a real-life video game, it features over 50 fast-paced challenge rooms that blend puzzles, tech, and teamwork.

Details:

• Built in the former Barnes & Noble and Old Navy spaces on the mall’s second floor

• 1–4 minute challenges in 50+ themed rooms like Axe Run, Wavelength Cord, and Flux.0

• Designed for 2–6 players per room, perfect for groups

• Ticket tiers: $29.99 (2 hours), $39.99 (4 hours), $49.99 (all day)

• Hours: Open daily, late night on Fridays and Saturdays (until 1 a.m.)

Why it matters: Northern Virginia just scored a massive new draw for nights out, date plans, and group hangouts.

Level99 adds an interactive, no-phones-needed experience to Tysons' already strong mix of shopping and dining. It’s a major win for both locals and visitors.

What’s next: Victory Brewing runs the attached full-service bar and restaurant, serving Detroit-style pizza, Korean BBQ chicken, wagyu burgers, and plenty of local craft beers and cocktails.

Expect this to be a go-to for corporate team outings and weekend warriors alike.

The bottom line: Level99 is now live in Tysons, and it’s already shaking up the local entertainment scene.

If you're bored of bars and over the usual outings, this might be your favorite new reason to get off the couch.

MORE DETAILS→

In this video, we're taking you on a special, full driving tour of Gainesville, Virginia!
One of Northern Virginia's hottest cities in 2025!

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

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📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
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Driving the news: The Smithsonian Institution is planning a 44,000-square-foot expansion at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, its first major public addition since the center opened in 2003.

Details:

• The new wing will extend the Boeing Aviation Hangar on the north end.

• It will allow for new artifact displays, including items previously in storage.

• Expected completion: late 2028.

• The museum will remain open during construction.

• Fundraising goal: $60 million in private donations.

• Key donors include Steven and Christine Udvar-Hazy, Charles and Lisa Simonyi, and Ross Perot Jr.

The big picture: The additional space is more than just square footage. It sets the stage for a reconfiguration of the entire aviation hangar, letting the museum display fully assembled aircraft never seen at the center, like the B-17 “Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby” and WWII-era “Flak-Bait.”

Between the lines: The center’s high-profile collection — including the SR-71 Blackbird and the Enola Gay — may soon be rivaled by restored additions like the Sikorsky JRS-1 and the De Havilland Mosquito. The expansion helps unlock storage treasures that were previously hidden from the public.

What’s next: The museum will begin relocating and rearranging aircraft ahead of the expansion’s completion. The newly displayed artifacts will roll out over several years, keeping the experience fresh for returning visitors.

READ MORE→

🔹 Friday - Maren Morris Live at Wolf Trap

Grammy-winning country-pop star Maren Morris brings her powerhouse vocals to Wolf Trap for a night of chart-topping hits from Hero, Girl, and Humble Quest.
📍 Location: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 12, 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $63.50
🌐 Website: https://www.wolftrap.org/Maren-Morris

🔹 Saturday - Fifth Annual Oyster Riot at Boxwood Estate

Celebrate oyster season in style with fresh-shucked goodness, a made-to-order lunch from King Street Oyster Bar, live music by Rook Richards, and award-winning Boxwood wines.
📍 Location: 2042 Burrland Lane, Middleburg, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 13, 12:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $115 adults, $20 kids under 14
🌐 Website: https://www.visitloudoun.org/fifth-annual-oyster-riot

🔹 Sunday - Swiss Bakery Oktoberfest

Kick off Oktoberfest with Bavarian favorites—fresh pretzels, German sandwiches, cold beer, and lively music. It’s the first of two fall fests hosted by the beloved Swiss Bakery.
📍 Location: 5224 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 14, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: https://theswissbakery.com

MORE THINGS TO DO→

Washington, DC’s housing market is holding steady—but don’t get too comfy. Median sale prices slipped 1.1% to around $703K, and homes linger about 56 days—14 days longer than last year. Buyers still make roughly two offers per listing, with a 98.2% sale-to-list ratio and just 20% selling above list.

For Buyers: More time to negotiate and less competition mean better leverage—if you’re ready to move when the right home pops up.

For Sellers: Pricing strategically is key. With fewer bidding wars, standout marketing and presentation will help you attract motivated buyers fast.