In this week’s update:

🏆 From walk-on to Washington royalty. Santana Moss didn’t just play for the Commanders — he defined an era. Now, the team is honoring him in a way that might just bring a tear to your eye.

🛒 D.C.'s most delayed development just took a surprising turn. A long-promised grocery store is finally coming, but it’s not what neighbors expected.

⚡ Richmond’s new baseball stadium won’t just bring fans—it's bringing solar power. Find out how CarMax Park is set to change the game for pro sports and clean energy in Virginia. You’ll never guess how many homes this ballpark could help power.

Driving the news: Former wide receiver Santana Moss will be inducted into the Washington Commanders’ Ring of Fame during the team's season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 7.

Details:

• Moss, now a team analyst, learned about the honor during practice Sunday, surrounded by friends and family sporting burgundy hats bearing his name.

• He played 10 seasons in Washington after being traded from the New York Jets in 2005.

• He ranks third all-time in catches (581), fourth in receiving yards (7,867), and seventh in touchdown receptions (47) for the franchise.

Why it matters: Moss is one of the most respected players in Washington football history, known not just for his numbers, but for clutch performances that earned him a lasting place in fans’ hearts.

The big picture: The surprise came as the team’s current star receiver, Terry McLaurin, returned to camp amid contract negotiations, drawing a symbolic connection between two franchise cornerstones.

By the numbers:

• Moss racked up 1,483 receiving yards in 2005 — the most in a single season in franchise history.

• Over the course of his career, he spent 14 seasons in the NFL, including a decade in Washington.

• In one unforgettable game, he hauled in two touchdowns in under four minutes to deliver a comeback win over the Cowboys.

What’s next: Moss will be formally honored on Sept. 7 at FedEx Field, joining the ranks of franchise legends.

READ MORE→

Driving the news: The Reservoir District — a long-stalled development near Bloomingdale — just got the green light to swap a long-promised grocery anchor for a smaller alternative, clearing a major hurdle in its drawn-out journey.

Details:

• Originally set to feature a 55,000-square-foot grocery store, the project hit a wall last year when no retailer would bite.

• Developer Jair Lynch formally asked to cut the size in half.

• After months of zoning back-and-forth, the city approved a scaled-down 22,500-square-foot store, which now has a signed lease — though the tenant hasn’t been named yet.

Why it matters: Residents have waited decades for the 25-acre site to be more than a patch of fenced-off history.

A new grocery store — even a smaller one — brings much-needed food access and momentum to a neighborhood hungry for both.

The big picture: Once known as the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, the land has been in limbo since 1986.

Lawsuits, community opposition, and a failed deal with Harris Teeter stalled progress for nearly a decade.

Between the lines: Elements of the old filtration plant — like massive concrete silos — are being preserved. But preservation battles nearly sunk the entire deal.

What’s next: With zoning finally squared away and leasing underway, construction should continue without the delays that have defined this project from the start.

READ MORE→

There's a $300,000 difference in home prices between Woodbridge and Ashburn, but most buyers don't understand what they're really paying for. I break down the schools, commutes, amenities, and hidden costs that explain this price gap - and help you decide which community fits your family.

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

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.

📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

Driving the news: The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ new home, CarMax Park, is set to feature the largest solar array in professional baseball, Dominion Energy Virginia announced.

Details:

• The 8,000-seat stadium, opening in spring 2026, will host a rooftop and parking lot solar installation with 1,700+ panels.

• The system will generate about 1 megawatt of electricity—enough to power 250 Richmond homes at full capacity.

• Installation will begin after the 2026 baseball season.

• Dominion’s solar network in Virginia already powers over 750,000 homes.

Why it matters: This project puts Richmond at the forefront of clean energy adoption in pro sports and directly contributes to local energy generation.

It aligns with efforts to modernize the city while helping lower carbon emissions in the area.

The big picture: CarMax Park is the centerpiece of the $2.44 billion Diamond District redevelopment, which includes housing, commercial space, and a hotel.

The solar initiative adds a sustainable dimension to the city’s economic growth plan.

What’s next: Dominion will proceed with the solar installation pending state and local approvals. Meanwhile, future utility plans must include carbon-free models per new regulatory instructions.

READ MORE→

🔹 Friday - State Fairs: Growing American Craft

Step right up to a groundbreaking exhibition tracing the rich tradition of American state fair craftsmanship—from crop art to butter sculptures—featuring more than 240 works spanning textiles, ceramics, and folk art across the 19th century to today. Displays include spectacles like a life‑size butter cow, Big Tex’s size‑96 boots, and a pyramid of 700 glass‑jar preserves.
📍 Location: Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC
📅 Date & Time: Aug 22 – September 7, 2026; open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free
🌐 Website: https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/state-fairs

🔹 Saturday - Fairfax Comic Con

Join in on pop culture paradise at Fairfax Comic Con, packed with celebrity guests, comic‑book creators, cosplay contests, gaming, and collectible vendors—a family‑friendly convention for fans of comics, anime, sci‑fi, and more.
📍 Location: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA
📅 Date & Time: Aug 23–24. Saturday from ~10:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $20
🌐 Website: https://dullesexpo.com/event/fairfax-comic-con-3

🔹 Sunday - International Food & Culture Festival

Celebrate global tastes and cultural traditions with over 30 international food vendors, craft stalls, live entertainment, a DJ, and family-friendly activities like face painting and a kids’ zone.
📍 Location: Historic Downtown Manassas, Manassas, VA
📅 Date & Time: August 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free
🌐 Website: https://intlfoodfestival.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.

• Dunkin' set to celebrate Manassas grand opening Saturday

• From medical training to weapons detectors: How Northern Virginia is changing up the new school year