Happy Friday, Northern Virginia!

In this week’s update:

🏨 Musk eyes D.C. hotel for private social club: Elon Musk, who has cozied up with President Donald Trump over the past year, is said to be close to purchasing a D.C. hotel.

💻 Va. Tech's $302M Innovation Campus launches in Alexandria: Academic Building One at Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus opened Jan. 21, 2025. $302M building is first of three planned for campus.

🍝 D.C. Restaurant Week hits record with 360+ venues: Winter Restaurant Week is happening at over 360 DMV restaurants, starting next Monday. Don't sleep on D.C. classics like Iron Gate with a wood-burning fireplace.

💰 Elon Musk Said to be Lining up Purchase of D.C.'s The Line Hotel

Driving the news: Elon Musk is expected to be the top bidder for D.C.'s The Line hotel at Thursday's foreclosure auction, with plans to convert the Adams Morgan property into a private social club.

Details:

• 220-room hotel at 1770 Euclid St. NW

• Originally financed with $80M Deutsche Bank loan (2016)

• Refinanced with $86M Acore Capital loan (2019)

• Lost two restaurants during pandemic; now houses No Goodbyes

• Current owners: Sydell Group, Foxhall Partners, Friedman Capital, Affinius Capital

Why it matters: The property could become D.C.'s next power hub as Musk takes on a key role in Trump's second administration, leading the new Department of Government Efficiency.

The big picture: The sale reflects shifting D.C. dynamics:

• Trump Organization exploring reacquisition of their former Pennsylvania Avenue hotel

• The Line's transformation would fill the void left by Trump International Hotel

• Property's struggles mirror broader pandemic recovery challenges

What's next: Thursday's 11 a.m. auction in New York City will determine the hotel's fate and potentially establish a new gathering spot for administration officials and Musk allies.

The Bottom line: If successful, Musk's bid would transform a struggling hotel into an exclusive social club, marking a significant power shift in D.C.'s social landscape.

👩🏼‍💻 Va. Tech Innovation Campus Opens First Academic Building

Driving the news: Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus opened its first academic building in Alexandria on Tuesday, launching classes in the $302M, 11-story facility.

Details:

• 300,000-square-foot Academic Building One

• Features research labs, maker spaces

• Houses graduate computer science and engineering programs

• Original August 2024 opening delayed by supply chain issues

• Part of $1B campus development

Why it matters: The campus is critical to Virginia's Tech Talent Investment Program, aiming to produce 31,000 tech graduates over 20 years and supporting Amazon HQ2's regional presence.

The big picture: The Innovation Campus represents Virginia Tech's expanded footprint in Northern Virginia's growing tech corridor. The campus will eventually produce 500 master's graduates and 50 doctoral candidates annually, strengthening the region's tech ecosystem amid major players like Amazon and federal contractors. Its location near the federal government and major tech companies positions it as a crucial talent pipeline for the area's expanding tech sector.

What's next: Virginia Tech plans to construct two additional academic buildings to complete the campus. Meanwhile, its former Falls Church center is being transformed into a mixed-use district, featuring the university's Coalition for Smart Construction. Amazon is moving forward with utilities installation as the campus develops for its delayed PenPlace phase of HQ2 in March.

The Bottom line: The opening marks a significant milestone in Virginia's strategy to establish Northern Virginia as a major tech education and innovation hub.

🎥 Northern Virginia's Most UNDERRATED Cities & Neighborhoods in 2025

In this video, I'll tell you about my top picks for Northern Virginia's most underrated cities & neighborhoods of 2025!

🍽️ What's New and Hot for D.C. Winter Restaurant Week

Driving the news: Over 360 DMV restaurants will participate in Winter Restaurant Week starting Monday, offering multi-course meals from $25-$65.

Details:

• Lunch/brunch: $25 or $35

• Dinner: $40, $55, or $65

• Nearly 100 spots offer drink pairings

• 40+ first-time participants

• Special Wagyu dishes through Japan Embassy partnership

Why it matters: This year's winter promotion matches summer participation levels, with notable newcomers like Michelin-starred Tail Up Goat and Elle joining established participants.

The big picture: Restaurant Week's expansion reflects a robust dining scene, with high-end venues like El Cielo offering rare deals on tasting menus (normally $180+) and new spots like Cordelia Fishbar and Arrels using the promotion to attract first-time diners. The addition of Wagyu partnerships signals growing international culinary collaboration.

What's next: Starting Monday, diners can explore new venues like Kayu's Filipino tasting room and A. kitchen + bar's French-American cuisine, while established favorites like Sushi Taro and Rasika continue their Restaurant Week traditions. Insider tips suggest booking lunch and brunch for the best values.

The Bottom line: This winter's expanded Restaurant Week offers unprecedented access to D.C.'s diverse dining scene, from neighborhood spots to Michelin-starred destinations.

📊 Our Current Local Market Numbers

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.

Selling your home? I'll create a targeted marketing strategy and help you set the right price to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

Looking to buy? With current interest rates, this could be your ideal time to purchase. Let me help you find and secure the perfect home.

🗞️ In Other News…

• Manassas school system greenlights alternative education pilot program

• James Beard Award 2025 Semifinalists for D.C.

• AI puts training programs in the spotlight for employee retention

Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place

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