Five new mixed-use buildings are coming to downtown Arlington’s Urban Union District.

The expansion comprises 50K SF along Front Street and will include restaurants, retail and apartments, according to developer Dodson Commercial Real Estate.

“The redevelopment of Front Street in downtown Arlington has been such a fun and rewarding experience for our company,” Dodson Managing Partner Ryan Dodson said in a statement. “The 50K SF addition is the next step in our vision for the Urban Union district. It will continue the theme of a walkable downtown Arlington full of vibrant, locally owned business."

Public accounting firm Sutton Frost Cary LLP plans to relocate its headquarters to the second floor of a more than 21K SF new office building in the district. The remaining space is available for lease to other office or restaurant users, according to Dodson.

Partner Paul Cary said the 11K SF space will accommodate Sutton Frost Cary’s recent and continued growth.

“Sutton Frost Cary LLP is excited to be joining the efforts of Dodson CRE and the other businesses and individuals investing in the revitalization of downtown Arlington and, more specifically, the Urban Union and Urban Front community,” Cary said in a statement.

Established businesses joining the district include Spiral Diner, Doughboy Donuts and Cow Tipping Creamery. A new sports bar concept, Coop’s Fowl Ball, will also make its debut, per the release.

The expansion of Front Street is the latest move to revive Arlington’s downtown. The city’s Downtown Master Plan, adopted in 2018, aims to turn the area into a local and regional destination by attracting public and private investment.

In October 2020, the city announced it had completed a $26M effort to rebuild the downtown section of Abram Street. The project included a new plaza that serves as the location for concerts, festivals and other gatherings, according to the city.