The notion of the ‘third place’ is alive and well around Mount Vernon.
In early 2024 a placemaking study was conducted in Mount Vernon, and part of it found that with new developments, officials prioritized small-scale, programmed spaces that offer shade, seating and lighting to create pedestrian-friendly environments. This also includes integrated art and cultural elements to enhance the corridor’s identity and attract visitors, like murals. In essence, this added to the "third place" notion that is already gaining on a nationwide scale.
Around the Mount Vernon area, there are several places where people work remotely, saving gas by eliminating the commute, saving time and meeting others. This includes McAlister's Deli where they have free tea refills, Stupid Good BBQ, Hollin Hall Pastry Shop, Panera, El Fogon Taqueria and Dave & Busters. Then there’s always Starbucks that’s been considered the third place at a few locations along Richmond Highway.
Also in Mount Vernon, the newly rebuilt recreation center acts as a third place for many. There are tables, plugs for laptops and Wi-Fi so many work from there in the wide open lobby space where others access the pool and skating rink.
Third Place Beginnings
The "Third Place" it goes back to a late 80s book written by Ray Oldenburg called "The Great Good Place," which defines third places as an informal public gathering spots like cafes, bars and bookstores that are crucial for community life, democracy, and social vitality. The third places exist outside the "first place" (home) and the "second place" (work).
Oldenburg had a degree in English and Social Studies from Minnesota's Mankato State University, and a master’s and PhD in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, and then Oldenburg became a professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of West Florida in Pensacola.
The third place can't just be the street corner or a park though. Oldenburg listed criteria of the third place. It is on neutral ground, promotes social equity by leveling the status of guests, conversation is the main activity, the mood is playful, strangers are welcome but there are regulars who feel rooted in the place for one reason or another.
Does it need coffee or some sort of magnetic food or drink to draw to inspire the gathering or fuel discussion? Although Oldenburg doesn't mention that up front, it does play a big part in many of today's "third place," settings. Starbucks mentions the third place on their website and at the many Starbucks locations in Mount Vernon, the tables are filled with coffee drinkers on laptops.
Survey in Arlington
In Arlington, city planners are looking at the 2025 Perception Survey to reinforce the sense of community that’s been in place for years in this urban environment, strengthened by the frequency of the “third space,” notion throughout the county.
From the survey, there are statistics about feeling safe and walkability, but also the sense of belonging which is partly where the third place locations fit in. While 65% recommend living in the neighborhood, they ranked “restaurants, bars, and dining” as the most important amenity in Rosslyn during the workday to support work-life balance," according to the survey.
The 2025 Perception Survey insights will guide the Rosslyn BID’s FY26 Strategic Priorities to best serve its population of over 16,000 residents and more than 25,000 employees. These results will shape Rosslyn’s urban character, activate the neighborhood with high-quality events and public spaces, enhance perception through marketing and communication, and deepen engagement with stakeholders, the survey said. When asked what would most improve daily life, 60% said more parks and gathering spaces, and the third place can be that gathering spot.
Comedy?
They've captured the third place concept in a 2013 movie called "Coffee Town," starring Glenn Howerton who plays "Will" a website manager who considers the coffee shop his office. Conflict arises when the coffee shop manager isn't happy with the situation and looks at changing it. When Will finds out it's going to be converted into a bistro and ruin his third place, he hatches a plan to rob it and make the neighborhood seem unsafe so they won't convert it.
In Rosslyn, a ‘perception survey,’ and the third place was a response.