Arlingtonopoly
Brand Identity / Graphic Design
A Strategic Partnership
Arlingtonopoly is a board game designed by Design Powers in partnership with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and produced by 521 Promo. We were very excited when the Chamber approached us and asked us to be involved.
We’ve been a small business for 28 years, and our team has seen our town grow and change significantly throughout that period. This project was personal; we wanted it to be a love letter to Arlington, Virginia.
Game Design Strategy and Decisions
Arlington is a world-class community and tourist destination five miles from the heart of the nation's capital. It's the geographically smallest self-governing county in the U.S., occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. There are many hidden gems that people may not know about—one clever way to illustrate these notable locations would be to illustrate them with people taking selfies.
We started with designing the box top. Our goal was to capture the spirit of what makes Arlington unique and highlight the people who make the county great! We took inspiration from the branding we created for the Chamber by using the typographic family, Geomanist, and colors throughout the overall design.
When we designed the game board, we knew we’d have to consider the Chamber's marketing plan. The Chamber promised all participating businesses that sponsor the game spaces and the cards that their logo would be included in the space. This left the game board center space for Arlington-centric content. We decided to make it a map of the County.
Arlington's unique shape is cut out of the 40-mile square that makes up the original federal city, first delineated in 1791. We also wanted to include all of Arlington's neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its character, and we wanted everyone to be represented.
Our goal was to make the board feel interactive beyond the scope of the standard Monopoly board game. Any kid could reach out and point at a neighborhood and say, “Hey, that’s where I live!” or look at a landmark and say, “I’ve been there with my family.”
Making the center a map also allowed us to use the landmarks from the box top on the game board and include a few more! We could also place them where they are located. We wanted the center of the board to feel familiar and fun since the game spaces would be focused on highlighting the businesses.
Featured Landmarks:
Clarendon Metro Station
The gameplay cards (sponsored by Arlington Independent Media and Classic Cottages, LLC) allowed us to mention so many awesome Arlington-specific events like the Rosslyn Jazz Festival and Clarendon Day that happen annually.
We also got to spotlight some fantastic Arlington-specific history, such as the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, the historic Waverley Apartment buildings, and the Boundary Stones.
In addition to the game board, box, and gameplay cards, we also created instructions, a game tray, money sponsored by Alan D. Bisenieks DBA First Command and property cards for the game.
Sponsorship
Business members of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce sponsored the game board spaces, pieces, and cards. This was another huge draw of participating in this project. We loved highlighting other small businesses that sponsor the game board.
Participating Businesses:
Alan D. Bisenieks DBA First Command
Arlington Independent Media
Classic Cottages, LLC
Crystal City Sports Pub
Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant
Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger TTR Sotheby's International Realty
Marymount University
Pewter Pieces
Image provided by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce
THE BIKE represents Arlington County’s dedication to providing alternative transportation options and creating a sustainable and livable community. The county invests in infrastructure improvements to enhance the biking and walking experience.
THE FLAMINGO represents the iconic Freddie's Beach Bar, an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar for more than twenty years. Over the years, the quirky purple beach bar has been a safe haven for all members of the DC Metro area LGBTQ+ community. Given its proximity to the Pentagon and other government and military institutions, Freddie's served as a gathering spot. Upon the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the bar walls now celebrate those military members.
THE HARD HAT represents the construction and progress that Arlington has experienced throughout its history. It represents the determination and hard work put into transforming the county into a vibrant and thriving community.
THE DOG represents Arlington’s commitment to being a pet-friendly community. With numerous dog parks and restaurant patios that welcome dogs, residents and their pets can enjoy a high quality of life in Arlington.
THE 737 MAX represents The Boeing Company. With their global headquarters in Arlington, Boeing employs more than 140,000 people across the United States and 65 countries. This represents one of the most diverse, talented, and innovative workplaces. Their enterprise also leverages the talents of hundreds of thousands more skilled people working for Boeing suppliers worldwide. The 737 Max is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing’s history.
THE AIR FORCE MEMORIAL is a significant tribute to the legacy and contributions of the United States Air Force throughout history. Located adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, the Memorial offers a commanding view of the Pentagon and Washington DC skyline.
Hear What the Arlington Chamber of Commerce President Says About the Project
We sat down with Kate Bates, the president of the Arlington County Chamber, to discuss Arlingtonopoly's success and ask her a few questions about why she wanted to champion this project.
We’re Honored to Design Arlingtonopoly
This was indeed a labor of love for us, and we feel incredibly honored to have been a part of this project. Thank you to Kate Bates, Will Mulligan, all of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce staff, 521 Promo, all of the businesses that sponsored, and everyone who contacted us to tell us how much they loved the game. We couldn’t be happier with the response and how the game turned out.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Arlingtonopoly, act fast! There are less than 250 copies available for purchase.
Get Your Game!
Purchase/Pick-up Date & Times:
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location:
Arlington Chamber of Commerce
2009 14th Street, North, Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22201
Price:
$40 plus tax
Bulk Order
For orders and pricing of 12+ Arlingtonopoly games, please get in touch with Will Mulligan, Membership Engagement Director, at engagement@arlingtonchamber.org or call (703) 525-2400 ext. 201.
