The walkway is a replacement of the existing Festival Bridge pedestrian connection constructed in 1996 and removed to accommodate the redesign and reimagination of the Ballston Mall and the Ballston Exchange Building. A collaborative public process was undertaken to understand the ways in which the walkway would enhance neighborhood connectivity and become a vital pedestrian link between Ballston Quarter, Ballston Exchange, the Metro Station and the surrounding city. The community identified several key design goals for the project. The walkway should reflect the character of Ballston - a diverse community where groundbreaking inventions and life-changing discoveries are made. It should visually connect the community, be airy, accessible, well lighted, iconic and modern.