New ‘live/work’ buildings proposed for Bailey’s Crossroads complex

More empty offices at the Skyline complex in Bailey’s Crossroads could be converted for housing.

A development application submitted to Fairfax County on May 3 proposes turning two office buildings into up to 510 “live/work” units ranging from 600 to 1,300 square feet.

The changes would be at Skyline buildings four and five (5113 and 5111 Leesburg Pike), located south of Target and across from Skyline House condos on South George Mason Drive.

Built in the 1980s, the buildings have largely been vacant following a post-2011 exodus of governmental tenants — notably, the Department of Defense — to other offices to save money, according to the application.

“The buildings have been largely vacant and in decline ever since,” McGuireWoods attorney Mike Van Atta wrote in an April 20 statement of justification for the project.

The buildings, which essentially act as a single structure, currently contain nine office floors and a penthouse level above a three-story parking garage.

The connected building six at 5109 Leesburg Pike would remain a commercial space, according to the proposal.

Plaza levels would be made available to restaurants, food markets, residential units, fitness areas and more.

The shift comes after Skyline buildings one through three received county approval in July and September 2020 for a similar repurposing of office space to up to 720 “live/work” units.

Arlington-based Highland Square Holdings acted as the agent for that project, forming a partnership with real estate firm Madison Marquette in April to pursue the Skyline buildings four and five project.

Photo via Google Maps