A seven-story self-storage facility is planned on land in Springfield currently developed with a TownePlace Suites by Marriott (6235 Brandon Avenue).
Secure Space, the applicant, is seeking Fairfax County’s permission to build the facility on a vacant portion of the property, resulting in no major effect on the existing hotel.
The proposal is part of a process that began several years ago when the county accepted a Site Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) for the property — which opens up the county’s comprehensive plan for changes. The area was previously contemplated for restaurant uses, according to the application.
After conversations with local stakeholders, the applicant chose to instead dedicate roughly 2,700 square feet for retail uses or community spaces — but it’s unclear what that would look like.
So far, the application anticipates tenants like business startups, maker spaces, art studios, specialty retailers or community spaces for general use.
In a Nov. 16 letter, the applicant’s representative — Lynne Strobel of Walsh Colluci Lubuley & Walsh — said that the proposal aligns with Springifeld’s commercial business corridor and fulfills an unmet need for self-storage facilities in the area.
“Specifically the proposed use will be a community asset, providing a needed use in a high-quality attractive building that promotes pedestrian activity, but generates low vehicular traffic,” Strobel wrote.
The application also calls the facility a “catalyst to encourage economic investment in the area.”
The facility would also include a 1,125-square-foot leasing office and internal break out room. Two to three self-storage employees will work on site during leasing office hours.
The application states that the building would be disguised as an office building.
So far, the rezoning application has not yet been accepted for review by the county.
