Rose Hill Plaza’s future will include Safeway — at least for the immediate future.
Owner Combined Properties announced on Nov. 20 that the grocery chain has signed a lease extension keeping it at the shopping center in Rose Hill “for more than a decade to come.”
Though the length of the lease wasn’t specified, the signing suggests Combined Properties has put its proposal to redevelop Rose Hill Plaza on the back burner for now.
As part of the agreement, Safeway plans to renovate its store at 6130 Rose Hill Drive “to deliver an even better customer experience,” according to a press release. More details on the refresh are expected as work progresses, but the project won’t require a closure or suspension of operations.
“Safeway has been an anchor at Rose Hill for decades, and this renewal reinforces our shared belief in the strength and future of this neighborhood center,” said Brian Miller, executive vice president of retail asset management for Combined Properties. “We’re proud to invest in Rose Hill’s continued success and remain focused on enhancing its role as a convenient, welcoming destination for the local community.”
Safeway was represented in the lease negotiations by commercial real estate broker KLNB, which didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Anchored by Safeway, Walgreens and Dollar Tree, Rose Hill Plaza was originally constructed in 1968 and features more than 150,000 square feet of retail, according to Fairfax County property records. That includes a standalone McDonald’s and a separate building with three stores added in 1992.
Contending that its auto-centric strip mall layout is “economically unfeasible” and “outdated,” Combined Properties nominated the site in 2022 for a comprehensive plan amendment that would allow residential development with approximately 56,000 square feet of retail, most of it consolidated in a single, multi-story building.
At the time, the property owner hoped to start construction on the new mixed-use development in summer 2027, around when its existing retail leases were set to expire.
“If the Property is not accepted into this cycle’s SSPA process, the Property risks long-term vacancies until 2035 which is detrimental to the health of the Property and the neighborhood,” a statement of justification for the proposal said, noting that the possibility of redevelopment would likely deter new tenants in the meantime.
After hearing vocal opposition from some area residents, who organized as the Rose Hill Coalition, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted on April 11, 2023 to authorize consideration of a plan amendment as a third-tier priority, requiring the developer to conduct more community engagement before staff can start studying any changes.
That August, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, who represents the area, said that he had advocated in meetings with Combined Properties for less housing and more retail in any future development. His stance disappointed housing advocates, while the Rose Hill Coalition said it was “neither encouraged nor discouraged.”
Combined Properties Senior Vice President of Development and Transactions Aisha Hill confirmed that the redevelopment proposal has been put on hold for the time being, though it “will be reevaluated at a later date.”
“Combined remains committed to engaging with the community and will resume outreach regarding any redevelopment plans in the future,” Hill said in a statement to FFXnow. “Our current priority is ensuring that Rose Hill Plaza continues to thrive as a vibrant, community-serving shopping center. The recent Safeway lease extension represents a significant milestone toward that goal.”
The proposed plan amendment remains in Tier 3 of the county’s work program, and so far, no formal development plans have been submitted.
In a press release, Lusk predicted that “the Franconia community will be thrilled” by Safeway’s decision to extend its lease.
“I recognize the importance of Safeway as an anchor tenant,” he said. “Safeway’s presence is valued by the surrounding community and supports the retention of other businesses at this neighborhood shopping center. I look forward to working closely with Combined Properties and Safeway as we continue to serve the Rose Hill community.”
