A project to convert a vacant office building in Merrifield into workforce housing could move forward this year.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and private developer Conifer Realty are in the midst of negotiations with Inova Health Care Services to acquire the four-story office building at 2990 Telestar Court, according to FCRHA spokesperson Allyson Pearce.
Supported by up to $8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds authorized in July 2023 by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the housing authority anticipates closing on the property in the first half of 2025, Pearce told FFXnow.
The repurposing is expected to result in 80 new residential apartments, all of them aimed at low to moderate-income households earning up to 80% of the area median income, which is currently $108,300 for one person, according to the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development.
A groundbreaking could come in mid-2025 “assuming all continues to proceed” without any hiccups, Conifer communications director Dave Lanzillo said.
Devin Pharr, chief of staff for Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik’s office, says the start of construction will likely be marked by an announcement or ceremony.
“Our private sector partners help make this possible,” Farr said by email. “Department Staff are therefore working carefully so all aspects of the acquisition and subsequent development are clear to all parties.”
Built in 1969, per county records, the Telestar building was occupied by Inova and used as its corporate headquarters, in conjunction with a six-story office building at 8110 Gatehouse Road, for about 12 years. The nonprofit health system moved out in fall 2022, consolidating operations at the Inova Center for Personalized Health, but it still owns both sites.
Inova bought the Gatehouse building for $12.75 million in 1991 and the Telestar building for $10 million in 2010, according to county property records.
The Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning application in June 2023 to allow up to 82 workforce dwelling units in the Telestar building and 210 live/work lofts in the Gatehouse building.
Madison Highland, a partnership formed between the developers Madison Marquette and Highland Square Holdings, has pursued similar live/work projects in Bailey’s Crossroads and Tysons. At the time of the rezoning approval, CEO Robert Seldin anticipated breaking ground on the Gatehouse conversion in the first quarter of 2024, but evidently, that didn’t happen.
The developer didn’t immediately return a request for comment. The county and FCRHA aren’t involved in the live/work project, according to Pearce.
The county is currently reviewing a site plan for the Telestar building conversion submitted in early 2024 by Conifer, which didn’t immediately respond to a comment request. Per the plan, the existing, 46-foot-tall building will remain, but some of the existing parking lot will be demolished to make way for improvements, including new sidewalks, landscaping and an entry plaza.
A publicly accessible park space along Telestar Court will feature a lawn, garden benches and children’s play areas. The plan also shows a residents-only amenity terrace with dining tables, gaming tables, charcoal grills and seating.
According to the rezoning application, the conversion of the Gatehouse building will bring additional open spaces, including a fenced dog park.
