An office building adjacent to Freedom Hill Elementary School is the latest commercial property in Tysons to be considered for housing instead.
The owner of 8221 Old Courthouse Road has submitted a proposal to Fairfax County that would convert the existing three-story office building into 55 one and two-bedroom apartment units, including six designated as workforce housing.
Filed on Friday (Feb. 10), the application says the conversion will address the need for housing to serve Tysons’ growing population, while revitalizing an “underutilized” site, as the office market continues to cool.
“With pressure from newly delivered office space with high quality amenities growing, older office space in the Tysons office-heavy market is declining as demand for multifamily continues to increase,” Robert Brant, a legal agent for the property owner, wrote in a statement of justification. “The proposed office-to-residential conversion will infuse the neighborhood with some new renewed foot traffic.”
Built in 1986, the office building is on a 87,472-square-foot site owned by 8221 Old Courthouse Road LC, an affiliate of the housing developer Dittmar Company, according to county property records.
Current tenants include Northern Virginia Foot & Ankle Associates, an Atlantic Union Bank and the software company Armedia. However, vacancies “are expected to increase dramatically in the next few years,” the application says.
Renovations are also needed, but the owner has determined they’re “not viable” based on “the current and future outlook for the office market.”
“However, the property is well suited for residential use, being located on the edge of Tysons and adjacent to an elementary school site,” Brant said.
According to the application, the shell of the existing building would be retained, along with a 5-foot-tall brick wall separating the property from Freedom Hill Elementary. No changes to the building footprint or height are proposed.
However, the developer is seeking to eliminate 90 spaces from the surface parking lot, leaving 66 total spaces to serve the new residents.
The parking reduction will allow for a 7,000-square-foot, publicly accessible park along Old Courthouse Road, featuring “a meandering trail,” benches and gardens. The applicant also intends to provide approximately 8,400 square feet of private, outdoor amenity space for residents, including outdoor seating and grilling stations.
According to the submitted plan, the project will reduce the amount of impervious surface, which currently covers 81% of the property, and add landscaping, including an 8-foot-wide buffer between the street and sidewalk on both Old Courthouse Road to the north and Lord Fairfax Drive to the west.
As part of the project, the applicant says it will widen the sidewalks on Old Courthouse and Lord Fairfax to 8 feet wide and 6 feet, respectively.
“New pedestrian paths in the public park space, around the building, along the southern Property line, and to the building entrances at the front and rear…will be provided,” the application says.
The rezoning application hasn’t yet been formally accepted for review by the county.
Photo via Google Maps
Herndon’s Arrowbrook Centre (2340 Silver Way) is rapidly building out its 28-acre mixed use community.
South Asian grocery store Hello2India has signed a lease at mixed-use project, which is located off the Dulles Toll Road.
According to a report by Northern Virginia Magazine, roughly 50% of retail space has been leased.
The grocery store will take up roughly 13,000 square feet of space at the development.
The residential component of the project includes 274 affordable apartments, along with a dog park, soccer field, tennis courts, playground and picnic pavilion.
Additional development is also planned at the campus.
Ornery Beer Company Public House has also signed a lease at the site. It’s expected to open in the third or fourth quarter of the year.
The grocery and developer did not return requests for comment from FFXnow.
Residents of Faraday Park, an apartment community in Reston, may have noticed that several pending maintenance issues have been recently resolved.
Rooney Properties recently resolved maintenance issues at the community, according to a statement from the company.
“We take the concerns of our residents and larger community incredibly seriously. There is one remaining maintenance issue that is actively being resolved and scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks,” Rooney Properties said in a statement to FFXnow.
The resolution comes months after a Restonian contacted the company to address the issues on the site. For example, cables and wires that were strewn on a portion of the property were recently removed.
However, a vault still remains raised above the surface and a sidewalk extension appears to be incomplete, according to Adam Rubenstein, the resident.
Rubenstein said he was told that a contractor was unavailable to complete the work.
“Recently, after contacting the press, they suddenly were able to find a contractor and fix a couple of issues,” Rubenstein said.
The spokesperson for the company noted that none of the issues brought to the company’s attention “pose a safety risk to the community.” The spokesperson did not elaborate on what issues were resolved and exactly when they were resolved.
FFXnow contacted the company for a statement in early December about the maintenance issues. Several days later, wires on the property were removed.
The spokesperson did not respond to several requests for additional information.
A 259-unit apartment community built in the late 1980s is getting a new owner and new name as part of multi-million-dollar effort to preserve the complex as an affordable housing project.
As anticipated, developers AHC Inc. and Insight Property Group have acquired the Colvin Woods apartments in an effort to preserve the complex. As part of the change in ownership, the community will be rebranded as Haven Reston.
“Haven is Insight Property Group’s workforce and affordable housing brand. It is normal for them to rebrand with it,” an Insight spokesperson told FFXnow.
The acquisition follows the approval of a $15 million Housing Blueprint loan in early August.
“Partnering with local jurisdictions to address the urgent need for workforce and affordable housing in the DC Metro area has proven to be something that Insight is particularly well suited for,” said Insight Group partner Mae Klinger.
While the community has historically been a market-affordable community, no rent restrictions are currently in place to preserve that affordability. The complex includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, a leasing office, clubhouse and swimming pool.
The new owners will institute a phased approach to ensure that 60% of the units are occupied by residents earning a maximum 60% of the area median income and 40% of the units are occupied by residents earning no more than 80% of the AMI.
“Preserving the affordable housing in this beautiful woodland area, full of nearby amenities, is central to our mission of helping residents thrive,” AHC President and CEO Paul Bernard said.
Through October 2025, current leases with residents who are in good standing will remain unaffected. But by October 2027, all units will be preserved as affordable. After 10 years, the property will be refinanced through low-income housing tax credits — supporting a rehabilitation of the overall property, according to the county.
The new team plans to upgrade the building’s facade, common areas, amenities and landscaped areas. Gates Hudson will continue to manage the property.
The redevelopment of the Vantage Hill condominiums in Reston could move forward on a faster track than previously anticipated.
At the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday (Aug. 2), the board unanimously approved a request to expedite the redevelopment of the southwest portion of the property — largely the pool area, which closed years ago — with 28 townhouses.
The 152-unit complex was built in 1962 and was later converted into a condominium community known as Vantage Hill condominium. The development team, CM Vantage LLC, plans to redevelop the abandoned pool area for for-sale residential units.
“The sale is intended to generate revenue to address a backlog of capital improvements facing the existing condominium development,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said.
The redevelopment application is set to go before the Fairfax County Planning Commission on Nov. 2. The applicant wants a set and expedited date for a hearing before the board once the commission approves the project.
A public hearing before the board — which is typically tied to a vote — is currently set for Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Plans to redevelop the community have been brewing for years, as the boxy condominium homes continue on a steady decline in maintenance.
Sales generated from the for-sale townhomes are expected to help finance $4.5 million in needed upgrades. Target items include new windows and doors, upgraded heating, new plumbing, a bigger playground, and metered electrical service for each unit.
Virginia Reports Second Case of Monkeypox — “The patient is an adult male resident of the Northern region of Virginia who was exposed out of state. The Virginia patient did not require hospitalization and is isolating at home. To protect patient privacy, no further information will be provided.” [VDH]
Discrimination Lawsuit Details Issues at Annandale Apartments — “The Fairfax County Circuit Court heard a case [Friday] that shined a light on the filthy and inhumane conditions at Fairmont Gardens in Annandale. Dean Sanchez, a former leasing agent, is suing the Donaldson Group, the company that owns the apartment complex…Sanchez reports the apartments are infested with mice, bedbugs, roaches, and mold.” [Annandale Today]
Man Arrested in McLean Charged in Capitol Storming — “A U.S. Naval reservist who was assigned to an agency that operates spy satellites told an undercover FBI agent that he stormed the U.S. Capitol with members of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group and has espoused anti-government and antisemitic ideologies, federal authorities said in court records unsealed on Thursday.” [NBC4]
Lawsuit Alleges FCPS Mishandled Sexual Assault Complaint — “Lawyers for a former Fairfax County student recently filed an amended complaint against the Fairfax County School Board outlining allegations of an unsafe environment that led to repeated sexual harassment and sexual assaults of the student.” [Inside NoVA/WTOP]
Metro Introduces $2 Weeknight Fares — “Lower-priced unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus monthly passes are now on sale for travel beginning July 1, providing more flexibility and value to customers who may no longer be commuting five days a week. And beginning Monday, June 27, all customers traveling on Metrorail after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays will benefit from a flat fare of $2 per one-way trip.” [WMATA]
Police Investigate Fairfax City Shooting — “The founder of a non-profit that builds schools for girls in Africa was found shot to death inside his Fairfax city home Friday morning.” [NBC4]
Falls Church Abortion Clinic Plans Expansion — “Falls Church Healthcare Center is working to expand capacity because they suspect they’ll soon get more out-of-state patients. They are looking to add more appointments, considering adding an extra day for scheduling and hiring nurse practitioners to deliver care.” [DCist]
New Lorton Fire Station Gets Grand Opening — “The new $14 million fire station is significantly larger, has energy efficient and environmentally sustainable features, and was outfitted to comfortably accommodate both male and female members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and the volunteer fire company.” [On the MoVe]
It’s Monday — Rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 80 and low of 68. Sunrise at 5:47 am and sunset at 8:40 pm. [Weather.gov]
Police Arrest Suspect in Car Part Thefts — “A 33-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of vehicle parts in residential parking garages in Fairfax County and Fairfax City…The first theft was reported on April 19 in the 5800 block of Trinity Parkway in Centreville.” [ALXnow]
Fairfax Man Charged for Loudoun County Bomb Threat — “An 18-year-old man from Fairfax was arrested on Tuesday and charged in connection with a bomb threat that was emailed to Dominion High School on May 19.” [Patch]
Fairfax County to Study Free Bus Service — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff to analyze the pros and cons of making Fairfax Connector buses fare free for all riders, building off of a recently approved program providing 50% discounts to low-income riders. The results will be presented to the board at its transportation committee meeting on Sept. 30. [Patch]
Affordable Housing Units Open for Rent — The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development was recently notified of potential vacancies in apartments targeted toward lower-income residents. There are currently available units in Oakton’s Dwell Vienna Metro Apartments, the Passport Apartments in Herndon, and The Kingston and Hanover in Tysons. [HCD]
Construction Firm Makes Reston Office Its HQ — “General contracting firm Winmar Construction Inc., one of the largest private companies in Greater Washington, is moving its headquarters from Georgetown to Reston. Rockville commercial real estate firm Edge said Tuesday it represented Winmar in a lease for 7,000 square feet at 2100 Reston Parkway.” [Washington Business Journal]
Vienna Proposes Change to Historic Register Criteria — “At the request of Historic Vienna Inc., the Vienna Town Council on July 11 will hold a public hearing to change the definition of ‘historic’ as ‘at least 100 years old.'” The town currently limits its register of historic sites and places to properties that existed before 1900. [Sun Gazette]
Repaved Wakefield Courts to Reopen — “After months of repairs and conversion of existing courts to pickleball courts, it’s time to officially open the renewed and renovated Wakefield Park tennis and pickleball court complex…Please join us on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 9 a.m. for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a demonstration of [pickleball] and light refreshments.” [FCPA]
It’s Thursday — Possible light rain in the morning. High of 75 and low of 66. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:35 pm. [Weather.gov]
Improperly discarded smoking materials caused a West Falls Church apartment fire on Sunday (May 29) that damaged 11 units, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said.
Around 2:51 p.m., crews from the county and Arlington County Fire Department responded to the 2900 block of Dover Lane and saw fire visible from the third-floor balcony, according to a press release.
There were three people in the apartment at the time of the fire, which a neighbor saw on the balcony and alerted the building occupants to, the release said. Everyone evacuated before the fire department arrived.
Due to the hot temperatures that day, and the location of the fire, the City of Fairfax Fire Department also responded.
“Crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly,” the release said. “There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported.”
The fire caused about $158,500 in damage and displaced “multiple people,” according to the FCFRD. Smoke alarms did not go off because of the location of the fire.
The local American Red Cross says it assisted 11 families in the wake of the fire.
“Trained disaster workers provided emotional support and financial resources for essentials like safe shelter, food and clothing,” said Ashley Henyan, a spokesperson with the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region Red Cross. “Volunteer teams also assisted with replacing medications or medical assistive devices — according to need. In the days and weeks ahead, Red Cross caseworkers will follow up with impacted families as they continue down the road to recovery.”
Henyan says families and individuals affected by this or any other disaster can call 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance.
Photos courtesy of @xthefirephoto
(Updated at 6 p.m.) Construction work has moved above ground on a pair of buildings that will bring 300 new apartments for older residents to Tysons.
Vertical construction began earlier this month on The Mather at 7929 Westpark Drive, the senior living provider Mather announced in a news release yesterday (Tuesday).
The milestone comes almost two years after work on the 4-acre site began with the demolition of an existing office building in May 2020.
“We are very excited to bring The Mather to Tysons,” Mather CEO and President Mary Leary said. “‘Going vertical’ is symbolic of the successful effort the team has put forward to obtain financing, exceed sales projections, and break ground — especially at such an unprecedented time these last two years.”
Approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2019, The Mather will consist of two residential buildings — a 27-story high-rise with 179 apartments and an 18-story building with 114 apartments.
Open to people 62 and older, the units will range in size from 850 to 3,300 square feet, with entrance fee prices starting at $646,700. Residents will have access to assisted living, memory care, and health care services, among other amenities.
The apartment towers will top a five-story “podium” with retail and other public uses on the ground floor, parking, residential amenities on the third level, memory support and skilled nursing on the fourth level, and assisted living on the fifth level, according to the county-approved plan.
According to the press release, Mather has also partnered with Fairfax County to provide “wellness and lifelong learning programs” in a dedicated space on the podium’s first floor, which will have an over 14,000-square-foot commercial space. The programming will be open to people 50 and older in the general community.
After two rounds of pre-sales, The Mather has already sold 80% of its units, exceeding projections, a company spokesperson said.
Located in walking distance of Tysons Galleria, The Mather is part of the 19.4-acre Arbor Row planned along Westpark Drive. The development also has the finished Nouvelle apartment building and The Monarch condominiums, which are under construction.
The $500 million Life Plan Community anticipates move-ins starting in early 2024, with construction on the 27-story tower expected to finish next year.
Fairfax County firefighters have been working for almost two hours now to extinguish a fire at an apartment in the Fair Oaks area.
Units arrived on the scene in the 4200 block of Mozart Brigade Lane before 11 a.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported on social media.
Videos show responders battling flames that can be seen on the apartment’s roof. The department said that the bulk of the blaze had been knocked down by 11:37 a.m., but crews were continuing to hit hot spots and checking for any extension of the fire at 12:25 p.m.
FCFRD confirmed that the fire had reached a third alarm, and one firefighter was transported to a hospital for a check-up.
UPDATE: garden apartment fire in the 4200 block of Mozart Brigade Lane. Crews working to extinguish large volume of fire. #FCFRD pic.twitter.com/rV5GiS35nu
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 18, 2022
UPDATE- garden apartment fire in the 4200 block of Mozart Brigade Lane in Fair Oaks area. Fire did reach third alarm. Crews continue to hit hot spots and check for extension. One firefighter transported to hospital for a check-up. #FCFRD pic.twitter.com/lQXaIIItGF
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 18, 2022
