Annandale Chamber Calls for Consolidation to Promote Redevelopment

An Annandale Chamber of Commerce task force is encouraging commercial property owners to consolidate properties for redevelopment and providing inspiration through a mixed-use development demonstration project.

The task force unveiled the Annandale Demonstration Project on Wednesday evening at on Little River Turnpike. Vicki Burman, Annandale Chamber of Commerce executive director and task force member, said the proposed development highlights the advantages of combining several small lots into a larger parcel and provides a concrete, realistic possibility to fill a void of housing and amenities for young professionals.

“People can visualize the project rather than just talking in random figures,” Burman said. Consolidating sooner, rather than later, she said, also provides owners with planning and permitting flexibility.

The demonstration project – a concept only, not an actual building project – is located on 4.5 acres immediately southeast of the intersection of Little River Turnpike and John Marr Drive, the “eastern gateway” to Annandale. It comprises five-story buildings, with the first floor occupied by retail shops and restaurants topped by four floors of higher-end apartments and, in the rear, a four-level parking garage. By building upward, the proposal increases the site’s leasable space from 45,000 to nearly 300,000 square feet, raising the potential annual rental income more than six-fold.

An office building and , two existing structures, remain untouched on the back side of the proposed development. A landscaped green space is located in the middle of the new buildings, which wrap around the perimeter of the site. 

“Have something like that, and people will come,” said task force member Jeffrey Levine, a planner and architect with Levine Design Studio in Washington.

The proposed development carries an estimated price tag of $71 to $86 million, said Martha Wilson, Cardinal Bank assistant vice president of commercial lending and task force member. Wilson, who lives in the Annandale-Springfield area, said such a project would do more than redevelop a piece of property – it would develop Annandale itself.

“I love this area,” said Wilson. “Would I like to see it redeveloped in the way we described? Absolutely.” 

Susan Smith, owner of on Little River Turnpike, was equally impressed by the task force’s proposal. Many commercial facilities in Annandale are growing old and could be improved to enhance the appearance of the business district, which she said many people consider “sort of blah.”

 “This is prime property, and it’s kind of a shame that it’s still sleeping,” said Smith.

Debi Pyne, owner of on Elmdale Road and task force member, said redevelopment would not be a quick project, noting that a similar effort in Clarendon took many years to see fruition, but is well worth the effort.

“There are opportunities in Annandale, and the community is ready, willing and able to help move to the next step, because as an individual owner they may not think that they have any opportunities,” Pyne said. “By letting people know that there are all these opportunities out there, it can open people’s eyes that there can be something really great happening here. There’s no need to pick up your business and move to Chantilly.”

One “catalytic” redevelopment project could attract more projects to the community, said Matthew Flis, Fairfax County revitalization program manager and task force member. “We feel like that would open the gates for others to come,” he said. “It sets a level of expectation and confidence that Annandale is moving forward.”

The demonstration project dovetails with for Annandale’s central business district. The Annandale Community Business Center Comprehensive Plan Amendment was approved last year. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment covers approximately 200 acres and uses a form-based approach to development, which focuses on the building form and height, to promote a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use urban center.

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One in a continuing series on how local residents and business owners are pursuing their American Dream.