Large Mural Proposed For Fairfax City Shopping Center Near Main Street

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — A large mural proposed for the rear of a commercial building near the intersection of Main Street and Fairfax Boulevard will go before the Fairfax City Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with city staff recommending approval of the project.

Regency Centers is seeking permission to paint the mural on the rear facade of a building at 11040 Main St., which houses businesses including Cox, Tatte Bakery and Shake Shack.

Subscribe

The proposed mural would cover two adjoining walls, extending 50 feet along the main wall and approximately 47 feet along a return wall. The artwork would stand nearly 13 feet tall and be painted directly onto the building's existing white exterior.

Proposed Mural Would Add Artwork To Main Street Building

According to a staff report prepared for Wednesday's meeting, the mural would be visible from Main Street and would incorporate the building's existing exterior staircase.

Renderings submitted with the application depict a geometric design featuring overlapping shapes, circles, angular patterns and architectural elements in shades of gray, black and white.

The applicant, represented by property manager Mia Centeno, is also working with the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts regarding approval of the mural's content.

The proposed artwork is part of a commercial property located in the city's Architectural Control Overlay District, where exterior changes visible from public areas are subject to architectural review.

City staff concluded that the mural would comply with the applicable zoning requirements and design guidelines.

"Staff believe that the mural does not obscure any architectural elements and does not change the building's integrity while adding interest to a rear façade that is visible along the street line," the report states.

The proposal also aligns with the city's Kamp Washington Small Area Plan, which encourages the use of public art, landscaping and other design elements to create a distinctive visual presence near the intersection of Fairfax Boulevard and U.S. Route 29.

City Staff Recommends Approval

City staff recommends that the Board of Architectural Review approve the application, subject to two conditions.

The mural would need to conform generally to the plans and renderings submitted in October 2026 and approved by the board. The applicant also would be required to obtain all necessary zoning approvals and permits before beginning work.

The board can approve the application, approve it with modifications or conditions, deny it, or defer a decision.

How To Attend Wednesday's Meeting

The Board of Architectural Review will meet Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, Room 100 of Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St.

The meeting will be chaired by Heather Waye.

Residents can attend the meeting and provide comments during the public hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to publichearingBAR@fairfaxva.gov by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The meeting will not be livestreamed. A replay is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, on Cityscreen-12, and a recording will be available afterward on the city's meetings webpage.

The board is also scheduled to consider a separate proposal for mixed-use redevelopment at 4085-4117 Chain Bridge Road.

Residents can review the full meeting agenda and supporting materials on the City of Fairfax meeting website.