Phase II Of Willard Center Redevelopment Project Moves Forward

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax City Council approved a joint agreement at its Tuesday night meeting with Fairfax County for the next phase of redevelopment of the Joseph Willard Health Center and portions of the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the agreement earlier in the day.

The agreement covers the parameters and understandings between the city and county concerning the funding for the Phase II design and construction process for the project, according to the staff report.

The city and county began discussions in August 2017 about a joint effort to redevelop the Willard Center, which is home to a clinic operated by the Fairfax County Health Department.

In January 2019, the city and county agreed to advance the concept and develop floor plans for a building where both jurisdictions could offer programing. The plans included the necessary infrastructure and designs for below and above grade parking.

The city council and county board approved the Phase I Design Development Agreement in May 2021 that provided for the selection of an architectural/engineering firm to complete the concept options and building layouts. The firm would also provide preliminary cost estimates.

The Phase II agreement that both the city and county passed on Tuesday provides for the preparation of a scope of services and contract negotiations with the architectural/engineering firm and selection of a construction manager. It also finalizes the ground lease between the city and county.

The current estimated cost of the project is between approximately $115,720,000 and $123,820,000, according to the staff report. The majority of the costs are divided on a pro rata use of program space, at 42 percent for the city and 58 percent for the county. The city included its share of the project's cost in its capital improvement plan.

View concept drawings and provide feedback on Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center.

When construction of the new building is completed, the county will retain ownership and the city will lease the facility at a rate of $1 a year for 99 years.

In the 1950s, the land where the Willard Building sits was donated to Fairfax County and the Town of Fairfax by the Willard family in memory of Joseph Willard, who also built Old Town Hall, according to Mayor David Meyer. The stipulation at that time was the land would be used for "health purposes."

"The deed transferred to the county when the city became a city on July 1, 1961," Meyer said. "We did review the terms of the gift and the deed when we entered into this contract, because the health center and the recreation center are all for health purposes."

After a brief discussion, the city council voted 5-0 to adopt the motion to sign the agreement. Councilmember Sang Yi was absent.