Affordable Housing Developer Proposals Sought For Franconia Governmental Center

FRANCONIA, VA — A request for proposals has been issued for a potential affordable housing development at the Franconia Governmental Center.

As Fairfax County plans to relocate the Franconia Governmental Center to a new Kingstowne facility, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority is seeking a developer for potential affordable housing. The Board of Supervisors authorized the transfer of land to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority in March 2021.

The developer selected for the project would design, develop, construct, own and operate an affordable multifamily housing facility. No more than 120 units would be considered for this property. The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority would provide a long-term ground lease to the developer.

The Franconia Governmental Center, located at 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, was built in 1992. The 28,000-square-foot facility houses the Lee District Supervisor's office, Franconia Police Station and Franconia Museum. The county opted to seek a new governmental facility in Kingstowne due to limited parking and a building "ill-suited for modern police operations."

According to the county's website, the new Kingstowne facility would be about 90,000 square feet. Aside from housing the Lee District Supervisor's office, Franconia Police Station and Franconia Museum, the Kingstowne facility will include a public library, older adult center, new childcare facility and community meeting space. The facility will be located on a vacant county-owned site between Beulah Street, Silver Lake Boulevard and Interparcel Road.

If an affordable housing development is sought at the Franconia Governmental Center, a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning with public input may be needed to allow a multifamily residential use. Public engagement would begin if a developer is selected.

Applicants must submit materials by 2 p.m. on April 14.