Revised Plan For Kingstowne Topgolf Calls For Townhouses, Retail

KINGSTOWNE, VA — A proposed amendment relating to the possible redevelopment of Topgolf in Kingstowne is being considered by Fairfax County.

In 2015, the Board of Supervisors authorized county staff to consider a comprehensive plan amendment for up to 275 residential units, and 20,000 square feet of retail. The board also asked for up to 70,000 square feet of retail should the development include a retail anchor like a grocery store. Now county staff recommend an amendment with 12 residential units per acre and up to 20,000 square feet of retail with a pedestrian-friendly environment.

There are no current plans to close the Topgolf, but the property owner applied to redevelop the site. During the county review process, the property owner changed the proposal to 212 residential units and up to 20,000 square feet of retail. The 212 units match the 12 units per acre recommended by staff.

A staff report on the amendment advised against 70,000 square feet of retail, saying larger retail uses such as grocery stores should be focused within the nearby Kingstowne Towne Center. Staff also expressed concerns that a retail anchor would cause significantly higher vehicular traffic on the already congested South Van Dorn Street corridor.

"The type of commercial use envisioned for the subject area should accommodate uses that are designed to provide a unique experience for the surrounding community and contribute to a sense of place per the Kingstowne guidance," stated the report.

The Topgolf location opened in 2005 as the first U.S. location. According to Washington Business Journal, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay said he would support the redevelopment if there's a suitable entertainment replacement for Topgolf.

The Planning Commission will consider the amendment on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. The Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m.