Planning Commission approves Crescent Sycolin

The Leesburg Planning Commission approved plans to build "Crescent Sycolin," a mixed-use development consisting of up to 52 residential units and 5,245 square feet of commercial space, at its meeting Thursday evening.

The applicant is Big T Properties and this is the first mixed-use development project it is undertaking. The developer also owns the The Blockchain Building, located at 880 Harrison St., which serves as an innovative commercial space accommodating small businesses and remote workers in a comfortable, collaborative environment.

"The Blockchain Building opened in 2019 and has been very successful for us," Trevor Dearman of Big T Properties told the Patch. "We plan to approach the commercial space in the Crescent Sycolin project similar to what we did with the The Blockchain Building model."

The project will include three affordable dwelling units among the 52 homes, and replace low-density existing homes and businesses on the property with a multi-level, mixed-use project that will create new housing opportunities for Town residents in a location within walking distance of many employment and amenity options.

The property is proposed to include 55% open space making up 1.92 acres. "We are really fortunate that this parcel of land sits next to the W&OD trail and the Douglass Community Center," Dearman said, because residents will have immediate access to the trail and be able to use the community center.

The proposed three to four story building will include a mix of high-quality materials, including, but not limited to, masonry, architectural stone, aluminum storefront frames, and standing seam aluminum roof panels. It will include a plaza space that will face Sycolin Road, Dearman said.

In addition to the rezoning, Big T Properties is proposing a special exception to allow for a parking lot. The property is currently accessed from Sycolin Road by multiple driveways that will be
replaced by one full movement entrance to accommodate the proposed development. The
applicant will improve and widen its street frontage to current standards.

The Planning Commission voted 6-0-1, with six members approving the project, Member Ad Barnes opposed and Member Candace Tuck absent.

It is anticipated the Town Council will now vote on the application for final approval in September.