Design Guidelines For Downtown McLean To Be Discussed At Workshop

MCLEAN, VA — As design guidelines are developed as a vision for downtown McLean, a community workshop is planned Wednesday.

Design guidelines are being developed for the McLean's downtown for Board of Supervisors consideration in late 2022. The design guidelines will serve as design direction to carry out the comprehensive plan vision for the McLean Community Business Center, the area centered around Old Dominion Drive and Chain Bridge Road. A plan amendment for the McLean Community Business Center was approved by the Board of Supervisors in June 2021, setting recommendations for aspects like future land uses and densities.

The McLean guidelines will supplement the urban design guidelines for Fairfax County revitalization districts and areas, which the Board of Supervisors previously endorsed. The urban design guidelines set "broad recommendations and urban design ideas for streets, streetscapes, parks, landscaping, parking, building exteriors, and placemaking features," according to the county's community revitalization website.

The McLean-specific guidelines will set recommendations for street design, open space features, lighting, street furnishings, and other streetscape aspects. These guidelines are intended to be considered by developers, residents and the county when proposing, designing or reviewing development projects, according to the county website.

Wednesday's virtual community workshop will focus on design guidelines for sidewalks, lighting and public spaces in downtown McLean. The workshop is planned from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Microsoft Teams. Register to participate or dial in to 571-429-5982 with conference ID 494 519 068#.