Discussions underway on a community resource center at Heritage Mall

The former site of Crossfit Annandale.

Fairfax County officials and the Webb Cos., the owner of Heritage Mall, are hopeful that a “community resource center” could be established in the space formerly occupied by CrossFit Annandale in the rear of the shopping center.

When the Board of Supervisors approved a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning application in 2016 to allow a townhouse development behind Heritage Mall, the proffers call for the developer to provide space for a 1,200-square-foot community resource center within one of the commercial buildings on the site.

As an alternative, the developer could contribute $160,000 or make an in-kind contribution for a community center at another location.

A community center could be used for HOA meetings, Scout groups, tutoring, or similar activities. University Mall in Fairfax has a community resource center.

Jonathan Farmelo, president of J. Webb Inc., informed the county that the CrossFit space is available to the county for a community center. CrossFit’s lease expired over a year ago, and the gym relocated to Springfield.

“We want to make sure the community center happens,” but the county hasn’t determined whether the CrossFit space is the right location for it, said Marcia Pape, senior legislative assistant for land use for Braddock Supervisor John Cook.

“Supervisor Cook is committed to providing a community center in that area,” Pape said. “We’re working through the details.”

The Facilities Management Department in the county’s Real Estate Management Services would work out the leasing details if the county decides to proceed with the CrossFit location. The county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services would also be involved. At one point, there was a discussion about using the CrossFit space for a police substation but that didn’t happen.

Under the proffer agreement, the county would have an option to lease a 1,200-square foot space in Heritage Mall for 20 years for a community center rent free, with the operating costs abated for 10 years. After 20 years, the county could lease the space at a rental rate that includes operating costs plus 50 percent of the prevailing market rate.

In addition to the townhouses, currently under construction, the Heritage Mall project includes improvements to the parking lot and a crosswalk on Heritage Drive.