Falls Church considers improvements at the Eden Center

The Eden Center focuses on Vietnamese restaurants.

The City of Falls Church has started a planning study for the city’s East End, which includes the Eden Center and the surrounding area adjacent to Seven Corners.

The East End Small Area Plan would establish a conceptual framework for future development. However, no developers have come forward yet to invest in the area. 

The 43.3-acre East End Planning Opportunity Area is bordered by Wilson Boulevard, East Broad Street, and Hillwood Avenue. In addition to the Eden Center, major businesses include BJ’s Wholesale Club, Koons Ford, and 24 Hour Fitness. There are no residences in the East End.

The goal of the planning study is to encourage redevelopment for the East End that “will create a vibrant, economically viable, walkable, bicycle-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and resilient destination.”

The small area planning process examines commercial areas “worth a second look at investment,” says Paul Stoddard, director of community planning for Falls Church. The study will consider what the needs are for the area and what the community wants, which could be more parks, housing, or commercial development.  

“It’s not about recommendations for specific parcels; it’s about identifying the economic pressures, opportunities, and service needs,” Stoddard says.

Related story: Seven Corners Phasing Study prepares for ring road around congested intersection

According to the draft vision statement: “The East End is a cultural hub focused on the Eden Center. Transportation investments put people first by prioritizing connectivity and accessibility. Green spaces provide opportunities for community members to gather, recreate, or relax. Nearby housing affordability is preserved while new commercial and residential development occurs within the Planning Opportunity Area.”

Stoddard calls the Eden Center a “big success story” for Northern Virginia. It’s a hub for the Vietnamese community, draws visitors from across the region, and has a very low vacancy rate. “That’s something we’re trying to build on,” Stoddard says.

Possibilities for the Eden Center could include an expanded outdoor plaza, more outdoor dining, and, over a longer term, adding senior housing or a hotel. 

Better pedestrian connections to the Eden Center are needed as it’s close to many residents but hard to cross Wilson Boulevard on foot, Stoddard says. 

The City of Falls Church is coordinating planning for the East End with Fairfax County’s proposal for a Ring Road around the congested Seven Corners intersection at Route 50, Route 7, Wilson Boulevard, and nearby streets.  

On Nov. 15, the City Council voted to support Fairfax County’s grant application to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for $94.8 million as initial funding for the Ring Road Improvement Project. 

The Ring Road is a complex project not expected to be completed until 2045. When asked about the long timeline, Stoddard noted, “It a pretty daunting effort to undertake.” Tens of thousands of vehicles go through the interchange every day, and traffic needs continue to flow during construction. 

The planning process for the East End started in November with a meeting with stakeholders, discussions with officials from surrounding jurisdictions, and a community kickoff meeting. 

The planning process will take about six months. A draft vision statement and goals will be submitted to the Falls Church Planning Commission on Dec. 1, then to the City Council. The plan will be presented to the City Council in June for approval. 

The Eden Center draws visitors from across the region.

According to Stoddard, 78 percent of the East End is covered by impervious surfaces; and about half the paved area consists of parking lots. He would like to find a way to reduce surface parking by constructing garages or underground parking. 

The Small Area Plan for the East End is expected to propose transferring four parcels from Fairfax County to Falls Church. That includes Grosso Dentistry at 6300 Arlington Blvd. right at the Seven Corners intersection. It’s the only property in Fairfax County north of Route 7 and Wilson Boulevard. Annexing it would make for consistency in street design, Stoddard says. 

At the kickoff meeting on Nov. 6, community members offered their views on how the East End could be improved. Here are some of their recommendations: 

• Add more green space. 
• Improve walkability.
• Limit building heights to six stories or less.
• Complete sidewalks on Roosevelt Boulevard and Hillwood Avenue. 
• Improve access to the East Falls Church Metro station, including shuttle service. 
• Provide a gathering area at the Eden Center with a plaza, trees, and an event space.  
• Improve lighting, security, and pedestrian access at the Eden Center. 
• Add pocket parks and a farmers market to the East End. 
• Improve access to existing parks, including the underutilized Fort Taylor Park. 
• Provide more dedicated bike lanes and bike share locations.
• Add more street trees. 
• Add mixed-use development with senior housing.