More details emerge on Bailey’s Gateway multifamily project
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| An illustration of the site, with Columbia Pike on the left. |
The Bailey’s Crossroads/Seven Corners Revitalization Corporation on Dec. 16 endorsed the “Bailey’s Gateway” project, a proposed multifamily residential building at the corner of 5600 Columbia Pike and Carlin Springs Road on the Fairfax County/Arlington border.
A vacant 10-story office building on the site would be demolished and replaced with a seven-story, 433-unit building. About 70 percent of the units would have one bedroom and 30 percent would have two. Twelve percent of the units would have affordable rents under the Fairfax County definition of “workforce dwelling units.” The rest would have market rate rents.
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| The existing office building on the site would be torn down. |
Since we last reported on this project, the developer, Foulger-Pratt, has made a few changes to the proposal, including reorienting the entrance to Columbia Pike. A landscaped walkway with public art would extend across the front of the project along Columbia Pike. There would be three courtyards, one visible from the street and two interior courtyards just for residents.
An existing parking deck facing Carlin Springs Road would be retained, and there would also be underground parking with a total of 560 parking spaces – 1.3 spaces per unit – plus 20 to 30 spaces for guests. Bryan Foulger told the BC7RC that would be sufficient because the project is close to bus stops and residents could easily walk to stores and restaurants.
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| An aerial view of the site. |
Foulger said he expects about 40 to 50 percent of the tenants to be millenials, with the rest made up of empty nesters and families with young children. Students would attend Glen Forest Elementary School, which is currently severely overcrowded, Glasgow Middle School, and Stuart High School – although by the time the building is complete, the boundaries could change.
The developer expects the building will have 29 elementary school-age children, seven middle school students, and 13 high school students, Foulger-Pratt would propose proffers of about $10,000 per student to expand the capacity at affected schools.
The termination of the Columbia Pike Streetcar won’t have a major impact on the Bailey’s Gateway project. Scott Adams, a land use attorney with McGuire Woods LLP, called it a “temporary setback,” noting that the streetcar “wasn’t a sure thing when we started.” The developer would likely offer a shuttle service to Metro.
Representatives of Foulger-Pratt plan to meet with residents of the nearby Carlyn Square community in January 2015 and hope to set up a meeting with residents of the Ardley Court townhouses.
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| The structure viewed from different angles. |
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan Feb. 4. The Board of Supervisors will consider the amendment on March 3. A rezoning proposal would go before the Planning Commission in April and the Board of Supervisors in May.
The permitting process could be completed by the end of 2016 and construction would take another two years, Foulger said.
14 responses to “More details emerge on Bailey’s Gateway multifamily project”
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I actually think this project is great, but I am baffled by the low number of estimated students, that just seems completely unrealistic. 129 two-bedroom apartments and yet only 49 students? Really?!?!?
Agreed. And 1.3 parking spaces per apartment is laughable.
this project needs a bike path, larger green playground park space, and a donated space for a child care center
If we are going to list "needs" then yes, this new development needs at least one Bocce Ball Court, but two should be provided for because of projected demand.
Do you guys even do studies on what millennial want? lol @ expecting 40% – 50% to be millennial without a Panera Bread or Starbuck to lounge out. Copy Merrifield Town Center success.
The County and developer really think the voting population are stupid because do they really think that we believe that they will only need 1.3 parking spaces and those few children are moving in. I can not see any millennial moving into a place that is a dump all around them. They will have to drive to everything except Dunkin Donuts.
CD, you raise a real chicken and egg question. For example, in response to your comment by responding why would any nice, high-end retailer would move "into a place that is a dump all around them." The developing is willing to risk millions of their money to build this new apartment complex, so for now I feel very safe thinking they know much more than you about the potential profitability of their proposed investment in Bailey's Crossroads.
Constant naysayers such as yourself should shave your breath and keystrokes if you have nothing to add but doubts and criticism.
Are you trying to say that there is only a need for 1.3 parking spaces for this building. Do you really think that our already over crowded schools will not get even more crowded? Are you trying to say that a millennial will want to move into a place where to go anywhere they will have to get into a vehicle. Look at Merrifield, Pentagon City, Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax. The condo/ apartments came up with very easy access (walking) to restaurants, movies, grocery stores and boutiques. What is there to offer the young crowd in that location? I would love to see some great development happen but with common sense. We can not afford anywhere in the Mason District to put in more residences unless it is a retirement home or singles only. The schools are all above capacity and are not stopping. Each day more kids are coming into our district and our schools. In the Mason District teachers are teaching 28 students in an Elementary school class. That is not acceptable and not a good learning environment. Give back the Willston Center and that would be a great start prior to building any new apartment buildings. Make the children of the Mason District priority number one.
Anon 4:47 pm. you make a good point about the chicken or the egg.
Trouble is: houses like the yellow brick with the blacktop front lawn that's currently used as a used car lot by an "independent dealer" from Georgia. The sell ALOT more cars than 5 per year.
The county needs to finish the legal action they started against them when they were @ 4011 Arcadia Rd. (something about titles and registration, I think)
I guess the bus stop facing CP is still gonna be there, hopefully with shelter and seating.
So permitting will be done by end 2016 and construction another two years. That seems really prolonged.
Also I'll repeat my previous suggestion. Grand View apartments across the street should be replaced with one building with as much affordable housing on a much smaller footprint. The rest of the footprint along with the land acquired from Gold’s Gym/Ballet/Car parts shopping strip can be used for further development and needed roadwork. Carlin Springs road needs widening, reworked associated intersections and wider sidewalks, from Seminary and to Columbia Pike.
All the development requires good mass transit. Streetcar would have been nice but we can do without it. Substantial, quality bus service such as the "Rapid Bus" proposed by Route 7 Study plan would really help both Columbia Pike and Leesburg Pike.
http://route7corridorstudy.com/transit_alternatives/
There is a lot that can and should be done to improve Baileys and 7 corners. Quality transit and public input especially in regards school overcrowding has to be a big part of it. But there is no need to wait for what any other jurisdiction is planning to do. Gross, Bulova and FFX BOS need to move ahead sooner than later.
I been in Bailey’s crossroads for almost 30 years and revitalization is long overdue.
Baileys has been revitalized, The circus left, the old warehouse is gone, the three houses were moved (they left the windmill). Skyline Airport is gone that brought in Skyline Towers. I do miss the Krispy Kreme that was on Rt7. 30 years in Bailey's, you must be young.
Things are relative. I see Bailey's as being stagnant with many parts of it looking shabby. The revitalization you refer to was decades ago. Avalon bay project, this project, routing Seminary to intersect CP directly, rezoning and developing the area around the hangar and around center lane and the suggestion for Grand View Apts above would be huge improvement and only a start.
I thought this project was cancelled when the streetcar was killed