Proposed redevelopment project at Graham Park Plaza downsized
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| The new project is shown in yellow. [Federal Realty] |
Federal Realty Investment Trust has downsized its plans for transforming the western half of Graham Park Plaza into a mixed-use development.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors had approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment last December allowing construction of 248 multifamily housing units on top of community-serving retail on the half of the aging shopping center owned by Federal Realty. The center, on Arlington Boulevard at Graham Road, used to be known as Loehmann’s Plaza.
Federal Realty’s attorney, David Gill of McGuireWoods LLP, told the Mason District Land Use Committee Oct. 24 that the revised plan calls for just 200 apartments, less space for retail, and no separate parking deck.
Parking for the residents would be at grade level underneath the apartment building with access at the rear. There would be 1.6 parking spaces per unit. The apartments would be a mix of one and two-bedroom units.
The developer is proposing 10,000 square feet of retail, including cafes with outdoor seating, and a small “pocket park” for residents. There would be a separate building that could be used for a fitness center.
Graham Park Plaza, like many suburban strip malls, has been struggling to maintain tenants. Two of the biggest stores, Stein Mart and Bova Furniture, are not expected to renew their leases, Gill said.
Federal Realty doesn’t own Giant or the gas stations, so those buildings would remain. Giant’s lease covers the next 60 years. The retail building in the middle of the site would remain as well.
Federal Realty is proposing a new traffic signal allowing vehicles exiting the property to make a left turn onto Arlington Boulevard. That would reduce the backups on Graham Road, Gill said.
The developer hopes the apartments would attract young, single professionals, he said. Rents would be slightly less than in places like the Mosaic District in Merrifield which have easier access to Metro.
If the approval process goes smoothly, construction could start as early as spring 2019 and the project could be completed by spring 2021.
3 responses to “Proposed redevelopment project at Graham Park Plaza downsized”
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I am hoping that there will be housing set aside for subsidized housing as well as luxury apartments. Remember we want teachers, nurses, firemen, etc to be able to afford to live in the county where they work.
i wish the chopping center on the opposite side of 50 was also going to be redeveloped.
Yes. Needs it bad!