Study of Seven Corners redevelopment options planned

The ULI study, to be started in April and completed by the end of May, will be done by students as a graduation exercise. “This is not the ultimate study for Seven Corners. This is a good first step,” says Frank Sellers, president of the Bailey’s Crossroads Revitalization Corporation. The BCRC is concerned with promoting redevelopment in Seven Corners, as well as Bailey’s Crossroads.

Fairfax County redevelopment plans for Bailey’s Crossroads and Annandale also started with ULI studies. Those plans have yet to bear much fruit, however. Sellers anticipates a more comprehensive examination of the future of Seven Corners by Fairfax County planning officials with extensive community input.

A description of the ULI study identifies the key challenge facing Seven Corners: The area “includes a high concentration of highway-oriented, strip-commercial development and smaller shopping centers that are antithetical to the development of a strong sense of community identity as found in many nearby residential neighborhoods.”

The study will look at ways to improve nonvehicular connectivity and walkability through the Route 50/Route 7 interchange, whether redevelopment should be promoted in this area, what type of redevelopment is needed, what part of the Seven Corners area offers the best opportunity for additional retail, and how Seven Corners can be rebranded and marketed to attract economic development.