Bailey’s Crossroads/ Seven Corners: Area Information
Located at the eastern edge of Fairfax County, this Commercial Revitalization District includes two dynamic business centers in Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners capitalizing on the close proximity to Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and downtown Washington, DC. Commercial and retail activity is concentrated along Columbia Pike (Route 244) and Leesburg Pike (Route 7). The core of the district includes Skyline Center, national chains, and a diverse array of locally owned stores and restaurants. Neighborhoods of single-family homes and apartments house the diverse population.
Great development opportunities exist for Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners and it is envisioned to become more urban in character. The area is in the midst of a series of studies to develop and refine an urban concept with the goal of increasing density, mixing uses and improving the transportation network.
Lincoln at the Crossroads Alliance
Preparation is underway to host an event at Bailey’s Crossroads of national significance in Civil War history circles. The Lincoln at the Crossroads Alliance, a non-profit group, is working to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of President Lincoln’s Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac on November 12, 2011 on Leesburg Pike. After she viewed the event in 1861, Julia Ward Howe wrote "The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” While the original review consisted of 70,000 soldiers divided into seven marching divisions, this Sesquicentennial re-enactment will aim to involve 5,000 soldiers/Civil War civilians and feature the unveiling of a life size sculpture of President Lincoln and a bas relief of the Grand Review of 1861. The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission has endorsed the event.
Bailey's Crossroads Planning Study
Last year, a planning study was initiated for a portion of the Bailey’s Crossroads CRD to build upon the recommendations of the 2006 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Advisory Services Panel Report. Two concepts for the areas south and east of Leesburg Pike and Columbia Pike interchange were presented at a Public Open House on February 12, 2009. The concepts focus on transforming Bailey’s Crossroads into a more urban place with improved pedestrian connectivity, while maintaining compatibility with the neighboring areas.
The project team consisting of staff and consultants is reviewing comments on the two options and developing a preferred concept to be presented to the public later this year, with final approval of a Plan Amendment scheduled for Spring 2010. For further information on the Bailey's Crossroads Planning Study, Click Here.
CRD Highlights
- Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners are major retail centers that include national chains and an eclectic mix of locally owned stores and restaurants. Nearly 2 million square feet of retail is located in Bailey’s Crossroads and 2.2 million in Seven Corners.
- Bailey’s Crossroads is home to approximately 3.2 million square feet of office space the majority of which is located in the Skyline complex. The office space at Skyline is primarily occupied by the federal government and contractors including Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen and Lockheed Martin.
- Approximately 1 million square feet of office space is located in Seven Corners. Major employers include BB&T, CSC and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).
