Springfield Prepares for Boom

Development Is on Everyone’s Lips as the ‘Mixing Bowl’ Project Nears Completion

From the Connection Newspaper
By Glenn McCarty
Sept. 9, 2005

When construction crews first began the nearly $700 million Springfield Interchange Project in 1999, residents and local business owners alike quivered at the sheer numbers of detours and new patterns ahead for motorists.

Now, less than two years away from project completion, Springfield stands to benefit the most from the massive project, which for a time seemed the biggest hindrance to growth in the area.

" Starting about 20 years ago there was a focused effort to make it more than just a bedroom community, to make it a destination, to increase the quality of the retail and the quality of the development, and to sit down with the community, roll up our sleeves, and decide what’s in the best interest of the civic and business community long-term," said Supervisor Dana Kauffman (D-Lee), who has been leading the charge for revitalization since he took office in 1996.

Several steps have been taken along the way to make Central Springfield more attractive to developers. In 1998, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors amended the county’s Zoning Ordinance to create five "revitalization districts" across the county. Under the jurisdiction of the county’s Housing and Community Development office, the districts offer loan programs, business assistance and zoning assistance to bring development to these areas, one of which is located in Central Springfield.

Residents of the Lee District also sat on a special task force designed to amend the Comprehensive Plan language in Springfield to allow development of a different nature than it currently called for. The Central Springfield Area Revitalization Council was also formed to encourage discussion about issues of development.

THE FIRST PHASE of the Interchange Project called for improvements to area roads, including Route 644-Franconia/Old Keene Mill and Commerce Street. The work on those roads caused some businesses to close up shop, but those that weathered the storm can see improvement.

" During the initial stages of the project, there may have been some concern, but it has moved along nicely, and it’s a lot better than it was two or three years ago," said Vincent Stubbs, director of sales for the Hilton Springfield.

Until recently, development arrived slowly. Streetscape improvements and the occasional restaurant were all that popped up. Recent interest from several developers has shown that Springfield may be in for something big.

" Obviously, the 'mixing bowl' project scared people off for a long time. What’s neat about it is we feel like we’re riding this building wave. There are only more good things that are going to happen for Springfield," said Keith Clark, president of the Waterford at Fair Oaks banquet hall. Earlier this year, Clark announced plans to build a second, larger facility on Commerce Street in Springfield, re-using an existing carpet and mattress superstore. That development will take place literally around the corner from another proposed development, a Marriott Residence Inn, to be built on a currently vacant piece of land on Old Keene Mill Road, previously occupied by a Houlihan’s restaurant.

" I think Springfield is in need of some new blood in the business community, and I believe these developments that are coming about will bring fresh ideas and new people. We can all certainly benefit from that," said Stubbs.
Marriott already operates two properties in Central Springfield, a Town Place Suites and a Courtyard by Marriott, but the relationship has been so beneficial, it is looking to add more.

" It’s competition, but I feel there’s enough business in Fairfax County to support … another hotel," said Stubbs.

The most ambitious and most uncertain piece of proposed development is an 8-acre "town center" development proposed by Vienna-based builder KSI Services, which has built similar mixed-use properties in Arlington and Reston. KSI, which will go before county planning staff in early 2006, includes in its plans 800 residences and extensive retail and office space on property it has consolidated around the intersection of Brandon and Bland streets.

" After years of planning and re-planning, we’re now starting to see, in rapid-fire succession, these plans turn into reality," said Kauffman.

THE FORTHCOMING Area Plans Review process, in which companies and private citizens have the chance to amend the county’s Comprehensive Plan, begins in earnest this fall, and could introduce even more development possibilities.

Another wild card in the development game is the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations, which proposes to send over 18,000 workers to nearby Fort Belvoir. Will developers see the increased number of potential residents as another incentive for development?

Kauffman for one said he won’t complain about an increased number of land-use cases crossing his desk.

" It beats the heck out of trying to find jobs for people," he said. "This means this is a successful community. People are starting to realize what it means to be sitting with every interstate but I-66 … and the (Fairfax County) Parkway, and Metro, that this is the center of not only a vibrant community today, but it can be even more in the future."

© 2003 Connection Newspapers