The City of Falls Church has taken initial steps to enter a public-private partnership with EYA, PN Hoffman, and Regency Centers to develop a portion of school property to defray the costs of a new high school. The City Council approved an interim agreement at their meeting on Monday night. The proposed development, on 10.3 acres at the current George Mason High School campus, is expected to feature retail, office space, residences, a hotel, and civic spaces. The plan also includes The Little City Commons, an active and vibrant public space at the center of the development. A community meeting will be set by the City and , and Regency Centers for December. Download the redacted proposal on the City’s project website, www.fallschurchva.gov/WFC.

"Over the past four years, the City held dozens of public meetings to develop a vision for the 10 acre West Falls Church site as a vibrant commercial district that will generate revenue to help us pay for our new high school," said Mayor David Tarter. "After a thorough and exhaustive selection process, I am confident that the team of EYA, PN Hoffman, and Regency will be an outstanding partner to work with the City over the coming years to achieve that vision."

After a competitive process the began last March, an Evaluation Committee recommended the EYA, PN Hoffman, and Regency Centers Team to the City Council as the top-ranked developer. The City Council concurred with this recommendation with its action tonight. The interim agreement establishes a six month process timeline for approval of the Comprehensive Agreement, Special Exception Entitlement, and the first payment for the land.

Elements of the proposal include:

• The project will serve as a gateway to the City, instilling a sense of place through the use of high quality urban design, including a thoughtful interface with the adjacent schools
• Environmental Sustainability with LEED ND at the neighborhood level, LEED Gold for the office component, and LEED Gold for the multifamily rental component
• Pedestrian-oriented streets and easy pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile access to the site
• Parking garages with spaces offices, apartment and condominium residents, and hotel and retail visitors, and special event parking for schools
• Approximately 150-200 units of senior housing to allow residents to age in place within the City
• Approximately 390,000 square feet of Class A commercial office space
• Approximately 245 units of for sale condominiums and approximately 288 units of multi-family apartments
• Approximately 40 affordable housing units
• Nearly an acre open space referred to as the Little City Commons to serve as a gathering place and venue for community events
• Approximately 126,400 square feet of retail
• Approximately 20,000 square feet for a possible music venue or other civic space
• a high quality hotel with conference space.

Continued in the Official News Release...