The 1368 Beverly Road Redevelopment Project is located at the intersection of Beverly Road and Elm Street and will feature a modern, seven-story building with 56 residential units and a street-activating public plaza
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a distinct redevelopment project in McLean during its meeting on March 17. It is a modern seven-story residential building in the heart of the McLean Community Business Center that will serve as a catalyst for the downtown area.
The 1368 Beverly Road Redevelopment Project is located at the intersection of Beverly Road and Elm Street and will feature 56 residential units, at least seven workforce dwelling units and a street-activating public plaza.
Supervisor Jimmy N. Bierman (D-Dranesville) emphasized during the meeting the site’s significance by noting its location on a map relative to local landmarks, including the McLean Project for the Arts and the Mars headquarters.
“This is the center of the central center zone of the Community Business Center," Bierman said. "So we’re very happy to see this come in.”
What sets this project apart from a typical infill redevelopment is its catalytic effect. While first-floor retail was not part of the original plan, Bierman noted the developers were accommodating to ensure "street activation" so the community could benefit from the increased foot traffic.
As for the building’s design, Bierman said, “In a twist for local redevelopment, the community push was for a more modern aesthetic rather than a traditional one. At the community meeting, some folks actually asked if the design was modern enough — they wanted it to be even more modern.”
A distinctive feature of the project is its role as a new public gathering spot at the heart of McLean — combining the plaza and retail with 56 units on a highly visible corner. Parking is mostly underground, and the new public plaza/open space is at the Beverly/Elm corner.
The project aligns with the McLean Community Business Center's vision for a more walkable, mixed-use core with active ground floors and improved streetscapes. Street trees will be planted along the property’s Elm Street and Beverly Road frontages. The applicant has proffered to provide a six-foot wide landscaping zone, eight-foot sidewalk, and four-foot building zone, as called for in the McLean Design Guidelines.
To address housing accessibility, the developer proffered at least seven workforce dwelling units (WDUs). These income-restricted homes are reserved for moderate-income workers who are often priced out of market-rate rents in McLean.