Lake Anne, Crescent Ready For Next Steps in Early 2015

Now that comprehensive plan changes for Lake Anne-area revitalization have been approved, the real work can begin on transforming Crescent Apartments and the surrounding areas.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week approved changes that mostly tweaked densities and added continuity to the six separate land bays that comprise the Lake Anne revitalization area.

That sets the stage for the next round of county discussions and approvals to begin in early January.

Lake Anne Development Partners, which was chosen by the county in the summer of 2013 to redevelop the area, has shown concept designs of a wide entry boulevard, mixed-use housing and enhanced retail.

LADP’s plan concept calls for up to 1,535 dwelling units and up to 135,000 square feet of non-residential use under full consolidation.

Crescent Apartments is a county-owned affordable apartment complex. The plans call for replacement of all 181 affordable units on the 16-acre property, as well as adding additional affordable units and market rate units, including an active seniors community.

The interior of Lake Anne Plaza is under historic designation and will not be altered. However, Lake Anne merchants and Republic Development (LADP’s parent company) President and CEO David Peter have said they hoped added density and additional retail nearby will bring new life to the plaza.

Staff reports on the Lake Anne plans are scheduled to be released in late December. The Reston Association Design Review Board approved LADP’s concept in October.

The county planning commission will discuss the Lake Anne plans on Jan. 8 at 8:15 pm. If recommended for approval, the plan will go to the Board of Supervisors for a Jan. 27 public hearing.

Peter said the entire project should take at least 10 years to complete.