On August 30 and 31, 2022, representatives from Urban Land Institute (ULI) Virginia with subject matter expertise in community planning, land planning and site design, transportation planning, landscape architecture, and real estate development conducted a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) for Fairfax Circle’s southwest quadrant (the area bounded by Old Lee Highway, Fairfax Boulevard, and the Accotink Creek). As part of the process, the panelists reviewed briefing materials for the study area prepared by the City, conducted a site visit to the area, and interviewed various City stakeholders to gain a better understanding of relevant challenges, assets, and history. Following their background research and analysis, the panelists produced a conceptual land use plan and priorities for the study area, developing a vision that meets the goals of the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, identifies and overcomes barriers to redevelopment or reinvestment of the study area’s properties, and encourages coordination and partnerships between the study area’s property representatives and the City. The priority recommendations and “big ideas” – opportunities that may warrant exploration as residual benefits to the process – developed through the TAP are as follows:

• Select a design direction for the Fairfax Circle intersection
• Develop a Small Area Plan to set a long-term vision, generate reinvestment interest, give the community a stake in the vision, and give the City a tool for guiding redevelopment proposals
• Establish design standards for the public realm along the area’s major frontages
• Create roles for local sustainability champions, both on staff and from the community
• Implement interpretive exhibits on-site to highlight and educate the public around the sensitive environmental issues found in this site
• Incorporate public art that engages local artists and arts organizations, and program public events on the property

The panel’s work concluded with a presentation to the public on August 31, as well as a final report that further develops and elaborates upon the ideas shared in the presentation.

Project background materials and deliverables are linked below:

• ULI Virginia Southwest Fairfax Circle TAP Report
• ULI Virginia Southwest Fairfax Circle TAP Presentation
• ULI Virginia Southwest Fairfax Circle Briefing Book

For additional information about this project, please contact Lyndsey Clouatre at lyndsey.clouatre@fairfaxva.gov.