There may be changes to a planned redevelopment project in the Virginia Square area.
This is after the project developer sent a request to the County Board seeking to add 15 apartment units to the 7-story building that was approved last June by the Board.
Rendering of an approved development on N. Kirkwood Road in Virginia Square (via Arlington County)
The project, which is yet to begin major construction, will replace a State Farm insurance office and some other small commercial buildings near the corner of Washington Blvd and N. Kirkwood Road.
According to the developer, the additional apartments can be squeezed in by reconfiguring the courtyard and parking garage and making a few small changes to the building facade and rooftop area.
“While the height, building footprint, and massing remain unchanged, approximately 8,649 square feet of gross floor area (GFA) will be added as a result of a minor reduction of the internal courtyard and more efficient use of space previously allocated to parking and mechanical uses,” a county staff report says.
In exchange for the additional units, the developer has agreed to set aside four more units as committed affordable housing.
This plan has however received critics, notable residents of the townhouses across the street.
“Issues raised by members of the community, including the Bromptons at Clarendon Homeowners Association (HOA), include concerns around additional density, increased parking demand on local streets, reduction of on-site green space and the design of the corner façade,” said the staff report.
County staffers are recommending approval of the site plan amendment. The Board is expected to take up the request at its upcoming Saturday meeting.
Charity W. is a professional and skilled writer with a diploma in Mass Communication. When she is not glued to her computer screen, Charity spends her time reading, traveling, and watching movies. She is an expert on Arlington Virginia and keeps current with local events and occurrences.
