Tysons planning board backs 427-unit senior complex

Fairfax County planning commissioners voted on Oct. 21 to recommend approval for a three-tower senior living complex on a 5-acre site in Tysons. The development, named Corso Tysons, will replace the existing Shipgarten dining and entertainment complex at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Colshire Drive. The recommendation now moves to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 17.

The project includes 427 units for independent and assisted living, along with a memory-care facility. All units are designed to accommodate both independent and assisted living needs, allowing residents to remain in the same location as their care requirements change. The facility will also feature a theater, restaurants, retail outlets, a spa, and two pools open to the public.

Galerie Development is building the project after acquiring the site from Cityline Partners. The development will consist of two 14-story towers and one 17-story tower built in two phases. The total floor area is approximately 831,000 square feet, with a floor-area ratio of 3.81. This is lower than the 4.67 ratio in the original 2013 Scotts Run plan, which called for a mix of office and residential space. The site will also include about 2.5 acres of publicly accessible parkland.

Commissioners praised the architectural design, noting it differs from standard institutional facilities. Sully District Planning Commissioner Evelyn Spain described the French-infused exterior as stunning and said the design looks different from typical assisted living. Providence District Commissioner Jeremy Hancock called the architecture striking and noted the developers addressed the difficult site grade effectively. Chair Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner said the proposal marked a solid debut for Galerie Development in Fairfax County.

The absence of office space initially concerned some members due to the site's proximity to the McLean Metro station. However, all commissioners supported the plan. Braddock District Commissioner Mary Cortina noted the design would appeal to many people. She also asked whether the popular Shipgarten venue, which opened in summer 2022, would find a new location. Jill Parks, a land-use attorney with Ballard Spahr representing Galerie Development, said discussions were ongoing to relocate the venue.

As part of the development proffers, plans for intersection improvements at Chain Bridge Road and Colshire Drive will be expedited. The Oct. 21 meeting drew no public speakers for or against the proposal. The conceptual development plan amendment is set for a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 17.