Planning Commission approves e-Loft project for 5600 Columbia Pike

A rendering of the e-Lofts building at the corner of Columbia Pike and Carlin Springs Road.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission on Nov. 17 endorsed a rezoning proposal to convert a vacant office building at 5600 Columbia Pike into an innovative mixed-use concept, where tenants could choose whether to live, work, or do both in their unit.

The e-Loft project, proposed by Novus Property Holdings LLC, goes to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing Dec. 6.

5600 Columbia Pike in February 2014.

The building would have 157 flexible units ranging from 450 to a little over 1,000 square feet, said attorney Scott Adams of McGuire Woods, representing Novus Residences. Each unit would have a large open space with a kitchen at one end, a bathroom, and an additional room that could be used as a bedroom or office space.

Novus estimate about a half of the units would be residential and half would be used for offices, but the mix could change down the road depending on market conditions.

The company recently completed another, larger e-Loft project in Alexandria near Route 7 and Beauregard Street. The first tenant moved in Nov. 16.

The Bailey’s Crossroads project would include an improved streetscape along Columbia Pike, including a wider sidewalk, bike lane, and bus shelter. Most of the existing surface parking lot would be converted to a public park with an “eco-walk,” gathering spaces, and bio-retention facilities to manage storm water.

Three of the four access points on Carlin Springs Road would be eliminated. The existing parking deck would be retained. There would be 519 parking spaces, which Adams said is more than enough to accommodate the needs of tenants and employees.

Adams described the project’s benefits:

• As the first project of its type in Fairfax County, e-Lofts “will have a transformative effect on site and will create a gateway presence for Bailey’s Crossroads.” 
• It offers a solution for dealing with the use of vacant office buildings. The office vacancy rate is 20 percent in Fairfax County and much higher in Mason District.  
• It will “create a vibrant community,” and by attracting entrepreneurs, it will promote economic success. 
• The building will generate $475,000 a year in increased tax revenues when fully occupied.
• It supports sustainability by re-using an existing building. 
• Small-business owners will save money on rent by being able to live and work in the same place. 

Just one local resident spoke at the public hearing. Laura Koschny said she was concerned about the prospect of e-Lofts tenants parking on her street, Robinwood Lane, but likes the concept, especially the idea of bringing panache to Bailey’s Crossroads and the expectation that most tenants would be childless adults. That’s important because the closest school, Glen Forest Elementary, is overcrowded.

The proposal includes $85,000 in proffers for Fairfax County Public Schools. If the building becomes 100 percent residential in the future, the property would have to be rezoned with a new look at additional proffers.