We are excited to share with you a comprehensive overview of the recent Richmond Highway Corridor Placemaking report, developed in collaboration with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington. This detailed study, conducted in early 2024, provides a visionary roadmap for the future development and enhancement of the Richmond Highway Corridor in Fairfax County, Virginia. Below, we will introduce the key aspects of the report, but we encourage you to delve into the full document for an in-depth understanding of the recommendations and strategies outlined.
Executive Summary
The Richmond Highway Corridor is on the cusp of significant redevelopment, poised to transform from older commercial properties into vibrant, mixed-use, walkable areas as envisioned in the Embark Comprehensive Plan. With the impending introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system by 2031, alongside road widening and streetscape projects, the area is presented with numerous opportunities and challenges. The corridor boasts rich historical assets like George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Gum Springs Community, and it is home to diverse, multicultural neighborhoods.
However, the ongoing and planned transportation projects bring disruptions that need to be managed carefully to ensure the prosperity of existing businesses and residents. The SFDC, along with Fairfax County Planning and Development, sought expert advice from ULI Washington’s Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) to address these challenges and capitalize on the corridor’s potential.
Key Recommendations
The report emphasizes the importance of involving the community in the placemaking process to ensure the corridor’s development reflects the needs and aspirations of its residents. Here are some of the primary recommendations:
- Managing BRT Construction Impacts: Proactively mitigating construction impacts on businesses and residents by maintaining access, enhancing visibility, and providing clear communication about ongoing and upcoming changes.
- Guiding Placemaking at New Developments: Prioritizing small-scale, programmed spaces that offer shade, seating, and lighting to create pedestrian-friendly environments. Integrating art and cultural elements to enhance the corridor’s identity and attract visitors.
- Site Selection Criteria: Focusing on sites with historical significance, accessibility, strong marketing potential, and strategic ownership for implementing placemaking interventions.
- Community Engagement: Conducting extensive stakeholder engagement to gather input from various community members, ensuring the placemaking initiatives reflect the diverse interests of the population.
Visualizing Placemaking Interventions
The TAP identified several potential sites for placemaking interventions within the study area. Some notable recommendations include:
- Gum Springs Gateway & Wetlands: Enhancing this historic African-American community with public art and placemaking initiatives that celebrate its rich history.
- VDOT-Acquired Site (Former 7-Eleven): Utilizing this site for temporary and permanent public green spaces, providing much-needed recreational areas for nearby residential communities.
- Original Mount Vernon High School: Activating the grounds of this historic site with cultural festivals and community events, leveraging its ongoing renovation and reuse.
- Bridges/Stream Valleys: Implementing public art and temporary programming at these sites to highlight the natural assets and create engaging public spaces.
Moving Forward
The Richmond Highway Corridor Placemaking report is a testament to the collaborative effort required to envision and realize a vibrant, inclusive future for the corridor. It underscores the importance of proactive planning, community involvement, and strategic implementation to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by upcoming developments.
We invite you to read the full Richmond Highway Corridor Placemaking Report for a detailed understanding of the proposed strategies and to join us in shaping a thriving future for the Richmond Highway Corridor.