Is FCC going to become the next Clarendon?

[Anonymous]

I've lived in both Clarendon and FCC and much prefer FCC. I don't think it will be "the next Clarendon", but that's a good thing in my opinion. Yes, there is a lot of redevelopment happening, but even with everything that is proposed, nowhere near the density of the R-B corridor.

The by-right land uses are pretty limited in Falls Church, so in order for a residential development project of any meaningful size to move forward it has to go through the Special Exception process. The Founders Row Phase II project proposal didn't exactly get a warm reception from City Council last week since it's kind of a run-of-the mill apartment complex with a very small amount of ground-floor retail. They don't seem to have much appetite for unchecked density/development without other meaningful community benefits. The West End project, Broad & Washington, and One City Center projects are much better locations to have that kind of density, sort of bookending the commercial corridor. Founders Row I is kind of an exception since the city really wanted that movie theater, that might not happen now.

I can't really imagine a Don Tito or Whitlow's scene in FCC. I don't think you'll see a Cheesecake Factory or Pottery Barn pop up along Broad Street. I do think it's going to be a challenge to keep all of the new retail space filled and that it will be tough for 6 grocery stores to be successful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The next Clarendon is ballston- but Arlington learned from the Clarendon experience to make ballston better.
Ballston is way better design than Clarendon.

Ballston is awful with all of those tall sky scraper apartment buildings. I can’t stand walking over there. Even the side streets are huge buildings that don’t let in the sun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The next Clarendon is ballston- but Arlington learned from the Clarendon experience to make ballston better.
Ballston is way better design than Clarendon.

Ballston is awful with all of those tall sky scraper apartment buildings. I can’t stand walking over there. Even the side streets are huge buildings that don’t let in the sun.

I feel like Ballston has been trying to be the next Clarendon for the past 15 years and it's just not happening, not even with the redevelopment of the mall. Stuff just can't stay open in Ballston, there's SO MUCH turnover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCC is full of empty storefronts yet they keep building more. It’s mystifying.

An empty strip mall storefront that used to be a small business or family-operated restaurant is very different than what will go into a shiny new building storefront. Do we need another OrangeTheory or Madewell? I'll miss Rare Bird Coffee, personally.

Oh NO - is one of these new developments slated for the Rare Bird strip? We love that place, it is what keeps us in FCC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've lived in both Clarendon and FCC and much prefer FCC. I don't think it will be "the next Clarendon", but that's a good thing in my opinion. Yes, there is a lot of redevelopment happening, but even with everything that is proposed, nowhere near the density of the R-B corridor.

The by-right land uses are pretty limited in Falls Church, so in order for a residential development project of any meaningful size to move forward it has to go through the Special Exception process. The Founders Row Phase II project proposal didn't exactly get a warm reception from City Council last week since it's kind of a run-of-the mill apartment complex with a very small amount of ground-floor retail. They don't seem to have much appetite for unchecked density/development without other meaningful community benefits. The West End project, Broad & Washington, and One City Center projects are much better locations to have that kind of density, sort of bookending the commercial corridor. Founders Row I is kind of an exception since the city really wanted that movie theater, that might not happen now.

I can't really imagine a Don Tito or Whitlow's scene in FCC. I don't think you'll see a Cheesecake Factory or Pottery Barn pop up along Broad Street. I do think it's going to be a challenge to keep all of the new retail space filled and that it will be tough for 6 grocery stores to be successful.

Whitlows is gone. As is the GOAT. Once Don Tito is gone I will be content

[Anonymous]

Pretty sure Rare Bird is expanding into the STEM space next door.

That said, I can walk to 8 bars and even more restaurants right now from my townhouse. I certainly don't think FCC is done.

Clarendon is definitely for young 20s. When I last went out there in my low 30s I though the scene was way too young.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCC is full of empty storefronts yet they keep building more. It’s mystifying.

+1

Companies don’t want to get stuck in a long term lease in a crappy rundown building when premier retail space in more vibrant areas will become available in the next three years. Bigger retailers from more established chains will move in as anchor tenants for these new mixed use buildings. All but the most established 80s strip malls will probably be torn down. The higher rent will push out more mom and pop shops operating on thin margins. Not surprisingly a concerted effort is being made to limit the number of families with kids that stay and new residents who will dilute the electoral power and interests of current residents. New constructions with 55+ age restrictions, small unit sizes, no new condo developments, and a heavy retail to apartment mix. The transient people in apartments where annual rent jumps are less likely to stick around or be engaged in FCC local politics. This will shield the folks who own in FCC to some extent and allow FCC to keep its “little city vibe” longer I suppose...

[Anonymous]

Yeah prolly

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Clarendon has much more and more developed commercial space.

Also much closer to DC

[Anonymous]

Honestly, this is smart because FCC needs schools funded and the easiest way is to get people WITHOUT KIDS to move in, pay taxes, etc. It's smart from a fiscal standpoint.

[Anonymous]

Actually, most recent and future planned condos constructed are not limited to seniors. It looks like there are currently 886 total built condo units in FCC:
Winter Hill 1948 (200 units)
Falls Plaza 1962 (72 units)
Park Towers 1962 (97 units)
Madison 1964 (100 units)
Covenant Gardens 1965 (25 units)
Old Church Mew 1979-82 (15 units)
Broadway 2004-05 (80 units)
Byron 2006 (98 units)
Spectrum 2008 (189 units)

Age-restricted 55+
Railroad Cottage 2018 (10 units)

Upcoming Condo Construction
Founders Row Phases 1/2 2021-2023 (322 units with only 72 restricted to 55+)
West Falls Church 2023 -202?? (Potentially ~ 245 but reports of between 197-302 units not currently age restricted with a separate senior living component).

[Anonymous]

I like FCC but some of the places on Broad Street (used bookstore, "we buy gold", that scary hotel, the old florist place by the barber shop)...some developer needs to buy that stuff up!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The next Clarendon is ballston- but Arlington learned from the Clarendon experience to make ballston better.
Ballston is way better design than Clarendon.

Ballston is awful. How is it better than Clarendon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like FCC but some of the places on Broad Street (used bookstore, "we buy gold", that scary hotel, the old florist place by the barber shop)...some developer needs to buy that stuff up!!

OMGGGGGEEEEEE every time we walk past The Scary Motel we wonder how much they're waiting on, from a developer. It'll be big bucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like FCC but some of the places on Broad Street (used bookstore, "we buy gold", that scary hotel, the old florist place by the barber shop)...some developer needs to buy that stuff up!!

OMGGGGGEEEEEE every time we walk past The Scary Motel we wonder how much they're waiting on, from a developer. It'll be big bucks.

Stratford motel is already in the hands of a developer, proposal for redevelopment likely coming this year.