The vacant mall that helped give us Wonder Woman 1984 is going away. But something a little more walkable is taking its place.
The Alexandria City Council has approved a $2 billion redevelopment of the former Landmark Mall site into a new commercial and residential hub in West End Alexandria. The development will also host an Inova medical campus, projected to create more than 2,000 healthcare jobs.
The plan aims to create what developer Foulger-Pratt describes as an “urban village.” That includes leaving space for a large central plaza lined by park space on one side and retail and restaurants on another. An outer ring of mixed income housing, in addition to the hospital, creates a natural customer base. A transit hub for the city’s proposed reimagined bus network will further bolster foot traffic.
“It’s too early to speculate about specific tenants other than Inova, but we’re committed to working with the city and Foulger-Pratt to deliver the vision of a transformational, mixed-use, central gathering place for the West End,” said Stephanie Landrum, president and CEO of Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, in a statement. “And to ultimately seeking out the tenants that bring that vision to life.”
A New Future for the West End
The West End, outside of the new development, is currently a highly residential Alexandria neighborhood. Residents at previous online information sessions have raised concerns about traffic the new site could bring.
But for the city government, the new site could spearhead a new era of economic activity in the neighborhood.
“Tonight’s vote by City Council helps cement the path forward for the Landmark site and the West End of Alexandria,” Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said in a press release. “This long-anticipated project will not only revitalize a currently vacant site many had given up on and provide significant new economic activity, but will also be a catalyst for redevelopment and enhancements throughout the West End of our city.”
Construction will begin in 2023, and new buildings could be completed as soon as 2025.
Feature image courtesy City of Alexandria
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