Courthouse Plaza
Courthouse Plaza (10300 Willard Way and 3922 Blenheim Boulevard) is a shopping center redevelopment project in the CR Commercial Retail/Old Town Fairfax Transition Overlay District, proposed by Combined Courthouse, LLC. 18 separate matters touch this project; each has its own status.
Official city record
Private Development
The applicant proposes a rezoning from CR Commercial Retail and CG Commercial General to PD-M Planned Development Mixed Use. The proposal would include phased development of the shopping center with 12,500 square feet of ground-floor retail and 315 multi-family residential units in Phase 1 and 50,000 square feet of retail and 315 multi-family residential units proposed with Phase 2. The subject site is located within the Activity Center Place Type as designated in the Comprehensive Plan and is subject to the Old Town Fairfax Small Area Plan.
The City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan is the city's primary long-range land use and policy document, guiding development, housing, transportation, and related decisions. A five-year review process culminated on October 8, 2024, when City Council unanimously adopted Resolution R-24-30 approving the updated plan dated September 27, 2024.
- Staff Report
Staff noted that a post-application work session on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment proposal is scheduled for an upcoming Planning Commission meeting.
Willard-Sherwood Community Center
The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center is a joint City of Fairfax and Fairfax County redevelopment project at 3740 and 3750 Blenheim Boulevard, replacing existing facilities with a new health, wellness, and recreation center featuring an underground parking garage, rooftop amenity space, fenced outdoor playgrounds, and a bridge connection to the existing Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center.
- Staff Report
City Council was scheduled to take action on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment proposal at its October 28, 2025 meeting.
- May 11, 2026Planning Commission · item 10Staff Report
A post-application work session on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was reported as a forthcoming June Planning Commission agenda item.
Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements
The Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project (UPC-107013) is a city transportation corridor upgrade adding walking and biking infrastructure, benches, and an amphitheater, running from Blenheim Hall Drive to Ridge Avenue. The project has been in planning and design for several years, with construction expected to begin in 2025 per early-year projections; utility relocation was underway as of March 2026, with construction start revised to later in 2026 or early 2027.
- May 11, 2026Planning Commission · item 10Staff Report
A post-application work session on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was reported as a forthcoming June Planning Commission agenda item.
Gallery at City Center
Gallery at City Center is a proposed mixed-use redevelopment by Christopher Land, LLC at 4085, 4101, 4103, and 4117 Chain Bridge Road (a 3.86 +/- acre site in Old Town, between University Drive and Chain Bridge Road). The project proposes replacing approximately 119,934 square feet of existing office space with a mix of office, retail/restaurant, and apartments across three buildings, with subterranean/structured parking.
- May 11, 2026Planning Commission · item 10Staff Report
A post-application work session on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was reported as a forthcoming June Planning Commission agenda item.
Willard Sherwood
The Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center (WSHCC) is a City of Fairfax project to construct a new health and community center, intended in part to replace the aging Green Acres facility for senior services. As of April 2025, the project's future was uncertain due to staffing and building security concerns, with a full City Council presentation scheduled for April 22, 2025, and all city trails work paused in the interim.
- Feb 12, 2026Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 5dStakeholder Update – Planning Commission
Two proposed developments at Courthouse Plaza were reviewed at the most recent Planning Commission meeting.
George Snyder Trail
The George Snyder Trail was a planned off-street shared-use path project (VDOT UPC 112816) intended to improve multimodal connectivity along Fairfax Boulevard in the City of Fairfax. The project drew sustained and significant public opposition throughout its consideration.
- Staff Report
Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was discussed at the February 25, 2025 City Council work session; Chair Feather also noted he provided comments on the project at the Board of Architectural Review meeting.
- Staff Report
City Council was scheduled to take action on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment proposal at its October 28, 2025 meeting.
The City of Fairfax's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) 5-Year Update is a long-term planning document required by Virginia state code to be updated every five years, covering a twenty-year planning horizon. The plan was last updated in 2021 and the update process was underway as of mid-2025, with a public meeting held on November 20, 2025, at Katherine Johnson Middle School Library and a community survey open through the end of 2025.
- Staff Report
City Council was scheduled to take action on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment proposal at its October 28, 2025 meeting.
The Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan is one of four Activity Center Small Area Plans developed by the City of Fairfax. Planning began in Spring 2023.
- Staff Report
City Council was scheduled to take action on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment proposal at its October 28, 2025 meeting.
Urban Forest Master Plan
The Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is the City of Fairfax's first comprehensive, 20-year roadmap for stewardship of its urban forest. Development began in May 2024 and proceeded through two Steering Committee meetings, two public open houses (July and October 2024, with a third in October 2025), stakeholder interviews, a public survey, and ongoing presentations to the Planning Commission, PRAB, Environmental Sustainability Committee, and City Council.
- Staff Report.
A City Council work session on the proposed redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza was noted for September 24, 2024; Chair Feather shared concerns with the mayor and council about the minimal commercial space proposed on the ground floor.
- Staff Report
City Council deferred the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment decision to October 28, 2025, as reported in the staff update.
Chick-fil-A applied for a special use permit, special exceptions, and a certificate of appropriateness to modify its existing drive-through and building at 9509 Fairfax Boulevard (SU-24-00078/SE-24-00079). The proposed project includes a building addition, dual drive-through lanes, and widening of the pick-up window lane.
- Staff Report
City Council deferred the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment decision to October 28, 2025, as reported in the staff update.
Jermantown Road Corridor Improvements
The Jermantown Road Corridor Improvements is an active City of Fairfax capital infrastructure project focused on transportation improvements along the Jermantown Road corridor. The project first came to Council attention in March 2025, when Councilmember Hall requested that information on Jermantown Road CIP improvements be brought to a future council meeting.
- Staff Report
City Council deferred the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment decision to October 28, 2025, as reported in the staff update.
Davies Property
The Davies Property project is a mixed-use redevelopment of 4131 Chain Bridge Road (2.69 acres) in Fairfax City, proposed by The Hill, A Davies Family, LLC. The application sought to rezone the site from RM (Residential Medium) to CU (Commercial Urban), retaining the Old Town Fairfax Transition Overlay District (TOD overlay), with a General Development Plan for a building of up to 276 multifamily apartments, approximately 10,796 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space (retail and office), and a 3-level below-grade parking garage.
- Staff Report.
A City Council work session on the proposed redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza was noted for September 24, 2024; Chair Feather shared concerns with the mayor and council about the minimal commercial space proposed on the ground floor.
- May 12, 2025Planning Commission · item 10Staff Report
Chair Feather reported attending the Board of Architectural Review meeting and providing comments on the Courthouse Plaza project.
- Jul 14, 2025Planning Commission · item 9Staff Report
A public hearing on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment proposal was noted as scheduled for the upcoming July 22, 2025 City Council meeting.
Pickett Road Connector Trail
The Pickett Road Connector Trail is a City of Fairfax trail project with approximately $6.5 million in allocated funding, intended to improve transportation safety and connectivity in the Pickett Road corridor. The project drew public opposition from its earliest appearance before the Council in January 2025.
- Jul 14, 2025Planning Commission · item 9Staff Report
A public hearing on the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment proposal was noted as scheduled for the upcoming July 22, 2025 City Council meeting.
INOVA site demolition
The INOVA site demolition project involves the removal of an unused portion of the INOVA site within the city. The project has been noted as actively moving forward on at least two occasions in 2025 — first at the March 24, 2025 Planning Commission meeting and again at the May 12, 2025 Planning Commission meeting — suggesting steady progress.
- Staff Report
Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was discussed at the February 25, 2025 City Council work session; Chair Feather also noted he provided comments on the project at the Board of Architectural Review meeting.
- May 12, 2025Planning Commission · item 10Staff Report
Chair Feather reported attending the Board of Architectural Review meeting and providing comments on the Courthouse Plaza project.
The Fire Station #3 Feasibility Study is an ongoing city project examining the future of the Fire Station #3 site. On April 22, 2025, City Council held a work session during which staff provided an update on the feasibility study; no formal action was taken at that meeting.
- May 12, 2025Planning Commission · item 10Staff Report
Chair Feather reported attending the Board of Architectural Review meeting and providing comments on the Courthouse Plaza project.
The Warwick Ave/Fairfax Blvd/McLean Ave Intersection Improvements project involves the reconfiguration of an existing six-legged intersection into a four-legged intersection, along with signal reconstruction and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure upgrades. At its April 22, 2025 Regular Meeting, the City Council pulled the contract award item from the consent agenda for discussion before approving it unanimously (6-0), authorizing the purchasing agent to award a construction contract to Sagres Construction Corporation in the estimated amount of $4,117,611.
- May 12, 2025Planning Commission · item 10Staff Report
Chair Feather reported attending the Board of Architectural Review meeting and providing comments on the Courthouse Plaza project.
Highlands at Mantua
Highlands at Mantua is a redevelopment proposal by RJL Associates, Inc. to replace approximately 21,566 sq ft of existing office space with 14 front-loaded townhomes on a 2.12-acre site at 9495 Silver King Court. The project drew early public opposition from the neighboring Pickett's Reserve HOA, which raised concerns about lot size, building heights, buffers, and tree removal at the February 10, 2025 Planning Commission meeting.
- Staff Report.
A City Council work session on the proposed redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza was noted for September 24, 2024; Chair Feather shared concerns with the mayor and council about the minimal commercial space proposed on the ground floor.
- Staff Report
Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was discussed at the February 25, 2025 City Council work session; Chair Feather also noted he provided comments on the project at the Board of Architectural Review meeting.
Five Chimneys proposal
- Staff Report
Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was discussed at the February 25, 2025 City Council work session; Chair Feather also noted he provided comments on the project at the Board of Architectural Review meeting.
- Work session: Discussion on request by Combined Courthouse, LLC, 10300 Willard Way (Courthouse Plaza), for 8 Special Exceptions for a mixed-use development
Council discussed the request by Combined Courthouse, LLC for 8 Special Exceptions for a mixed-use development in the CR Commercial Retail district and Old Town Fairfax Transition Overlay District during a work session; no formal action was taken at this meeting.
- Work Session – Discussion on redevelopment of 10300 Willard Way by Combined Courthouse, LLC
Combined Courthouse, LLC presented a redevelopment proposal for 10300 Willard Way during the work session. No formal council action was taken.
- Public hearing and Council action – Combined Courthouse, LLC special exceptions at 10300 Willard Way
Council deferred action on the nine special exceptions request for a 315-unit mixed-use building at 10300 Willard Way to October 28, 2025, on a 5-1 vote.
deferredDefer Council consideration and action on items associated with agenda item 7b to a date certain of October 28, 2025.✓ Amos✓ Bates✕ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ Peterson - Presentations by the public on any matter not calling for a public hearing
A member of the public raised concerns about the Courthouse Plaza development during the public comment period. City Council deferred its decision on the Courthouse Plaza development to October 28, 2025, as reported by staff.
- Consideration of request from Combined Courthouse, LLC for nine special exceptions at 10300 Willard Way
Council denied all nine special exceptions and the Certificate of Appropriateness (both 4-2, Bates and Hardy-Chandler opposed). The proposal for a 315-unit multifamily/12,000 sq ft retail building was found inconsistent with the zoning ordinance, comprehensive plan, and City design guidelines.
failedAdopt resolution to approve nine special exceptions requested by Combined Courthouse, LLC at 10300 Willard Way.✕ Amos✓ Bates✕ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✕ McQuillen✕ PetersonpassedAdopt resolution to deny nine special exceptions requested by Combined Courthouse, LLC at 10300 Willard Way on the basis that the proposal is not consistent with the purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan.✓ Amos✕ Bates✓ Hall✕ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ PetersonpassedDeny the request of Combined Courthouse, LLC for a Certificate of Appropriateness at 10300 Willard Way (tax map #57-2-20-004-d) on the basis that the proposal is not consistent with City Code/design guidelines and does not exhibit acceptable architectural elements.✓ Amos✕ Bates✓ Hall✕ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ Peterson - Staff Report
City Council denied the request for the Courthouse Plaza redevelopment at its October 28, 2025 meeting by a vote of 4:2.
- Jan 12, 2026Planning Commission · item 5cReview of Planning Commission Bylaws
Courthouse Plaza was cited by Commissioner Cunningham as an example of a major redevelopment with private streets from which the Planning Commission had been excluded from review, illustrating the broader issue of the commission's role in such projects.
passedAdoption of Planning Commission bylaws as provided in Attachment 1 of the staff memorandum dated January 12, 2026. - Pre-application briefing for a potential redevelopment of the Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center at 10300 Willard Way and 3922 Blenheim Boulevard
A pre-application briefing was presented to the Planning Commission for a potential redevelopment of the Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center; no formal action was taken.
- Work Session: Pre-Application Briefing – Redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center at 10300 Willard Way
A pre-application briefing was presented to Council for a two-phase mixed-use redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza. Phase 1 proposes a 6-story mixed-use building; Phase 2 proposes a new street network and reorientation of the grocery anchor. The proposal would require rezoning from CR to PD-M, a Master Development Plan, and multiple Special Exceptions. No action was taken.
- Mar 9, 2026Planning Commission · item 4aPresentation from students at Katherine Johnson Middle School on ideas for development at Northfax and Courthouse Plaza
Students presented two redesign concepts for Courthouse Plaza, addressing stormwater, pedestrian safety, local economy, and environmental concerns.
- May 4, 2026School Board · item 2.03KJMS Student City Redevelopment Presentation
[2.03] KJMS students presented redevelopment ideas for the Courthouse Plaza area as part of their City of Fairfax redevelopment presentation.
- Work session – Redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza at 10300 Willard Way and 3922 Blenheim Boulevard
A work session on the redevelopment of the Courthouse Plaza property was scheduled, with supporting materials including a Master Development Plan, Traffic Impact Analysis, Transportation Demand Management plan, and additional attachments.
- Jul 9, 2026Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 4Stakeholder Updates
The Courthouse Plaza redevelopment was discussed at the most recent Planning Commission meeting.
- Discussion of a request by Combined Courthouse LLC for the redevelopment of 10300 Willard Way and 3922 Blenheim Boulevard
The Combined Courthouse LLC redevelopment at Courthouse Plaza was discussed in a post-submission work session; public comment during the initial comment period also referenced this proposal.
- Oct 26, 2026Planning Commission · item 5aCourthouse Plaza – Public Hearing (10300 Willard Way and 3922 Blenheim Boulevard)
A public hearing was scheduled for the phased redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center, proposing two upper-story residential mixed-use buildings with first-floor retail, structured parking, expanded open space, and an expanded street network on approximately 10.34 acres across two phases.
In full
The project has proceeded through two distinct application cycles. In the first cycle, the applicant sought 8–9 special exceptions for a 315-unit mixed-use building with approximately 12,000 sq ft of retail; after work sessions in September 2024 and February 2025, City Council held a public hearing on July 22, 2025, deferred action 5-1 to October 28, 2025, and ultimately denied all nine special exceptions and the Certificate of Appropriateness on 4-2 votes on October 28, 2025, finding the proposal inconsistent with the zoning ordinance, comprehensive plan, and City design guidelines. Following that denial, the applicant returned with a revised two-phase redevelopment concept: Phase 1 proposes a 6-story mixed-use building; Phase 2 proposes a new street network and reorientation of the grocery anchor, requiring rezoning from CR to PD-M, a Master Development Plan, and multiple special exceptions across approximately 10.34 acres.
Pre-application briefings were held at the Planning Commission (February 9, 2026) and City Council (February 24, 2026), followed by a post-submission work session at the Planning Commission (June 22, 2026) and City Council (July 28, 2026), a Board of Architectural Review public hearing in mid-September 2026 that yielded a unanimous recommendation for approval of the architecture, and a Planning Commission public hearing scheduled for October 26, 2026. City Council consideration is anticipated for December 2026.