Almost a year ago, Manassas City approved the construction of a new apartment complex in the heart of Downtown Manassas. But to date, there has been no sign of development on the site.
Manassas Station, the proposed four-story apartment complex, promised to include 85 one-bedroom units and 55 two-bedroom units. Christopher Companies., the project developer, purchased the property last July. The apartment complex would replace the ABC Photo Processing Center on Prince William Street.
For more than 40 years, Christopher Companies has developed commercial and residential projects in Virginia and Delaware. Recently, the developer oversaw the construction of the Historic Courts of Manassas. That community is in foreclosure because of funding issues.
A Christopher Companies representative did not reply to a request for comment on this story.
In addition to the apartment complex, Christopher Companies promised to make about $180,000 in improvements in parking and public safety in Old Town. The developer also agreed to give more than $650,000 to the city’s public school system to offset the costs of educating students moving into the complex.
Manassas City economic development director Patrick Small has been in contact with Christopher Companies to find out why there has been no site development.
“[Christopher Companies] has not broken ground yet,” Small said. “They are working on financing, but they do plan to proceed [with the project].”
The city’s planning commission originally denied the project twice because of its proximity to the historic homes on Fairview Avenue. Eventually, the commission conceded and approved the construction because it aligned with the city’s zoning plans.
Manassas City residents are divided on the new construction. Supporters felt that the new apartments represented progress in the historic downtown area. But critics feel that the city is progressing too fast and fear it will lose its historic authenticity.
