STAFFORD — The Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, August 14 to discuss the idea of a “Downtown Stafford.”
Such a development centered around the county’s iconic courthouse could provide an identity for the Stafford community. It’s location would be across the street from the courthouse and across from the County Government Center.
Stafford currently has limited locations for restaurants and retail stores. Downtown Stafford has the potential to create a vibrant downtown.
“I’ve talked to people in Loudoun County and other areas in Northern Virginia and they have told me that the reason they live up there is because there’s nothing like what they have in Stafford,” Supervisor Cindy Shelton said.
The county has yet to see a true mixed-use center with both residential and retail space. Aquia Town Center in North Stafford has more than 400 apartment but no new businesses or restaurants.
The Garrison at Stafford on Garrisonville Road, which more than two years ago was billed as the county’s first would-be true mixed-use center with residential and commercial space, anchored by a new movie theater and grocery store has yet to launch.
“We fear more apartments here in Stafford,” Garrisonville Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer said, noting they are a financial drain on county resources. “There were 350 emergency calls to 400 apartments at the Aquia Town Center.”
At the envisioned Downtown Stafford, the plan is to put retail stores and restaurants on the first floor and build three or four stories of apartments above each building.
There is no exact number of how many buildings will be constructed but the county does own 25 acres of property to build the buildings.
The Board’s wishlist for Downtown Stafford includes
• Walkability
• Open public space
• A small “green” area
• A main-street layout for a shopping center
• Close housing
• A moderately-sized parking lot
“We need a hook,” Supervisor Gary Snellings said. “I live in south Stafford, if I want to go out to eat I’m not gonna drive all the way up to Downtown Stafford, I’m going to go down to Fredericksburg where there are 200 restaurants. If I want a t-shirt, I’m going to go to Macy’s or Belk at the [Spotsylvania Towne Center]. We need that hook like an ice skating rink or a cultural center.”
During the initial phase of construction, there will be 330 housing units, 92,000 ground square feet for retail, 38,000 ground square feet of office space, and 35,000 ground square feet for entertainment. There will also be 1,210 parking spaces.
During the second phase of construction, the county plans to approve 25-80 housing units, up to 25,000 ground square feet of office and retail space. 50,000 ground square feet will be added for civic purposes.
County officials say this project needs to be different from the rest.
“If this is just a development, there’s no point to this,” County Administrator Tom Foley said. “This has to be different than a development.”
There are also plans to add a movie theater and bowling alley in the envisioned downtown plan.
Recent Stories
STAFFORD, Va. — The average homeowner in Stafford County will pay $130 more in property taxes starting July 1, 2025, after the Board of Supervisors approved a three-percent increase to the real estate tax rate—the county’s central funding source for local government and schools.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The second annual Fredericksburg Film Festival kicked off last night with a reception at the Courtyard Marriott, where filmmakers, judges, and festival organizers gathered in an informal atmosphere to meet one another. The event was followed by a preview of a few of the entries in a conference room off to the side.
MANASSAS, Va. — There’s more than meets the eye at Liberia House, one of the most historic homes in Northern Virginia. On April 19 at 2 p.m., you’ll get the rare chance to explore every level of the house—from its mysterious basement to the sunlight-filled attic—during a guided tour offered in both English and Spanish.
A 21-year-old woman was assaulted and robbed by three acquaintances in Woodbridge early Wednesday morning, prompting a search by police K-9 and a Fairfax County helicopter.
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Get More from your Fitness with IM=X® Pilates & Fitness King Farm!
Help us Celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary by joining our OPEN HOUSE
When: April 27th 11:45AM
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
