The Dumfries Town Council designated a Waterfront District off Possum Point Road, marking a significant step in the town’s broader economic development strategy.
During the February 4th, 2025, meeting, Councilman Shaun Peet emphasized the vision for the district on Quantico Creek, stating:
“Having this vision of a mini National Harbor down here with the boardwalk and some waterfront amenities that we can enjoy right here in the town, which we actually just named as a council of the town of Dumfries Waterfront District.”
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The Rose Gaming Resort celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in its newly built multi-story parking garage. Local and state leaders, including Mayor Derrick Wood, Virginia Delegate Luke Torian, and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr, joined senior officials from Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), the company behind The Rose.
The $460 million facility promises to be Northern Virginia’s premier gaming and entertainment destination, offering a wide array of amenities, including 1,650 historical horse racing machines, eight restaurants and bars, over 100 hotel rooms, and a vibrant event space.
Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO William C. Carstanjen praised the dedication of the 500-member team and the intense efforts that went into transforming the site, a former landfill, into what is now a state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment complex. “This project has faced its share of challenges,” Carstanjen said, referencing the technical and construction obstacles posed by building on a reclaimed landfill. “But for us, the opportunity to convert this site into a new facility has been a labor of love.”
Mayor Derrick Wood echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the landfill’s past and the significant transformation it symbolizes for Dumfries. “Today’s ribbon cutting is more than just an event; it’s the beginning of a new era for our town,” he stated. He highlighted the evolution of the property from an eyesore to a “landmark” that will redefine Dumfries, not only visually but economically. The Rose Gaming Resort, he noted, is projected to inject millions in tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs, further enhancing the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.
The event emphasized community engagement and CDI’s commitment to the Dumfries area. Mayor Wood praised CDI’s “Rosie’s Gives Back” program, which has pledged $100,000 in donations to local initiatives, reinforcing The Rose’s role as an engaged community partner. Local residents now look forward to the economic and cultural impact of this new landmark, which is expected to attract visitors from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, solidifying Dumfries as a go-to destination for entertainment and hospitality.
Hundreds lined up to enter the game room while the ribbon cutting took place.
The grand opening signifies a major milestone in Dumfries’ ongoing development and a promising future fueled by public-private partnerships and community-focused growth, according to its mayor.
The Rose held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, to mark the completion of the $460 million gaming resort in Dumfries, Virignia. pic.twitter.com/4278fn4PqI
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 8, 2024
Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood announced the soft opening of The Rose, a highly anticipated resort and gaming venue, on Facebook today, ahead of any official statement from the operator, Churchill Downs.
"The soft opening of The Rose is in full effect!" Mayor Wood shared in his post. "On Monday, I had the pleasure of joining the Town Council, staff, family, and friends for a private tour of this exciting new addition to Dumfries. I even had the honor of taking the first spin on the machines!"
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Dumfries Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson is leading a renewed effort to attract more small businesses to the town as it prepares for the opening of The Rose, a 300-room gaming resort and hotel set to become the largest gaming destination in Northern Virginia. Town leaders are focused on creating a diverse mix of retail and service businesses to complement the expected influx of visitors with the resort’s opening.
Nickerson outlined the town’s strategy, which includes a year-long contract extension with Retail Strategies, a firm hired to identify and attract potential businesses to Dumfries. “We are hopeful that the Rose will serve as a beacon, an anchor, that will attract more businesses to Dumfries as a destination,” Nickerson said. The Rose, which will offer video slot machines but not table games, is expected to draw visitors from across the region.
Retail Strategies has been working closely with the town to represent it at national retail shows and identify opportunities for new business development. The firm has identified 45 real estate assets within Dumfries, including vacant areas that could be developed into business spaces.
Nickerson highlighted the town’s challenges, particularly competition from neighboring areas like Woodbridge and Stafford. “What we had been told is that it’s been difficult to get businesses here,” Nickerson said. Despite these challenges, the town council remains committed to its vision of Dumfries as a destination, not just a place people pass through.
Dumfries has one grocery store, U-Mart, located on Fraley Boulevard. The town is working to attract more businesses, particularly those that can provide healthy food options. “We do have what would be considered a food desert when you look at the amount of people we have in the town and the income levels,” Nickerson noted.
The Rose is seen as a catalyst for change, hoping to encourage more businesses to set up shop in Dumfries. “Now that the Rose is coming, we believe it will make other businesses want to come because there will be more traffic driven right to Dumfries as a destination,” Nickerson added.
The town council also revitalizes existing commercial spaces, including two strip malls that could benefit from new tenants. Nickerson emphasized the importance of supporting current businesses while attracting new ones. “If we could come up with resources to help these businesses bring in more tenants, hold on to the tenants they have, and provide them with resources to grow, we can be defined as a business district,” she said.
Nickerson also discussed the possibility of streamlining the business opening process in Dumfries, including permitting and inspections, to make the town more business-friendly. “We need to make it easier for businesses to start and stay here,” she stated.
Dumfries Town Council approved the amended proffer agreement and memorandum of understanding between the town and Churchill Downs, owner and operator of The Rose Gaming Resort, which is under construction, six to one.
Under the new agreement, Churchhill Downs Group (CDG) would give the town $3.6 million, a one-time contribution in unrealized taxes due in 10 days, following the Special Town Council meeting on February 13, 2024, when the council agreed to the changes. Additionally, there is an additional $400,000 per month in lost tax revenue if the site does not open before August 1, 2024, as anticipated. The loss in tax income significantly impacted the town's finances and led to the implementing of an amended budget for the town, officials said.
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“A few moments ago, the Town of Dumfries Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the proffer related to The Rose. The vote was 4-0. The amendments and other commitments, as outlined below, will go before the Town Council for its consideration on Tuesday evening,” said Michael Kelly, spokesman for The Rose, on Monday night, Feb. 12, 2024.
Tonight, the Dumfries Town Council convenes to deliberate on pivotal proffer amendments concerning The Rose Gaming Resort. These amendments were recently greenlit by the Planning Commission, marking a significant step forward for the proposed expansion.
Outlined in the proposed amendments are various commitments and changes that could shape the future of The Rose Gaming Resort. Among these adjustments are provisions related to traffic mitigation, environmental impact, and community benefits.
According to the details provided, the proffer amendments encompass a range of key aspects. These include alterations to traffic management strategies, environmental safeguards, and community investment initiatives. Provision concerning public infrastructure enhancements and economic development opportunities is also up for discussion. If approved, the development will go forward despite the delay of a promised public park next to the resort, atop of old landfill on which The Rose is built.
For further details on the proposed proffer amendments and ongoing developments regarding The Rose Gaming Resort, you can read Potomac Local Dumfries Reporter Sarah Romero’s coverage: The Rose Seeks Gaming Expansion Amid Delay in Dumfries Park Project Approval.
The project’s original opening date was late 2023, but it has been delayed at least six months. Churchill Downs, the operators of The Rose, have not said why the project is behind schedule.
The soon-to-open The Rose gaming resort operators are about to ask the Dumfries Town Council for permission to install more gaming machines than planned, even if the greenspace they promised residents as part of the development won’t be built yet.
Churchill Downs, Inc., owners of the Rose, a 310-room hotel, video slot gaming parlor, restaurant, and entertainment destination, have submitted their original development package adjustments to Dumfries Town Council. The town council will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 17739 Main Street, to rule on the matter.
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Prince William Times: ‘Manassas Park voters handily rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed a new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium to open in their independent city, a result officials said was likely the result of a distaste for gambling as well as possible confusion over ballot wording using the phrase “pari-mutuel” wagering.”
“Churchill Downs Incorporated, which owns Rosie’s, had hoped to open a gaming parlor in the Manassas Park Shopping Center similar to the one in Dumfries. Rosie’s offers slot-like betting machines that are based on historical horse races. Pari-mutuel betting creates a pool of winnings based on the money wagered.”
Prince William Chamber of Commerce: "Colonial Downs Group announces $50,000 donation to The Prince William Chamber Foundation. The celebration of the donation took place October 25th at Preston’s Pub in Manassas Park."
"The press conference marks the first major donation to The Prince William Chamber Foundation, recently launched by the Prince William Chamber Chamber of Commerce. The mission of the new Foundation is to encourage and support business development through workforce development, education, community outreach, and through larger service. Programming for the Foundation focuses on the three pillars of first responders and veterans, women, and workforce education."
