Bryan Guidash Named 2025 President of HomeAid National Capital Region

Walsh Colucci proudly announces that Bryan Guidash, Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Prince William office, has been named the 2025 President of the HomeAid National Capital Region Board of Directors. Bryan’s journey with HomeAid began with a profound experience delivering essentials to a “tent city” in Prince William County, an event that sparked his commitment to community service. “I realized that HomeAid was something I should be a part of,” Bryan shared. “Taking part in something that had such immediate and clear results confirmed I had found the right way to give back.”

Since joining the Board, Bryan has served as Secretary in 2023, Vice President in 2024, and now steps into his role as President. Reflecting on his leadership vision, Bryan said, “My predecessors have set an incredible example. I hope to build on their work by increasing Board efficiency and enhancing volunteer opportunities. Expanding committee participation and involving more leaders from the Builder community will be a priority as we grow HomeAid’s impact.”

Bryan will be joined on the 2025 Executive Board by Vice President and President-Elect John Darvish (John Darvish Construction), Secretary Worth Jenkins (DRB Homes), Treasurer Rick Cole (The Long Companies), At-Large Member Alicia Skoug (Drees Homes), and Immediate Past President Tom Twomey (Stanley Martin Homes).

Congratulations to Bryan on this well-deserved leadership role! We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will bring to HomeAid and the communities it serves.

Fairfax Approves Unique West Falls Church Healthcare Facility

On October 8, 2024, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved VHC Health’s special exception application to redevelop an approximately 2.4-acre retail site located at the intersection or Arlington Boulevard and Graham Road.   

 

As approved, the proposal will demolish an existing, aging retail building known as the Graham Center in order to construct a new 24,250 square foot, one-story medical complex. The new medical complex will be a state-of-the-art facility, integrating sustainable design principles to support and advance community health and wellness. 

 

The primary focus of the redevelopment will be an innovative healthcare facility that combines emergency department services with urgent care services all in one location. Serving to relieve high emergency department utilization on the nearby Virginia Hospital Center main hospital campus, this combined use will provide nearby neighborhoods with an important and currently unavailable care option.  

 

The combined emergency/urgent care component will comprise approximately 14,740 square feet of the new building, while the remainder 9,510 square feet will support a variety of medical services, such as primary care, specialty services, and/or diagnostic imaging services.  

 

In addition to providing a new medical care option to the surrounding community, the approved development offers significant pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements, including a replacement of the existing Arlington Boulevard service drive with 10-foot-wide shared-use paths along both Graham Road and Arlington Boulevard.  These improvements are in direct response to growing safety concerns associated with several fatal pedestrian crashes that have occurred at the Graham Road/Arlington Boulevard intersection over recent years.   

 

In collaboration with the Providence District Supervisor’s Office, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the County’s Department of Planning and Development, VHC Health is committed to a number of transportation improvements. These include widening and extending the existing median on Graham Road, integrating a new pedestrian refuge at the Graham Road/Arlington Boulevard crossing, creating a new designated left turn lane from Graham Road into the site, and installing a number of traffic controls that will restrict left turning movements from various points along Graham Road. 

 

The approved redevelopment will also be marked by significantly more green spaces, landscaping, and native plantings all around the site. VHC Health will also install new stormwater controls and implement best management practices on the site, where none exist today. 

 

Once constructed, this hybrid medical care model that combines both emergency care and urgent care will be the first of its kind in the state of Virginia.  To bring this innovative healthcare option to Fairfax County, VHC Health has partnered with Intuitive Health, who pioneered the first combined emergency/urgent care facility in Dallas, Texas in 2008. Intuitive Health will operate this new facility as VHC Health’s first off-campus outpatient emergency service department.  

 

Kathryn Taylor successfully secured the approval for this first-of-its-kind project on behalf of VHC Health during the special exception process.

 

 

 

Arlington Adopts Adaptive Reuse Policies and Zoning Ordinance Amendments

At its November 16th meeting, the Arlington County Board approved the following two initiatives to advance the County Manager’s Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative (CMRI) related to adaptive reuse of obsolete office buildings:  

 

Adaptive Reuse ACZO Amendments: The County Board adopted a text amendment to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO) that creates a streamlined Administrative Regulation 4.1 Site Plan amendment process for “Adaptive Reuse Amendments” to convert obsolete commercial buildings to alternative uses.  

 

The new process requires County Board approval and establishes criteria to qualify for the streamlined process including, but not limited to, a requirement that the existing building be at least 50 percent office, more than 50 percent of the office use would be converted, and that all prior 4.1 Site Plan conditions were previously satisfied. 

 

The new process cannot be utilized for increases in roof height (except for new rooftop amenity spaces), increased gross floor area with additions greater than two stories above the finished grade, vacation or amendments to existing public easements, and reductions in prior 4.1 Site Plan commitments. Conversions utilizing the new process would be exempt from having to provide the base affordable housing requirement.  

 

Adaptive Reuse Policy: The County Board adopted a new policy document, The County Board Policy on the Transformation of Commercial Office Buildings in Arlington, which is intended to provide guidance on tools to reduce, replace, and/or reposition obsolete office supply.  The draft policy sets forth broad goals pertaining to: (1) adaptive reuse of obsolete office buildings; (2) repositioning of existing office buildings; and (3) redevelopment. The draft policy characterizes proposals which reduce or reposition obsolete office supply as a “public priority” that should be incentivized in County regulations, including through the awarding of Bonus Density for 4.1 Site Plan projects.  

 

Adoption of these latest initiatives positions Arlington as a leader in redressing commercial office vacancy rates. They continue the trend of CRMIs first authorized in April 2022, which seek to respond to changing economic conditions in the face of increased office vacancy and decreased commercial property tax revenue. 

 

The staff report for the two initiatives may be found HERE.

 

The adopted adaptive reuse policy may be found HERE.

 

This article was prepared by Andrew Painter of the Land Use & Zoning practice group of Walsh Colucci.

  

Arlington Moves Forward With Zoning and Planning Initiatives

At its September 14th meeting, the Arlington County Board authorized the Request to Advertise (“RTA”) certain initiatives to advance the County Manager’s Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative (“CMRI”), which seeks to enable the County to better respond to changing economic conditions and consumer trends in the face of increased office vacancy and decreased commercial property tax revenue.

CMRI was authorized by the County Board in April 2022. The first round of CMRIs included the establishment of new commercial uses and a minor restructuring of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (“ACZO”). The second round of CMRI focusses on opportunities to alleviate regulatory hurdles that could impede market solutions to commercial resiliency.

The most recently advertised initiatives include the following:

  • Nonconforming Buildings and Structures: This amendment would add flexibility for owners of nonconforming townhouses and multifamily buildings in the RA and R2-7 zoning districts to make interior structural alterations and limited additions including window wells for basement egress, areaways, exterior stairs, ramps, and decks. This RTA is scheduled to be heard by the County Board no earlier than October 19, 2024. The staff report may be found HERE.
  • Certain Increased Crystal City Building Heights: This amendment would refine methods for establishing a 35-foot building height maximum that accommodates a  three-story form of development in a discrete area along the western edge of the Crystal City Coordinated Redevelopment District. This RTA is scheduled to be heard by the County Board no earlier than October 19, 2024. This staff report may be found HERE.
  • Adaptive Reuse of Obsolete Commercial Buildings: The amendment would update the review standards and entitlement process for the adaptive reuse of obsolete commercial buildings. The intent is to facilitate a more rapid recovery of fiscal and placemaking conditions that contained the continued presence of obsolete and vacant office buildings.  The County has drafted a new policy document, The County Board Policy on the Transformation of Commercial Office Buildings in Arlington, to provide guidance on tools to reduce, replace, and/or reposition obsolete office supply.  The Policy also contains related measures for these obsolete office buildings for the hospitality industry such as hotel rooms.  This RTA is scheduled to be heard by the County Board no earlier than November 16, 2024. This staff report may be found HERE. The draft policy and draft Zoning Ordinance amendment, released October 1st, may be found HERE.

Additional information on CMRI may be found HERE.

Firm Associate, Erin Swisshelm, Set to Moderate BISNOW Future of Loudoun

On October 23rd, BISNOW will be hosting the Future of Loudoun County: Exploring Development and Expansion Opportunities speaker panel. Firm Associate, Erin Swisshelm, will moderate a discussion entitled “Building Loudoun: Mixed-Use Projects and Residential Expansion,” featuring prominent voices from the development community.

At the panel, you’ll learn:

  • How mixed-use and residential developments in Loudoun County are evolving to meet the needs of its growing and diverse population.
  • What strategies developers are using to balance the demand for affordable housing with the increase in residential projects.
  • How Loudoun County is investing in transportation and tech infrastructure to support future growth.
  • How the county’s strategic location, including Washington-Dulles International Airport, is being leveraged to attract and support businesses.
  • What challenges developers face with local regulations and zoning policies, and how these impact data center expansions and other projects in the county.

You may register for the event HERE.

Arlington County Circuit Court Strikes Down Arlington’s “Missing Middle” Policy

On September 27, 2024, the Arlington Circuit Court struck down Arlington County’s “Missing Middle” Zoning Ordinance Amendment, which created an Expanded Housing Option (EHO) Development that offered an alternative on single-family residential lots that allows for the construction of duplexes, townhomes, and multifamily buildings subject to certain design standards. As a result of the ruling, it is unlikely that the County will continue to issue new EHO permits.  

This is a developing story and we will provide additional details of the court’s decision and its potential impacts once more is known. In the interim, if you have any questions, please feel free to call your principal point of contact with the firm.

Fairfax County Adopts New Data Center Zoning Standards

On September 10, 2024, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to strengthen requirements for data centers.

This amendment, which took effect on September 11, 2024, introduces new zoning regulations governing data centers in Fairfax County. The provisions address various community concerns, including size restrictions, mandatory noise studies, building design, environmental impacts, and proximity and buffering to residential areas.

The initial motion by Supervisor Kathy Smith to approve the amendments was based upon the recommendations contained in the staff report dated May 17, 2024, which can be found at this link, and included the following provisions:

  • Data centers must be located at least one mile from a Metro station entrance. Lesser distances may be allowed with special exception approval.
  • Data center buildings must be at least 200 feet from the lot line of a residential district or use. Lesser distances may be allowed with special exception approval.
  • Ground equipment necessary to operate the facility, such as cooling, ventilating, or backup generators, must be 300 feet from the lot line of residential property or separated from the residential lot line by the data center building. Lesser distances may be allowed with special exception approval.
  • In all districts where data centers are permitted, all equipment necessary for operating the facility must be fully enclosed or screened by a wall or similar barrier to reduce visual and noise impacts.
  • Building size limits on by-right data centers are retained where they previously applied, and now the I-4 District has a size limit. Larger buildings will require special exception approval, except in the I-5 and I-6 Zoning Districts.
  • Mandatory noise studies, including pre- and post-construction noise assessments, must be submitted to ensure compliance with the Noise Ordinance.
  • Main entrance features, façade variations, and other architectural elements are now required to enhance the visual appeal of these industrial buildings.

The approval makes exceptions for rezonings, special exceptions, site plans, or building permits for data centers that were accepted or approved on or before July 16, 2024.

A follow-on motion, also by Supervisor Smith, directs staff to undertake further study and review on issues such as energy efficiency, water demand and quality, air quality, wastewater, and electrical substations.

This article was co-authored by Andrew Painter, Zach Fountain, and Kim Follin from the Land Use and Zoning practice group at Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh.

 

 

Andrew Painter Moderates NAIOP Panel on the Future of Northern Virginia Development

Firm Shareholder Andrew Painter recently moderated a panel discussion at the NAIOP Northern Virginia event, “Regional Development in the Future – What You Need to Know.” The event focused on the evolving landscape of commercial and residential real estate in Northern Virginia, bringing together key leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The panel featured regional leaders including Terry Clower, Director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University; Amy Friedlander, Director of Acquisitions at EYA; Stephanie Landrum, President & CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership; Dalia Palchik, Providence District Supervisor, Fairfax County; and Jason Stanford, President of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance.

The panel covered key topics ranging across transportation, housing, the shifts in the office market, and the changing dynamics of retail destinations. The discussion underscored the impact of the pandemic and online shopping on commercial spaces, highlighting the need for adaptive reuse of obsolete and under-utilized properties. With the demand for residential real estate outpacing supply, the panelists examined how the region can address these challenges to ensure a robust and diversified economy.

The event provided valuable insights into the future of development in Northern Virginia, emphasizing the importance of forward-thinking projects that meet the demands of both commercial and residential sectors over the next decade and beyond. As our region stands at a crossroads, such discussions are vital to shaping a vibrant and sustainable economic future.

The firm is proud to have been represented in this important dialogue and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the region’s growth and success.

Shareholder Randy Minchew Appears Before House Committee on Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee to advocate for the George Marshall House Affiliated Area Designation Bill

Last week, Loudoun Office Shareholder Randy Minchew was invited to appear before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Federal Lands Subcommittee to provide testimony in support of H.R. 6210, filed by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), to designate the General George C. Marshall Home, also known as Dodona Manor, in the Town of Leesburg as an affiliated area on the National Park Service (NPS). General Marshall served our nation in many respects during the 20th Century, as chief aide to General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, as United States Army Chief of Staff in World War II, and as Nobel Peace Prize-winning Secretary of State following World War II where he won approval for the European Recovery Program (also known as the Marshall Plan). Dodona Manor was the only home General Marshall and his wife Katherine ever owned. Affiliation with the NPS will allow for the General George C. Marshall Home to be referenced, advertised, and promoted as a contributing element of the NPS and help secure the continued preservation and historical appreciation of the home of the individual British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the “true organizer of victory”  for the Allies in World War II.  

As an affiliated area, Dodona Manor would gain access to the NPS’s extensive technical resources, preservation expertise, and branded graphics. Randy has served on the Board of Directors of the George C. Marshall International Center for many years and is currently leading the effort at the Center to establish a museum and conference facility on the property in Downtown Leesburg.  https://www.georgecmarshall.org/marshallcenter 

In his testimony, Randy expressed the significance of this designation and as a member of the Board of Directors stated: “We are extremely proud of our efforts to restore and preserve the home of one of our nation’s most important leaders, and we believe that NPS designation would bolster our efforts and serve as a fitting honor for a great American.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minchew also highlighted the broader impact of the bill, noting, “At a time in our history when political unity is elusive on so many matters, this bill also sends a clear message that Americans remain united in our commitment to service, honor, and a vigorous defense of our constitutional values – ideas that were central to General Marshall’s career.”  

During their time together serving Loudoun County and the Town of Leesburg in the Virginia General Assembly, Minchew as a Republican Delegate and Wexton as a Democratic Senator, the two worked closely together on many items of legislation and were considered by many Virginia political observers to be the most bipartisan duo in Richmond. 

H.R. 6210 was favorably reported by the Subcommittee on Federal Lands and will proceed the full Natural Resources Committee in September and to the House Floor in October.  To watch the full committee hearing, click the link HERE. Randy’s testimony begins at 27:18.