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Good things are about to happen in Leesburg
The prospect of seeing commercial development in downtown Leesburg is refreshing. Let's face it, commercial projects in Leesburg happen, but rarely downtown.
Thanks to the efforts of Town Manager John Wells, Leesburg is starting to turn the corner.
Many potential investors and developers have been turned off by the sometimes frustrating ways of the Board of Architectural Review, and by the town's arduous process for obtaining permits.
But Wells has spearheaded an attempt to streamline the process, leading his staff and perhaps giving the town council a nudge along the way.
An excellent example is Waterford Development's Offices at Georgetown Park project -- a three-story, 52,000-square-foot office building planned for the intersection of Wirt and South streets in Leesburg's historic district.
Jan Zachariasse, president and CEO of Reston-based Waterford Development, has persevered for nearly three years with Georgetown Park, and another project, the King Street project, which will be a 150,000-square-foot mixed use of retail and office.
These projects may become the catalyst of something big in Leesburg. The town must realize the importance of this.
Town officials need to keep an ear open to future commercial projects that will provide a residential element. People love to live close to where they work and shop. Why not downtown Leesburg? Look for Zachariasse to propose a residential project when the time is right and the economy gets back on track.
Zachariasse hopes to submit a site plan for Georgetown Park in January, and hopes to break ground in June 2009. He's investing $100 million in both projects, which should bring a domino effect for economic development in Leesburg.
More people working here will mean more people eating and shopping downtown. Each project will feature top-of-the-line office availability and will favor small businesses that wish to expand but remain in town. Earlier this year, in a wise move, the council gave its OK to parking associated with both projects.
Katie Hammler, vice mayor of Leesburg, strongly petitioned the BAR to get the plan's design OK'd. She reiterated to BAR members that Zachariasse intends to preserve the town's historic character.
"Your vote tonight is about the future of our downtown," Hammler told the board Nov. 17. "I am very hopeful that fair minds interpreting our current guidelines will prevail."
The board voted 6-1 to accept the conceptual design of the project. Richard Koochagian cast the dissenting vote.
The town needs to be diligent in seeking developers and investors willing to build more office space downtown. It's the smart thing to do.
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