Landmark Mall

Landmark Mall and the progress of development

Many of us who have lived in and around the Landmark area for many years, were excited to hear about the plans to redevelop Landmark mall; however, after years of delays, the question has now been -- will it ever occur?

The vision of landmark mall has been to transform the site into an urban village that combines restaurants, retail, green spaces, theater, and apartment spaces into a unique community. The plans for Landmark mall are part of Alexandria City’s Landmark/Van Dorn Corridor Plan, which has plans for the redevelopment of Pickett and Van Dorn Street.

 The plans for Pickett street and Van Dorn have been moving along nicely as a new apartment complex with retail spaces go up at the corner of Van Dorn and S Pickett Street. This new complex brought a Starbucks, Jimmy Johns, Smashburgers and a new Pub House that is to open soon. S. Pickett Street has new townhouse buildings being built that start in the low $600k’s.

With all the progress that has occurred with the development of Alexandria’s West End Landmark Mall’s development has had little progress and to many it seems to be completely stagnant.  What has the holdup been?

Landmark mall is owned by three entities; Sears, Macy’s and the Howard Hugh’s Corporation. The agreement between the three owners is that all parties must agree on any changes. Up until recently the three owners could not agree on the future plans for the mall. Progress was recently made that may find construction of the center part of the mall in the first part of 2017. This could be due to Macy’s recent announcement that they were closing 68 stores (the Landmark location being one of to close).

Millcreek Residential, a prominent builder of apartment complexes in the United States; is contracted to develop the 350-400 unit apartment complex at Landmark Mall.  A recent meeting in Falls Church a company representative indicated the complex at landmark will begin the first part of 2017.  It is disappointing that Landmark chose to build only apartments and not a mix between condos and apartments.  I was hoping the new development would bring some reasonably price new build condos to the market. 

The mall is long overdue for a face lift, as the last one occurred in 1990. The proposed plan for Landmark is very exciting and will bring many benefits to the West End of Alexandria.  Should the project finally come to fruition it would bring jobs, income, entertainment, recreational activities; in addition to increasing home values. 

As a long-term resident of the Landmark area I am anxiously anticipating the development. While there have been many delays over the last couple of years – it looks as if this time work is set to begin. 

The West End of Alexandria is a very diverse area to live and the current development occurring is a long time coming.  If the “Urban Village Vision” is a success it will be a giant leap forward in making the Landmark area a sought after place to live, work, and play… as they always say Location, Location, Location and Landmark is the location to be…..