The Village at Shirlington is getting a glow-up.
Federal Realty Investment Trust, which has owned the mixed-use property since 1995, started construction in January on changes to improve public spaces while preserving the property’s character.
“Covid is in the rear view mirror now, but I think one thing coming out of that is we rediscovered our inner social animal,” says Geoff Sharpe, vice president of creative planning and development at Federal Realty. “So, a lot of what we’re doing at Shirlington is really about leaning into people’s desires to spend time and gather in well-designed outdoor places.”
Annually, about 3.7 million people visit the Village at Shirlington, which had its last facelift almost 17 years ago. “It’s a very active and productive center within our own mixed-use portfolio,” says Mike Ennes, senior vice president of asset management at Federal Realty, which also owns the shopping cenbers of Barcroft, Graham Park and Idylwood Plaza in Falls Church; Chesterbrook in McLean; and Westpost in Arlington. “It’s even more of a reason to continue to reinvest.” Here’s a look at what’s coming:
Wider Sidewalks, More Outdoor Seating
When construction ends in November, visitors will find easier access to the property from the north and south parking garages, more art installations and more lighting. The 1986 Beaux Arts fountain on the Campbell Avenue median will relocate to the North Courtyard.
“There’s going to be stone walls you can sit on,” Sharpe says of the fountain. “You can actually sit next to it now and enjoy it.”
Another planned improvement will broaden the sidewalks along Campbell Avenue, allowing restaurants to add more seating for more al fresco dining. The developer plans to narrow the curb along Campbell Street between South Randolph and South Quincy streets.
As a bonus, Sharpe says wider sidewalks will enhance the village’s sip and stroll program, which allows adults to purchase alcoholic beverages from on-site businesses and enjoy them as they stroll about the property. The landscaping and placemaking upgrades, in turn, will “give them a place to hang out when they buy the to-go margarita or the to-go beer,” he says.
Environmental improvements are integral to the plan, including new stormwater controls to reduce runoff into Four Mile Run and the conversion of street lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures. An arborist will ensure the willow oak trees lining Campbell Avenue are protected, and the contractor will reuse existing brick and granite for hardscaping.
“There’s an authenticity to Shirlington that we were very focused on not losing track of,” Sharpe says. “That’s really guiding a lot of the design choices we’ve made.”
Meeting Consumer Demand
Ennes hopes the revamp will make the village a destination that diners and shoppers will want to visit multiple times a week. “Whether you’re going to get coffee and pastries at Best Buns or you’re going to your workspace…or you’re coming back the next night for dinner, you’re coming back three times a week to go grocery shopping, we’re trying to make those stay occasions as comfortable and as inviting as possible,” he says.
All of this aligns with recent shifts in consumer behavior nationwide. In February, foot traffic at open-air malls was up 7.3% over the previous year, outpacing indoor and outlet malls, according to Placer.AI.
The way people experience mixed-use properties has evolved, too, Sharpe says. Customers used to get what they needed and leave; now they want a place where they can stay for more extended periods of time.
“We’ve seen this interesting thing where people who are working from home are not working from home,” he observes. “They’re working from a place like Shirlington. TThey’re just enjoyable as places to hang out.”