Galerie Development to replace Shipgarten with 427-unit senior towers

The Shipgarten dining and entertainment complex at the corner of Chain Bridge Road and Colshire Drive is slated for demolition to make way for Corso Tysons. This new 427-unit assisted-living facility will feature a theater, public restaurants, and retail shops. Residents of Tysons and nearby areas will also gain access to approximately 2.5 acres of new publicly accessible parkland in the Scotts Run area.

Galerie Development is leading the project after acquiring the 5-acre site from Cityline Partners. The plan includes two towers with 14 stories and one tower with 17 stories, built in two phases. The total development covers about 831,000 square feet. This figure is slightly lower than the 869,000 square feet permitted under the original 2013 Scotts Run plan, which had envisioned a mix of office and residential space. The new floor-area ratio stands at 3.81, down from 4.67.

Planning commissioners on Oct. 21 voted to recommend the project for approval. Sully District Commissioner Evelyn Spain described the French-infused exterior design as stunning. She noted that the building looks distinct from standard assisted-living facilities. Providence District Commissioner Jeremy Hancock agreed, calling the architecture striking. He praised the developers for addressing the difficult grade of the site appropriately. Commission Chair Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner called the proposal a solid debut for Galerie Development in Fairfax County.

Some commissioners initially questioned the lack of office uses given the property's proximity to the McLean Metro station. However, the group moved forward with the recommendation. Braddock District Commissioner Mary Cortina raised the question of what would happen to Shipgarten, a venue that opened in summer 2022 and hosts various events. Jill Parks, a land-use attorney for Ballard Spahr representing Galerie Development, said discussions are ongoing to find the complex a new home. Parks stated that everyone loves the venue and talks are underway to find a suitable alternative location.

The facility will include amenities such as a spa, two pools, and shops for ice cream and candy. All units are designed to accommodate both independent and assisted living needs, allowing residents to stay in the same location if their circumstances change. A memory-care facility will also be on site. As part of the development proffers, improvements to the intersection at Chain Bridge and Colshire will be expedited.

No public speakers addressed the commission during the Oct. 21 meeting. The conceptual development plan amendment is scheduled for a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 17.