Topgolf Site Set To Become New Golf Facility With Plan Amendment Deferred

KINGSTOWNE, VA — After a Fairfax County plan amendment for the closed Topgolf site in Kingstowne was deferred, another golfing and restaurant facility is preparing to open.

Alexandria Living Magazine first reported that Rudy's is hiring for various positions but has not set an exact opening date. A description on one job listing says Rudy's is a "golf recreation and entertainment facility where family, friends and corporate organizations can gather to enjoy recreation, entertainment food, beverages and fun." Similar to the now-closed Topgolf, Rudy's will offer a golf driving range, bar and restaurant at 6625 South Van Dorn Street, Alexandria.

The Kingstowne Topgolf, which had been the brand's first U.S. location, had closed in 2020, followed by the Ruby Tuesday restaurant on the site. In recent years, there have been various development concepts presented by the property owner for the Topgolf site. The most recent concept called for townhouse and stacked townhouses with a density around 12 dwelling units per acre when accounting for affordable housing bonuses. This density would be triple the current planned density in the comprehensive plan, 3 to 4 dwelling units per acre. Previous concepts sought retail uses, but the latest concept didn't include retail.

For residential use at that density, a comprehensive plan amendment would be required before a rezoning application. The Fairfax County Planning Commission deferred a plan amendment for the Topgolf site indefinitely in November 2021 after significant feedback from the community.

The deferral was a decision by Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk and Lee District Planning Commissioner Dan Lagana. In a statement to Patch, Lusk acknowledged the property owner's intent to return the site to a golfing and restaurant facility.

“After extensive community outreach, including a community design meeting, as well as months of engagement with the owner of the Top Golf site; Commissioner [Dan] Lagana and I made the decision to indefinitely defer the owner’s current application for redevelopment," said Lusk. "I understand that the owner has expressed a desire to recommence previous uses on the site, to include golf activities and a restaurant. If there are any developments related to their current redevelopment application or a future application, I look forward to reengaging the owner and community to determine what the future of this site will be."