Manassas Downtown Affordable Housing Being Studied, Feedback Sought

MANASSAS, VA — Affordable housing is being explored at City of Manassas downtown properties near the train station.

The city is working on a long-term feasibility study on the city-owned Water Tower parking lot at 9116 Prince William Street and privately-owned property at 9500 Liberty Street. The city says the properties are only being studied, and no sales of city property or construction are currently planned.

The city is working with urban design and landscape architecture firm RHI and marketing analysis, housing and economic development consultant RKG Associates on the study. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments had provided the city with a Housing Affordability Planning Program grant in fall 2024 to study the two locations.

According to the city, developing affordable housing near the Manassas train station can connect residents to employers and recreational amenities in Manassas and the region. However, the city says site limitations and project feasibility has made identifying affordable housing locations challenging. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has a regional effort to increase supply of affordable housing to address current and future needs.

Concepts showing potential visions for the Water Tower lot and Liberty Street lot with affordable housing have been posted to the city's website. The Water Tower lot site is a potential site for a downtown mobility hub next to the train station being studied.

The city is surveying residents on the downtown affordable housing need and the use of the sites. The survey is open through Sept. 5.

The city's consultants will present findings to the Manassas Planning Commission at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. The final report and survey results will go to Manassas City Council in November.