Manassas Shopping Center Redevelopment Concepts Proposed, Council Responds

MANASSAS, VA — Two potential concepts for the redevelopment of the Manassas Shopping Center were presented by the Manassas Economic Development Authority Tuesday.

The city is exploring long-term uses for the Manassas Shopping Center at 9018 Mathis Avenue after purchasing it in 2024. In the short term, the economic development authority is overseeing the site and leases for commercial tenants.

Two redevelopment concepts focused on mixed-use development were presented at a joint meeting between the Manassas Economic Development Authority and Manassas City Council.

According to a presentation, Concept A would involve a mixed-use buildings, commercial buildings and residential buildings, including one dedicated to affordable housing. Townhouses would be located in the back near Portner Avenue with alley access. A commercial kiosk and park with a plaza would sit in the center, and another linear park would be located in the back. Overall, 122 multifamily units, 42 townhouses, 51,600 square feet of retail and 338 parking spaces are envisioned.

Concept B focuses the public plaza area along shopfront areas around the Carriage Lane intersection. It has more retail — 58,500 square feet — and more residential — 129 multifamily units. The second concept calls for the same number of townhouses as Concept A, the same linear park in the back and 373 parking spaces.

Those concepts come after two community conversations meetings with public feedback. According to the presentation, the community feedback showed a preference for mixed-use development, a range of housing types with affordability, new and relocated shopping and dining options, a range of heights around two to four floors, improved connectivity around the site and green space.

While the redevelopment is not up for formal action from Manassas City Council, the economic development authority took initial feedback from councilmembers.

Councilmember Tom Osina called for "thoughtful design" on the development, noting the concepts presented are not unique to Manassas.

"I want some thoughtfulness into how we create a community there that actually allows people to have a community and live there," said Osina.

Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger agreed with Osina about seeking a development that would "wow us."

"I want to see the different. I want to see 'they could have done this, but they added that, and that makes me really want to live there, go there, shop there, be with folks there," said Davis-Younger. "We're 10 square miles, and we got to get it right...we got to be methodical and intentional about everthing that we do, and a lot of thought has to go into it."

Councilmember Theresa Coates Ellis asked to consider a parking garage to support parking for sites like Annaburg House and Liberia House.

"We're supposed to be making a tourism corridor going up Mathis and Centreville Road up to the Manassas Park line," said Coates Ellis. "So I understand the maximum 373 spaces in that lot but if we're really looking to the future and how we're trying to connect our historic Manassas to this tourism corridor, could we possibly do that? I know it's expensive but I'm saying we got to think more about the vision of the future for this important site."

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe cautioned against marketing the site as a gateway to Old Town, questioning how many people would walk to Old Town from the site. Wolfe doesn't believe there's a rush to develop the site, noting a priority of the tentative downtown development and understanding the impacts of the Innovation District.

"Part of the conundrum we got to go through is, is it a regional shopping center, or is it really becoming more and more of a part and parcel of the residential community that is on the other side of Portner [Avenue]," said Wolfe.

Councilmember Ashley Hutson disagreed with Wolfe about the shopping center not being a gateway to Old Town.

"I think as we progress into the future, people want to be able to access Old Town," said Hutson. "I know people that will walk to Old Town from much further than where that parcel is. So I think focusing dense housing there [on the south end] might be impactful for the access to Old Town."

Wolfe and Councilmember Sonia Vasquez Luna both pointed out the low density of the proposal. Vasquez Luna also stressed the need for attainable housing.

"For me, it's not only about the young adults they are entering and coming into the market but also the elders...because it's important for Manassas right now," said Vasquez Luna. "We can never forget about our workforce, not only our teachers, firefighters and police but everybody that works for us, because I think about if they are able to live here."

Multiple councilmembers noted the community desire for green space.

"When I heard our residents say they wanted green space there, I do not think that they were thinking of a linear park as the green space," said Osina. "I live in a community that has a linear park, and I will tell you it is not a gathering space."

"For one, I think we're calling a buffer space a linear park, and it probably wouldn't be used as much of a park," added Hutson. "I think a lot of the community did say green space, and these images aren't showing a lot of green space."

Hutson suggested a splash pad be part of the plaza.

Councilmember Ralph Smith said the economic development authority needs direction from council, as pushing off development would change direction from not pursuing long-term commercial tenant leases.

"If that is our direction, then we need to also give a lot of consideration to managing that space until we decide which future we want to operate in," said Smith.

There is no decided timeline for the Manassas Shopping Center redevelopment. The $16 million purchase of Manassas Shopping Center in 2024 came from the city's one-time American Rescue Plan Act and capital reserve funds in the fiscal 2025 budget. Under the current zoning, residential uses are not permitted at the Manassas Shopping Center. A rezoning would be required for this type of use.