Manassas Shopping Center To Take Spotlight At Community Meetings

MANASSAS, VA — As long-term uses are explored for the Manassas Shopping Center, the city government is seeking ideas from residents.

The City of Manassas and the Economic Development Authority will host two community meetings on the Manassas Shopping Center on June 3 and 10. The community conversations will be focused on the future redevelopment of the Manassas Shopping Center and the vision the community wants to see.

The City of Manassas Economic Development Authority acquired the shopping center at 9018 Mathis Avenue in 2024 for $16 million. In the short term, the city is maintaining leases at the 13.5-acre Manassas Shopping Center, with an estimated $1 million generated annually from lease revenue. However, tenants will ultimately be relocated when long-term redevelopment plans come to fruition.

The long-term outcome for the shopping center is not yet clear, but the city has suggested retail, office space and attainable housing. The city is accepting ideas for the shopping center property, including interim uses, online and at the upcoming meetings.

Amid discussions about the shopping center's future, the city is advancing a Mathis Avenue roadway project that could complement redevelopment efforts. The project will turn Mathis Avenue from Sudley Road to Liberia Avenue into a two-lane road with a planted median and dedicated turn lanes. There will also be streetscape and pedestrian improvements. The Mathis Avenue project is in the design phase, with construction expected to start in late 2026.

The two meetings on June 3 and 10 will be held at the Manassas Community Center (Marsteller Building), 8750 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and a presentation and discussion will run from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested to attend.