During its meeting on July 25, 2023, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) to utilize up to $8.0 million of the County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to create affordable housing in the Mosaic area of the Providence District.
The funds will be used to acquire 2990 Telestar Court in Falls Church. Together with private developer, Merrifield Housing LLC, a joint venture between Conifer Realty, LLC, and Joseph Browne Development Associates, the FCRHA seeks to repurpose this vacant office building into 80 multi-family affordable housing units serving households with incomes that range from at or below 30% AMI up to 80% AMI.
“We believe that people should be able to live in their community of choice, so we are constantly seeking out innovative strategies to create and preserve affordable housing across Fairfax,” said Lenore Stanton, Chairman, Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. “Purchasing unused office space in the Mosiac area and converting it into affordable housing will enable individuals and families with lower-income levels to access this highly desirable community.”
The site is currently owned by Inova Health Care Services. With Board of Supervisors authorization in place, Merrifield Housing has applied to Virginia Housing for Housing Opportunity Tax Credits. Once all development and funding details are solidified, the FCRHA intends to acquire the site and execute a 99-year ground lease with Merrifield Housing to develop and operate affordable housing.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024 and expected to take 14 months to complete. In addition to 80 units of affordable housing, property amenities include a gym, laundry rooms, community space, public park space, and proximity to multiple bus routes and the Dunn Loring Metro Station.
The 80 affordable rental units planned at 2990 Telestar Court will contribute to Fairfax County’s goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing by developing a minimum of 10,000 new homes by 2034 to meet the needs of those in the community.
