Are Andresen

Dunn Loring And Merrifield Area

The area around the Merrifield metro station has seen big changes over the last few years and greater changes are still to come!

If you are looking to purchase a home, please see our “Top 8 Merrifield Communities to Benefit from the Redevelopment”

Notable area projects include:

• Route 29 and Gallows Road intersection
  This construction will make this congested intersection and surrounding areas more accessible.
• Mosaic District Eya Townhomes
  Great new townhomes in the upper $500′s. 
• Mosaic District
  Great entertainment, shopping, dining and living
• Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metro Station Redevelopment
  Will include apartments, parking houses, commercial as well as a Harris Teeter
• Halstead Square
  New residential, office and retail development near Wilton House, Halstead at the Metro and just a block from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metro.

The "iconic" Johnston's Auto Body on Lee Highway in Merrifield is long gone.

As we have written about extensively the Dunn Loring Merrifield Metro area is seeing a massive redevelopment these days. From being a patchwork of new developments (Halstead at the Metro, Wilton House, Westbriar etc) and old light commercial businesses (Remington Mulch, Car repair shops, towing companies etc) it is now turning into a viable and walkable town center destination of its own.

Homes for Sale in the Dunn Loring and Merrifield Area

Showing properties 1 - 3 of 84. See more 22180 zip code Real Estate.
(all data current as of 6/18/2013)

1. $449,000 : 2810 Grovemore Ln, Vienna
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,598 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,333 sqft

   Year built: 1981

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 2
2. $315,000 : 2720 Bellforest Ct #102, Vienna
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,148 sq ft

   Year built: 2001

   Parking spots: 1

   Days on market: 2
3. $1,199,000 : 911 Symphony Cir Sw, Vienna
   
   5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,709 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,369 sqft

   Year built: 2013

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 2

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

News about the Dunn Loring and Merrifield Area

Are Fairfax County Foreclosures and Short-Sales Disappearing?

The market in Fairfax County Virginia is doing great in 2012. The number of transactions are down slightly for 2012 keeping inventory low in most areas. The prices have held up well and increased some in many areas thanks to low interest rates and good employment opportunities.

A lot of the attention in real estate has been towards distressed sales the last few years. While foreclosures and short-sales never really ruined the market in Fairfax County, some local areas did see values decimated by distressed sales after the 2006 real estate crash.

The worst seem to be behind us in Fairfax County. In 2009 a whole 34% of sales in Fairfax County were distressed. The percentage has decreased ever since and this year it seems that we may end up with a proportion of distressed sales at half that (about 17%.)

More regular sales, strong labor market and low inventory would normally mean rising prices. While prices are inching upwards in many places, reluctant and conservative appraisers are keeping a lid on rapid appreciation in many communities. Some will say that is a good thing after what happened during the boom years.

If you are looking to buy a foreclosure there are still plenty of great deals to be had. Please call us at 703 560-3424 anytime to talk or contact us.

Merrifield Updates

At the Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metro Station work continues on the phase one WMATA parking garage. As soon as that parking garage is finished, the construction of one of the two new apartment buildings on the site will start. The project will include a Harris Teeter, retail and 500 apartments.

Across the street at Halstead Square residential leasing has started and new commercial businesses like BlackFinn American Grill and Lost Dog Cafe are moving in.  Construction of a final building in the project is scheduled to start late summer next year.

To ease access to the metro station (and all the new development) a new connection from Rt 50 to the metro is under construction.The new connection will connect Eskridge Road with Rt 50, giving people an alternative to Prosperity and Gallows.

At the Mosaic District progress is great with Angelica Theatre, Hyatt house and MOM’s Organic Market having opened already. Target is scheduled to open October 14th.
So, lots of exciting things happening in the Merrifield area. If you are excited too you should check out our Top 8 Merrifield Communities to Benefit from the Redevelopment.

Merrifield Mosaic District Opening Soon!

The Mosaic District in Merrifield is nearing completion and finishing touches are taking place on streets and buildings throughout the urban community. The Angelika theatre will open in September, Target in October and by Christmas most/all of the remaining stores and restaurants will be open.

Mosaic will also house Mom’s Organic Market, Hotel Sierra, Black’s Bar and Kitchen, matchbox, Taylor Gourmet, a bakery, a butcher and other boutique style shops.  The Eya townhomes are for sale in the $600,000 range and upwards. The new development has more than  100 new town homes built by Eya.

Contrary to media reports, I would dare to propose that the construction at the  Rt 29/Gallows Road intersection is incomplete. Construction is still going on and they also seem to have quite a bit of work left on Gallows from Merrifield Garden center and up towards Wilton House and the Merrifield/Dunn Loring metro station.

The Angelika theatre is hosting some “shorts” for the DC Shorts Film Festival 9/14-9/16.
The schedule is here: http://dcshorts.com/films/schedule/ .

What To Do About Dangerous Trees

After the severe thunderstorm that took place in July there has been concerns from many homeowners regarding their own and the trees of their neighbors. The storm caused a number of trees to fall completely and also left others in a damaged and potentially hazardous state.

If the tree is on public/county land, contact the following agencies:

• Near public streets and roads: Call VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623), TTY 711
• Fairfax County Parks: Call the Park Authority’s Operations Division at 703-324-8594, TTY 711
• Northern Virginia Regional Parks: Call the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority at 703-352-5900, TTY 711.
• Stormwater management ponds: Call the Maintenance and Stormwater Management Division at 703-877-2800, TTY 711
• Public school property: Call the Fairfax County Public Schools at 571-423-2350, TTY 711.

If the tree is on private property, the property owner is responsible for maintaining their trees. Fairfax County has no authority to force a tree removal on private property unless it is  a public hazard. See our article from last year called “My Neighbor’s Tree is Ruining My Driveway“.

In general a homeowner can remove a tree on their property as they wish. However, conservation easements are common in Northern Virginia (may also be called things like  Resource Protection Area – RPA, or an Environmental Quality Corridor.)  See our article called “What RPA means and why you should care.”

If the tree is in a conservation easement, you will need contact the Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770 for them to come by and take a look before you do anything.

Top 8 Merrifield Communities to Benefit from the Redevelopment

Wilton House is the only condominium high-rise in the immediate area. It is located across from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro

As we have written about extensively the Dunn Loring Merrifield Metro area is seeing a massive redevelopment these days. From being a patchwork of new developments (Halstead at the Metro, Wilton House, Westbriar etc) and old light commercial businesses (Remington Mulch, Car repair shops, towing companies etc) it is now turning into a viable and walkable town center destination of its own.

Notable current projects include:

• Route 29 and Gallows Road intersection construction to make the congested area more accessible.
• Mosaic District with entertainment, dining, shopping and living (EYA Town Homes)
• Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metro redevelopment to include a Harris Teeter
• Halstead Square new residential, office and retail development near Wilton House, Halstead at the Metro and just a block from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metro.

All this new construction will benefit the area as a whole and also residents of the existing and new communities within walking distance. The area will now be perfect for people wanting to work downtown during the week and playing close to home on the weekend.  Here are the Top 8 communities that will benefit from all this:

1. Westbriar
   

   

   The Westbriar community is located across the street from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro

   Condominium development built around 2002 is located across the street from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro. One and two bedroom condominium homes are available – some with garage parking. They also have two story corner models with large patios and vaulted ceilings. Prices are typically in the $240,000-$350,000 range. List of homes for sale

2. Westbriar Plaza
   Is adjacent to Westbriar but a few years newer(2004) and with different floor plans. Most of the condominiums are town home style spread over two levels. Two and three bedroom models are available in the $350,000-$425,000 range.  Across the street from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro as well. List of homes for sale
3. Metro Place At Dunn Loring Metro
   Behind Westbriar condominiums this small town home community was built in the year 2001 by Ryan Homes. It features 3 and 4 level town homes (Scarborough and Amherst models) all with  2 car garages.  The smaller homes sell in the mid $500′s, the larger ones in the low $600′s. List of homes for sale
4. Wilton House
   This condominium high-rise built in 2005 sits next to the Marriott Hotel and is across the street from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro. It has great amenities like a rooftop pool, exercise room and a party room. Garage parking is beneath the building. Price range from studios in the $160′s to 2br/2ba in the mid $350′s. List of homes for sale
5. Halstead at the Metro
   This condominium mid-rise was built in 2006 and is right across from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro station. Amenities are great with pool, club room, basketball court, business center etc. The community has its own parking garages.  Prices range from studios in the $160′s to 2 bedroom units in the $350′s. List of homes for sale
6. Dunn Loring Village
   This is an older community of town homes built in the early 80′s. While it doesn’t have garage parking, the homes do have small yards and the community is pretty large giving you a sense of community. The community is walk to the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro through a shortcut through the business park. The three level town homes are typically 3 bedrooms but a few have 2 or 4 bedrooms as well. The prices range from mid $300′s to mid $400′s. Homes for sale
7. Providence Park
   This town home community is located halfway between the new Mosaic District and the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro. The 3 level townhomes were built in the 1997/1998 time frame. They have 3 or4 bedrooms and have one or two car garages. Prices range from the mis $500′s for the smaller models and low $600′s for the larger ones. Homes for sale
   
8. Eya at the new Mosaic District
   This is a new development that will include over 100 new homes built by Eya. The pricing is expected to start at just below $600,000 for 3 or 4 story town homes with rooftop terraces. The development will be part of the Mosaic District where attractions will likely include Angelika Film Center, Target, Mom’s Organic Market, Hotel Sierra, Black’s Bar and Kitchen, Matchbox and Taylor Gourmet. Contact us if you are interested in this community. Sales are expected to start in 2012 with completion in 2012.

If you are interested in the area or looking to purchase in the area please send us a message and let us know how we can help!

Dunn Loring Merrifield Metro Construction Started!

As we have written about extensively the Dunn Loring Merrifield Metro area is seeing a massive redevelopment these days. From being a patchwork of new developments (Halstead at the Metro, Wilton House, Westbriar etc) and old light commercial businesses (Remington Mulch, Car repair shops, towing companies etc) it is now turning into a viable and walkable town center destination of its own.

The 15.4 acrea area adjacent to the entry of the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station (at the intersection of Gallows Road and I-66) has been a low density property since the station was built consisting of at-level parking and bus stops. The residents in the area has traded the lack of any shopping around the metro for the convenience of easy access to the station.

In 2003 metro solicited a development agreement and in since 2005 there has been plans for what to do with the property in an agreement between Metro and MCRT. The project is scheduled to be completed in phases over the next 4 years and is to include:

- 628 Residential units (likely rentals due to the soft real estate market)
- 125,000 square feet for retail to include a new Harris Teeter supermarket.
-  The current at-level 1,355 parking spots will be moved to parking garages. The garages will hold about 2,000 spaces total. There will also be about 37 kiss & ride parking spaces and increased accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The new development will be a great use of the current underutilized space and will also help give the area close to the metro a face lift. Together with the Mosaic district and Halstead Square down the street things are really starting to get exciting for the area!

If you would like to make the Dunn Loring and Merrifield area your home, please contact us!

Eya Townhomes and Mosaic District at Merrifield

There is swift progress taking place at the Merrifield Town Center at the intersection of Gallows Road and Route 29 (Lee Highway) in Fairfax County.

The Eya town homes are scheduled to start selling in January 2012. According to the signs and their website the homes will start in the upper $500′s. That likely means that to get exactly what you want could put you in the mid $600′s before you are done with options and lot premiums (if there are any.)

Eya is a well reputed builder and I cannot wait to see how these contemporary  homes with roof decks wil blend with the new Silver LEED Mosaic district.

New Townhomes at Eya Mosaic District

The Mosaic District is a hot new development near the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro station. The new development will include over 100 new town homes by Eya. The pricing is expected to start at just below $600,000 and is expected to be 3 or 4 story homes with rooftop terraces. Neighborhood attractions will likely include Angelika Film Center, Target, Mom’s Organic Market, Hotel Sierra, Black’s Bar and Kitchen, matchbox and Taylor Gourmet.

Sales are expected to start in 2012 with completion in 2012.

Lee Highway and Gallows Road – Are We There Yet?

So, after a rush to demolish all the businesses surrounding the Gallows Road and Lee Highway interchange, things kind of have ground to a standstill since (near the new Merrifield Mosaic District.) There were supposedly some funding issues – I doubt the utility work would actually take 2 years…

Anyways, I am happy to report that the construction phase of the project is supposed to commence this summer. The project will include dual right-turn lanes (just one line now) as well as dedicated right turn lanes.There will also finally be proper sidewalks.

The planned completion date is fall 2012.

Proposed final layout - image from VDOT

Merrifield Redevelopment (Mosaic District) To Include Target

The area between the Dunn Loring/Merrifield metro and down to Rt 50 is seeing a lot of change  these days. Apart from the development around the metro station itself, the area off Rt 29 and Gallows is unrecognizable. Gone are the gas stations, the repair shop with the gnomes(Jonston’s Garage), Taco Bell and the car towing company. While I do miss the Taco Bell at times, some may say that even the current flat-scape is better than what was before…

Johnston's Auto Body on Lee Highway in Merrifield (demolished)

Some may remember the tale of the first new entrant to the area, the Vantage at Merrifield. It was a brand new building with an unbeatable top-of-the-market combination of new condos and retail/gym. When sales opened at the height of the boom there was chaos at the weekend only sales office (located at the Silver Diner across the street the few days it took to sell out.)

By the time we got to the summer 2008 completion date the condo market had crashed. As everywhere else the purchasers tried getting out of their contract and get their 10-20% (non-refundable) security deposit returned. As a result, Vantage was  converted to rental apartments (with a few of the units remaining in private hands.)

Despite the rocky start and unfortunate timing, the two blocks of apartments, x-sport, retail and restaurants have since taken on the feel of a small towncenter of its own. On a nice day, people sit outside at the restaurants and there certainly is a sense of a community starting to develop.

With the Mosaic District under construction next door, Vantage at Merrifield may be vindicated in the end.  In not too long the area should start to look like a small downtown with the Angelika Film Center, Target, Mom’s Organic Market, Hotel Sierra, Black’s Bar and Kitchen, matchbox, Taylor Gourmet, a new Eya residential neighborhood and more.