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Council approves five‑story mixed‑use project at 1600 E. Pioneer Parkway with retail and multifamily units
Summary
A planned-development zoning request at 1600 East Pioneer Parkway was approved to allow a five‑story, mixed‑use building with roughly 13,000 square feet of ground-floor retail/office and 48 multifamily units above; the applicant agreed to a photometric study and enhanced materials.
The Arlington City Council approved a planned-development zoning request to redevelop a portion of the Chase Bank parking lot at 1600 East Pioneer Parkway into a five‑story mixed‑use building that will include ground-floor retail/office space and multifamily units above.
Audra Buckley presented the proposal (PD 23-37) for roughly a 5.4-acre parcel; the plan calls for a 63,789-square-foot building with about 13,000 square feet of retail/office on the ground floor and 48 apartment units on the four upper floors. The applicant requested a reduction in parking and staff noted that even after the reduction the site would retain a surplus of parking spaces (the applicant noted an approximate reduction of 96.3 spaces from a higher baseline and staff reported roughly 217 spaces remaining after the requested changes).
Council members praised the design changes achieved after review by staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission; several council members specifically noted the applicant’s work with the East Arlington Renewal group and staff to improve the proposal. Council member Boxall moved approval; Council member Hunter seconded. The motion passed.
The applicant agreed to provide enhanced materials (60% masonry on all facades), a trail connection from Browning Drive to Pioneer Parkway, patio areas, and a photometric lighting study to prevent spillover into adjacent neighborhoods. Council members said they viewed the project as a potential catalyst for further development in the International Corridor.
Why it matters: The project replaces surface parking with mixed-use development downtown, adding retail and housing and altering the corridor’s character. The project includes design commitments intended to limit off-site light glare and improve pedestrian connectivity.
Next steps: Once zoning is in place, the applicant said it will pursue tenant letters of intent and proceed with site and building permits; staff will require a photometric study during permitting to verify lighting limits.
