Council approves 402‑unit Mark Center Drive project with parking reduction and one affordable unit
Summary
Council approved a 402‑unit residential project adjacent to the Del Pepper Building with a requested 99‑space parking reduction, one affordable two‑bedroom unit at 60% AMI, and approximately $1.3M in affordable‑housing contributions; a future easement for a Winkler Preserve connection was negotiated in conditions.
Alexandria’s council approved a development special use permit for a 402‑unit apartment building near the Del Pepper Building and the Mark Center Transit facility, agreeing to a requested 99‑space parking reduction and negotiated language to facilitate a future pedestrian connection to the Winkler Preserve.
Maya Contreras of Planning & Zoning summarized the project and staff support: the proposal met several city standards including a higher‑than‑required tree canopy and stormwater treatment (60% phosphorus reduction, 9% above requirement). Staff said the project would provide one two‑bedroom affordable unit at 60% AMI and nearly $1.3 million in contributions to affordable housing.
Applicant representatives said the proposal includes additional non-counted tandem parking and could dedicate roughly 20,000 sq. ft. to NOVA Parks for the Winkler Preserve if the connection location is proximate to the development. Council approved the DSUP with a substitute condition (3A) addressing pedestrian easement language and potential land dedication for the preserve.
What’s next: Implementation will proceed through final site plan and construction management plans that will include measures to minimize light and noise impacts to the preserve and ensure ongoing circulation access during construction.
