Galerie Development Proposes 427-Unit Senior Complex to Replace Shipgarten

Galerie Development plans to replace the Shipgarten dining and entertainment complex in Tysons with a three-tower continuing-care facility. The project, named Corso Tysons, will contain 427 assisted-living units. It also includes a theater, restaurants, and retail spaces open to the public. The development covers a 5-acre parcel at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Colshire Drive.

The site currently hosts Tysons Biergarten, a pop-up venue that opened in the summer of 2022. It regularly hosts sports watch parties and festivals. Cityline Partners, which developed much of the surrounding Scotts Run area, is selling the land to Galerie Development. This will be the developer’s first project in Fairfax County.

Planning commissioners voted on October 21 to recommend the project for approval. They cited the architecture’s departure from standard institutional designs. Sully District Planning Commissioner Evelyn Spain described the French-infused exterior as stunning. Providence District Commissioner Jeremy Hancock called the design striking and praised the team for addressing the difficult grade of the land.

The proposal totals approximately 831,000 square feet. This figure is slightly lower than the space previously approved for the site. The floor-area ratio drops to 3.81 from 4.67 in the original 2013 Scotts Run plan. That earlier plan called for a mix of office and residential space. The new design features two 14-story towers and one 17-story tower built in two phases.

Residents will have access to a spa, two pools, and shops selling ice cream and candy. All units can serve as either independent or assisted living spaces. This flexibility allows residents to remain in their homes if their needs change. A memory-care facility is also included in the plans. The development will provide about 2.5 acres of publicly accessible parkland in the Scotts Run area.

Some commissioners initially questioned the lack of office uses given the site’s proximity to the McLean Metro station. Jill Parks, a land-use attorney representing Galerie Development, stated that discussions are ongoing to find a new location for the Shipgarten venue. She noted that the community loves the current setup.

The project includes proffers for sped-up intersection improvements at Chain Bridge and Colshire. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the conceptual development plan amendment on November 17.