New Manassas Park Development Probably Won't be Built This Summer

Construction of a mixed-used development behind City Center in Manassas Park probably won’t begin this summer as the builder, Manassas-based EMSI, originally hoped.

In December, Manassas Park City Council approved the master plan for the project, but the final form of the project's site plan is still under review by the city's planning department, said Dean Crowhurst, city attorney and interim city manager for Manassas Park.

That site plan must conform with the master plan and several state and local regulations, he added.

The mixed-use business and residential development would include buildings similar to, but slightly taller than the four-story neighboring City Center.  The new development is slated to be built on the 8-acres of land behind City Center that’s currently owned by the City of Manassas Park.

EMSI is contracted to purchase the land from the city once the site plan has been reviewed and approved, Crowhurst said.

 After that, the company can obtain the appropriate permits to begin construction. 

EMSI officials said last year that they hoped construction could begin this summer.

The company is also one of the parties in EPI Partners, the entity involved in negotiations with the city to build a new city hall and parking deck. 

 The idea for a new city hall and parking deck was included in a proposal EPI Partners sent to the city back in November 2011.

That proposal, which also includes plans for private office, retail and residential space, is still on the drawing board and won’t move forward until after a public hearing is held and a comprehensive agreement between EPI Partners and the city is approved.

How do you feel about EMSI's plan to build behind City Center?