In May 2003, the Lee Highway Task Force, at the request of the Mayor and City Council, reported on the current and forecasted conditions of this commercial corridor, the City’s primary economic artery. 

The Task Force used the following studies for reference in their report:

  1. Lee Highway Corridor Community Appearance Plan, 1994
  2. City of Fairfax Comprehensive Plan, 1997
  3. Lee Highway Revitalization Study, EDAW Inc. 1999 and
  4. Lee Highway Land Use Economics Study, Economics Research Associates, 2002.

The Task Force concluded that the Route 50 corridor was at a crossroads.  Its commercial centers and businesses were being overtaken by newer, more accessible developments in the fast developing area to the west of the City.  Retail centers and businesses in the City would struggle to compete with the new, large scale retail “life-style” centers. Additionally, many of the corridor’s office developments did not offer the same workplace amenities expected by today’s workforce (i.e., upscale work environments, green space areas for employees, workout areas, contemporary communications technology, etc.)

The strong market demographics of this geographic area indicate that development will continue in the future, unevenly but with continuing concentration.  The issue faced by the City was not whether development will occur, but rather, the type and pace of that development.

City leaders desired revitalization and development that would enhance the City’s image.  It was determined that steps would need to be taken ahead of the inevitable development, rather than in reaction to it. 

The Business Improvement District (BID) was established in July 2005 to provide internal management of the commercial corridor.  The BID, in coordination with the City, would provide the vision and implement a multi-faceted approach to encourage the corridor’s revitalization.