The aging AT&T campus in Oakton stands at a crossroads, poised for a dramatic transformation that could reshape the character of this Fairfax County community. After decades as a corporate office space, this 33-acre property is now the subject of an ambitious mixed-use development proposal that exemplifies the broader challenges and opportunities facing our suburban communities as they adapt to changing workplace dynamics and housing needs.
On March 18, 2025, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow mixed-use development on the 33-acre former AT&T site at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and Jermantown Road. The proposal includes demolishing the early-1980s office building and constructing 854 housing units along with 110,850 square feet of retail and service space. This approval came with a reduction in the project’s maximum floor-area ratio (FAR) from 1.0 to 0.88, effectively decreasing development potential by 12%. Additionally, the board allocated $425,000 for a traffic study to explore improvements along a 1-mile stretch of Chain Bridge Road near Jermantown Road.
Now that the Comprehensive Plan amendment has been approved, the redevelopment of 3033 Oakton (3033 Chain Bridge Road) will move through several key phases:
1. Rezoning & Site Plan Approval
- The developer will submit a rezoning application and detailed site plans to Fairfax County.
- This includes specifics on building design, landscaping, environmental impact, and transportation improvements.
- Public hearings before the Fairfax County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will be required.
2. Permitting & Engineering Reviews
- Once rezoning is approved, engineering studies will be conducted, including stormwater management, traffic impact analysis, and utility planning.
- The county will issue permits for demolition and construction based on compliance with regulations.
3. Infrastructure & Traffic Study Implementation
- The approved $425,000 traffic study will determine necessary roadway improvements near Chain Bridge Road and Jermantown Road.
- The developer may be required to fund or contribute to traffic mitigation measures before construction begins.
4. Demolition & Construction
- The existing AT&T office building will be demolished.
- Construction of residential and commercial structures will take place in phases, which could span several years.
- Utilities, roads, and community amenities will be built alongside the new development.
5. Leasing & Occupancy
- Once completed, residential units and commercial spaces will be leased or sold.
- Community amenities, retail stores, and services will open gradually.
The next major milestone is the rezoning application and site plan approval process, which typically takes 12-24 months before construction can begin.
The development’s website is located online at https://www.3033chainbridge.com. Readers can follow our coverage on this project online on oaktonindependentnews.press
Author
Tania Hossain is the editor, publisher, and co-owner of The Independent News Press, a consortium of local print and online newspapers in Virginia. She focuses on writing about community issues and advocates for local newspapers, both print and online, especially in the age of Ai from selfie filters to betting on military strikes. A Merrifield resident, she is a keen backyard gardener, loves forest bathing and a curious biohacker, believing that proactive health keeps one out of the costly illness industry. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine launch, she feels fortunate to be running this newspaper.
