The Fairfax City BAR Regular Meeting held on July 16, 2025, focused on discussions surrounding the design and renovation plans for a Safeway building and adjacent residential units. The meeting began with a review of the proposed materials for the building's exterior, specifically the choice of Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) versus more durable options like fiber cement or metal panels. The design team explained that EIFS would be used selectively due to structural weight considerations, ensuring that it would not be placed at ground level where durability is a primary concern.

The discussion then shifted to the condition of the existing concrete wall facing the new park. The team indicated that while the current state of the wall was uncertain, they anticipated it would be in good condition and planned a complete renovation to enhance its appearance for public view.

Further deliberations included the selection of materials for the residential building, with preferences expressed for standing seam metal on prominent elevations and fiber cement on secondary ones. The design team confirmed that the project would include 315 residential units, each with more than one parking spot.

Concerns were raised regarding the aesthetics of the loading dock area, which some members felt did not meet the visual standards set for the rest of the building. However, overall feedback on the design improvements was positive, with particular praise for adjustments made to the building's scale and proportion, especially in relation to nearby structures.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the design team's responsiveness to previous recommendations, indicating a collaborative effort to enhance the project’s integration into the city’s architectural rhythm. The next steps will involve finalizing design details and addressing remaining concerns before moving forward with construction.