Owners plan major makeovers for two Northern Virginia shopping centers

Published March 4, 2013 by Paula C. Squires

The Washington Business Journal reports that two major shopping centers in Northern Virginia are being eyed for major upgrades. Owner Forest City wants to reposition Ballston Common Mall in Arlington into a mixed-use project that would be known as Ballston Center. Besides newly designed retail space, the project would include 300 apartment units and three levels of office space. 

Currently home to the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the 579,000-square-foot Ballston Common Mall was built in 1986 and was last renovated in 2002, according to datat from CoStar Group Inc. Forest City plans to submit renovation plans to the county soon.

Simon Property Group also plans to renovate Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. It foresees nonretail uses such as apartments or office space. The 1 million-square-foot enclosed shopping mall is 24 years old. The center was built in 1989 and renovated in 2002.