GANNETT/USA TODAY HEADQUARTERS
Gannett Corporation sought a new home for its corporate headquarters to establish a suitable presence for itself and USA TODAY. Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich & Walsh was retained by Gannett to guide the site selection process, apply for the zoning rights and finally defend the company’s rights to proceed with the development. The first task at hand was to evaluate multiple properties during a feasibility study. Following selection of the property, a team of WCLEW attorneys, planners and other staff worked to secure critical land use approvals for their client’s new building. The approvals involved issues regarding building height, signage and construction of a helipad.

The approvals were not without objection from concerned citizens. Opponents of the project appealed to block the construction. The WCLEW team of experienced litigators successfully defended their client’s right on appeal.

As a result, the Gannett/USA TODAY headquarters stand proudly as remarkable new additions to the region’s skyline.

GEORGETOWN RIDGE
In the early 2000’s, fifteen acres of prime real estate off Georgetown Pike in McLean became available for development. Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich & Walsh represented the sellers of this property and drafted the sales contract. Knowing that WCLEW was the premier land use firm in Northern Virginia, WCI/Renaissance also retained their services to purchase the land. With a reputation for professional integrity and fairness, WCLEW was able to negotiate the final sales contract to the mutual benefit of both clients – the sellers and the purchasers.

Development plans for this enclave of luxury estate homes required WCLEW to structure a land swap with adjacent land owners to gain enough land for an access road. Additionally, the site plans obliged one landowner to vacate his rights to the access road, which WCLEW was able to administer. WCI/Renaissance then tapped the firm’s real estate expertise to draft the development documents and homeowner’s association documents.

The ability to navigate the intricate elements of this development project and create the solutions, highlight the value of the WCLEW real estate transactions group.

LAUREL HILL
Following the closure of the D.C. Correctional Facility in Lorton, Virginia (Lorton Prison), Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich & Walsh was retained to facilitate a complicated transaction involving the acquisition of a portion of the Lorton Prison by one client and the swap of that land for a large farm owned by another client, which was then conveyed to the National Park Service. In addition, the firm was instrumental in re-zoning a portion of the Lorton Prison, a process which required the provision of 18.5 acres of land to the Fairfax County School Board, the construction of the South County Secondary School, dedication of parkland, and construction of extensive trails, all of which resulted in securing development rights to construct 677 single family detached and 77 single family attached dwelling units on the property.

During the process, certain provisions of the agreements were tested against existing state laws, and WCLEW’s litigation attorneys were able to provide the support and the authority to gain the necessary approvals. Through these complicated agreements, re-zoning requests and the court authority, a portion of the Lorton Prison site became available for residential development and is now a wonderful community known as Laurel Hill.

THE ECLIPSE AT CENTER PARK, POTOMAC YARD
When the Arlington County Board approved the Potomac Yard Phased Development Site Plan (PDSP) in October 2000, developers relied on the resources available at Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich and Walsh to effectively guide and advise them on their projects. As the preeminent land use law firm in the region, the firm was able to provide their clients with unparalleled access to county officials as they planned the projects that would enhance the quality of life for the community. Combining the best of urban design with the best “green” building practices, Center Park is a model for modern transit-oriented development. The mixed-use complex of retail, office and residential space is being developed by Comstock Potomac Yard, LC. The two 11-story buildings built on a formerly abandoned railroad yard will house condominiums, a Harris Teeter grocery store, restaurants, banks, and office space. In addition, transit stops are planned for the main entrances. These amenities reflect the County’s vision of a pedestrian-oriented, urban lifestyle. Sharing their knowledge of the land development process in Arlington County, Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich and Walsh was able to assist Comstock Potomac Yard, LC in successfully building one of the gateways to Potomac Yard.