(UPDATED: 6:10 p.m. 6-17-24 with assertion from the Commanders)
At first blush, it was alarming information — a submitting hit the county planning system as we speak that proposes to construct three knowledge facilities on the Ashburn property the place the Washington Commanders have their headquarters and coaching facility.
However Loudoun County officers mentioned they knew this was within the works — and it doesn’t imply the Commanders are leaving the realm anytime quickly.
And a spokesperson for the Commanders reiterated that time in an official assertion from the workforce.
Right here’s the place this all began — an “Engineering Plan” has been filed with the county for the property at 21300 Coach Gibbs Drive in Ashburn.
That handle matches as much as the Commanders property positioned on the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and Gloucester Parkway.
The outline listed on the engineering plan reads as follows: “Website Plan for improvement of three Knowledge Middle Buildings.”
The Burn reached a spokesperson for the Commanders who shared this assertion with us: “The Washington Commanders are dedicated to the Commonwealth. Loudoun County is the place lots of our coaches, gamers and workers not solely work, but in addition name dwelling. Our intention in submitting for this approval is to safe the choice and adaptability for potential future improvement on our 162-acre website and it’s not a plan to take any motion within the close to future. Any improvement we do can be leveraged to reinvest in our soccer program and fan expertise.”
The Burn additionally spoke with Buddy Rizer. He’s the Government Director of Loudoun County Financial Improvement.
“This isn’t a shock. We have been conscious this was coming,” Rizer mentioned. “(The Commanders) have been very clear with us.”
Rizer went on to say the transfer was extra in regards to the Commanders preserving the worth of their land for all potential future makes use of, and that there aren’t any precise plans to construct knowledge facilities on the property presently.
As a substitute, by submitting now and getting the wanted approvals in place, the Commanders can be “grandfathering in” their property below the present guidelines ought to there be future adjustments to rules or legal guidelines that might adversely impression that worth of the land.
“We all know that knowledge heart land sells for a premium,” Rizer mentioned. “Not having these rights secured impacts land values. They’re simply making a wise enterprise resolution.”
He went on so as to add that the county hopes that the Commanders hold their coaching facility right here for years to return and hopes to see the workforce increase their footprint in Loudoun as effectively.
And certainly, we’ve been informed the Commanders have invested some $10 million within the Ashburn property preparing for the upcoming summer time camp. We’re additionally informed the land has not been offered, neither is it listed on the market.
It’s been broadly reported that the Commanders are on the lookout for a house for a brand new stadium. The location of the previous RFK Stadium in Washington is taken into account to be the main contender. Different places into account are in Northern Virginia and in Maryland.
The ultimate choice might decide if and when the Commanders depart Loudoun County. However contemplating the massive sums builders are paying for knowledge heart land, it could behoove the Commanders to some day promote their Ashburn property and relocate elsewhere.
(Photograph: Hellas Building, Inc.)
