Brady PieperThe city of Manassas in Virginia is preparing to adopt a new framework that will enable public-private partnerships (P3) to accelerate the redevelopment of downtown lots.
The new policy framework, authorized under Virginia’s Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act, primarily focuses on the development of the former Olde Towne Inn site and surrounding properties along Main Street.
P3-authorizing policy would provide developers with greater flexibility for collaboration on projects involving publicly owned land and infrastructure, including the submission of solicited or unsolicited proposals that may include new hotels, residential, retail, parking structures or civic facilities.
If adopted, the city will pursue private developers that submit proposals for the project’s three aspects: the redevelopments of the Olde Towne Inn, the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company site and an adjacent city-owned surface parking lot.
The city initially envisioned constructing a 110-room hotel on the Olde Towne Inn site, according to previously revealed plans. Though, this effort has been delayed due to the lack of structured parking facilities in the area.
The project’s vision encompasses redeveloping the three sites to create a shared, city-owned space with infrastructure to support parking, retail, hotels and existing facilities.
City council members expressed confidence in a potential P3 model during a work session on June 16, emphasizing a commitment to the project and assisting developers secure additional financing.
By enabling structured collaboration under the state’s P3 act, the city seeks to attract development proposals that align with downtown Manassas’ long-term vision. The city anticipates issuing a formal request for proposals after the P3 framework is approved.
Image by Dennis Hicks from Pixabay
