A 427-unit senior living complex could replace the Shipgarten dining venue near the McLean Metro station after the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The project, called Corso Tysons, would put three towers on the 5-acre site at Chain Bridge Road and Colshire Drive in the Scotts Run area of Tysons. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposal on Nov. 17, FFXnow first reported.

Atlanta-based Galerie Development is planning the project and acquiring the land from Cityline Partners, which developed much of the Scotts Run neighborhood. Two towers would stand 14 stories and one would reach 17 stories, built in two phases. The complex would total about 831,000 square feet, according to FFXnow. That is slightly less than what was previously approved for the site.

All 427 units could serve both independent and assisted living, so residents would not have to move within the facility if their needs change. A memory-care facility would also be on site.

Beyond housing, the plans call for a theater, restaurants, retail shops, a spa, two pools and about 2.5 acres of publicly accessible parkland. The theater, restaurants and retail would be open to the public.

Planning commissioners praised the French-infused architecture. Providence District Commissioner Jeremy Hancock called it "striking" and said the developers had done well with a challenging site. Sully District Commissioner Evelyn Spain called the design "stunning."

"It looks so different from your standard assisted living," Spain said at the Oct. 21 meeting, according to FFXnow.

Commission Chair Phil Niedzielski-Eichner said the project marked a strong debut for Galerie Development in Fairfax County.

The proposal's lack of office space gave some commissioners pause at first, given the site's proximity to the McLean Metro station. But all voted in favor. No members of the public spoke for or against the plan.

The future of Shipgarten, the pop-up dining and entertainment venue that has operated on the site since summer 2022, came up during the meeting. Braddock District Commissioner Mary Cortina asked whether someone would find the venue a new home. Jill Parks, a land-use attorney with Ballard Spahr representing Galerie Development, said discussions were underway to relocate it.

As part of the development's proffers, intersection improvements at Chain Bridge Road and Colshire Drive would be accelerated, according to FFXnow.

The amendment would change the original Scotts Run Station South conceptual development plan (CDP), approved in 2013, from a mix of office and residential space to a continuing-care facility. The county zoning record lists the applicants as Cityline Partners and Galerie Development.

The Board of Supervisors public hearing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, according to county zoning records.