Photo by Susannah Moore
In the early morning hours of Oct. 21, 2019, a devastating 6-alarm fire tore through the east side of Belle View Shopping center, causing damage to at least 10 businesses. Six of those businesses, Yido Ramen & Sushi, Belleview Cleaners-Launderers, GOLFTEC, Wine and Design, Roy Rogers and Spokes, Etc. were forced to close indefinitely.
The first of these six businesses, GOLFTEC, is reopening Saturday.
“We are very much looking forward to being back in Belle View with our new studio design,” said owner Phil Bowers. He also confirmed that the temporary GOLFTEC location off Duke Street will close.
Jake Levin, with KLNB, works with the shopping center owner to lease the retail space. Levin confirmed that Wine and Design, Roy Rogers and Spokes, etc. have all signed leases and should reopen within the next few months. Yido Ramen & Sushi and Belleview Cleaners-Launderers have not yet notified Levin of their plans.
Steve Beheler, manager at Spokes, Etc. confirmed that final details are being worked out at the Belle View shop. “If I had to estimate a time right now, I’d say by the end of March, beginning of April. We’re looking forward to really being back in that space,” he said.
Wine and Design has been able to offer virtual classes since the fire and throughout the pandemic. When they will be able to resume in-person classes will depend on COVID-19 regulations.
Roy Rogers has not announced an opening date but a representative for the restaurant chain said “we are hoping to have an update for our customers soon.”
The businesses affected by the fire are not the only tenants getting a fresh start. Extensive renovations to the exterior of the shopping center have been taking place over the last few months and are almost complete.
According to Levin, the renovation was in the works before the fire and before a controversial proposal to replace the shopping center with multifamily housing, townhouses and retail that was shot down as part of the Fairfax County SSPA process last year.
“The renovation includes new canopies, canopy roofs, signage, storefronts and sidewalks. The work is part of the ownership’s commitment to maintain the shopping center’s status as a leader in the market. All work associated is expected to be completed by May of this year,” said Levin.
The renovation has not gone to without some construction related interference in business for some of the tenants, but Levin says overall the response had been positive. One of the most controversial aspects of the renovation was when bakery Bread & Water Company was forced to give up their large walk-up window and counter. The window was one of the main reasons the small bakery was able to remain operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. A thread on the topic back in December on the website Nextdoor generated 142 comments.
When asked about the controversy of replacing the window, Levin commented, “we just finished their renewal and we are excited to have them as an important part of the shopping center for the long term. We have a great relationship with Bread and Water.” He suggested we speak with owner Bread & Water owner, Markos Panas, for his side of the story. Attempts to reach Panas and other shopping center tenants for comment have not been returned.
Bread & Water was not the only tenant who got creative during the pandemic. Revel Wine and Craft Beer Bar was able to open a spacious outdoor eating area behind their store and ownership has encouraged other tenants to do the same.
Levin said there are no new tenants to announce – yet. “We’re hopeful that with the improvements and the post-pandemic recovery, we will be able to attract new retailers for Belle View,” explained Levin. There are a couple empty storefronts including an empty former bank building. Levin said they are open to all uses for the building and have entertained the idea of turning it into a restaurant, although it would require a significant permitting process with the county.
Any leasing inquiries can be directed to Levin at jlevin@klnb.com.
