The property located at the southwest corner of Lafayette Boulevard and the Blue and Gray Parkway has been locally known as the Roper Brothers site for decades. Considered a landmark, the property was one of the few locations where both commercial contractors and local residents could buy building materials for commercial or do-it-yourself projects. Roper Brothers made the decision in 2002 to relocate to Spotsylvania County where they could construct a larger facility. The property was then acquired by a group of local business investors under the name of Fredericksburg Park, LLC. The Roper site became the centerpiece of the project with several other properties added to create the 45.6 acre Fredericksburg Park.

While the site was being assembled, the City was formulating its vision for a number of major development and redevelopment sites. The study, entitled “JumpStart Fredericksburg 2010” specifically addressed the Roper Brothers site as an outstanding site to provide mixed use development potential in this part of the City. Working closely with the Fredericksburg Park team the JumpStart committee envisioned a major mixed-use project on this site with a combination of retail uses, office space, and residential uses. The community would be pedestrian-friendly with access to a downtown trail system and be linked to the FRED system. Because of its strategic location, JumpStart recognized the enormous potential of this site in creating its vision for the City.

The development program developed envisions a mix of uses that will make this community active and vibrant. A potential new boutique upscale grocery store would be prominently located near the intersection of Lafayette Boulevard and the Blue and Gray Parkway. In addition, approximately 50,000 square feet of office space and another 120,000 square feet of specialty retail and restaurants are proposed for the site, including a small cinema complex is planned. The remaining component of the community will be residential units distributed throughout the community, included above certain retail spaces. Residential types will include townhomes in an urban setting and attached condominium units located above retail uses in the commercial shopping core. A total of approximately 493 residential units are planned for the community. Coupled with a full package of amenities this community will boast a pool, clubhouse, and tennis court. In addition the project will connect to the City’s growing trail network to be constructed between Fredericksburg Park and the adjacent Alum Spring Park.

Welford Engineering has been the lead engineering consultant on the team. Our surveyors have completed boundary line, topographic and ALTA surveys on most of the parcels. Our engineers and planners have developed the Generalized Development Plans for the project and addressed such issues as zoning compliance, transportation access, coordination with the National Park Service who closely abuts the site, liaison with the staff of the City of Fredericksburg, and preparation of all of the rezoning documents submitted to the City. In addition, our environmental professionals are addressing wetland and permitting issues as well as developing plans for addressing storm water management following development of the site.