Falls Church is well known for its nickname, “The Little City,” although the commercial environment is causing it to fade from its name. This beloved, tight-knit community is becoming increasingly corporate with new construction replacing local businesses, contributing to the urbanization of our once “Little City.”
For instance, local charm Brown’s Hardware is closing after 142 years of business. It was established when Harriet Tubman was still alive and Chester A. Arthur, America’s 21st president, was in office.
Originally opened by a teacher, Brown’s Hardware was Falls Church’s first commercial business. Prior to closing, despite the proximity of big box merchandise stores, it remained a relevant place to purchase hardware items in Falls Church. The closing of distinctive stores like these takes away from the small town feel Falls Church once had.
Adding to this, new construction throughout the city contributes to the growing corporate atmosphere. Buildings that stretch several stories high now replace the quaint parking lots and charming establishments. Although many citizens oppose the construction of a large-scale project, the development is relentless. For example, MEH and MHS are now neighbors to a Home2 Suites by Hilton and imminently, the HITT headquarters.
In January, more construction began on the Virginia Tech lot, where the majority of Meridian juniors used to park their cars. Without student input, the parking lot was closed off and construction to create HITT Headquarters began. The building is planned to be taller than Meridian, reaching six stories high. These new buildings will overshadow and swallow the old charm that “The Little City” was originally praised for.
English teacher Dr. Albert DeFazio definitely notices change. He recalls the small town charm when he lived in Falls Church during the 1960s.
“There was no Route 66, no Tyson’s Corner, and route 7 was just a two-lane road to West Virginia. Our house was a tiny two-bed- room structure on Willow Street. The driveway was unpaved. The house was affordable because no one in their right mind would work in DC and then drive all the way to Falls Church City every day,” he said.
However, others believe the construction means progress.
“I think it’s good to develop all the space that was previously just parking lots,” I&S teacher Ms. Pam Mahony said. “I appreciate the density at this end of the city, but I’m not looking for-ward to several more years of construction. So both, on a personal level I’m tired of it, but I know it’s for the good of the community.”
The rapid development of housing, retail stores, and hotels are taking away from Falls Church’s character. All of these commercial buildings will create more traffic and issues for the small community. The skyrocket in businesses will increase the price to live in Falls Church, possibly making it difficult for residents to continue living in the area. It is unfortunate that the small town centered around local businesses is turning into yet another soulless city.
