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Fairfax County supervisors unanimously approved a seven-story residential redevelopment in downtown McLean on March 17, advancing a project expected to bring new housing and public space to a prominent corner.

The 1368 Beverly Road project will replace the existing site at Beverly Road and Elm Street with 56 residential units. At least seven will be workforce dwelling units reserved for moderate-income residents who may struggle to afford market-rate rents in McLean.

Plans also call for a public plaza at the intersection, active ground-floor space and mostly underground parking. The plaza and retail component are intended to attract pedestrians and create a new gathering place in the McLean Community Business Center.

Supervisor Jimmy N. Bierman, who represents the Dranesville District, highlighted the property’s central location near landmarks including the McLean Project for the Arts and Mars headquarters.

“This is the center of the central center zone of the Community Business Center,” Bierman said. “So we’re very happy to see this come in.”

Although first-floor retail was not included in the initial proposal, Bierman said the developers accommodated requests for more street-level activity and the additional foot traffic it could generate.

The building will also depart from the traditional architectural styles often associated with local redevelopment. Bierman said community members pushed for a contemporary appearance, with some asking during a public meeting whether the design could be made even more modern.

The project supports the county’s vision for a more walkable, mixed-use downtown McLean with livelier ground floors and upgraded streetscapes. Street trees will be planted along both Beverly Road and Elm Street.

The developer has also committed to a six-foot landscaping strip, an eight-foot sidewalk and a four-foot building zone, matching the dimensions called for in the McLean Design Guidelines.