Nestled within the high-end, master planned community of Belmont Estates, located outside of Washington, DC in one of the nation’s wealthiest counties, Belmont Chase is designed to invite residents from the local neighborhoods, commuters and nearby workers to shop, dine and linger in a vibrant, exciting and upscale environment reminiscent of a nouveau country estate.
Prior to Belmont Chase’s opening, the affluent Loudoun County market had limited high caliber, destination outdoor neighborhood shopping venues for its sophisticated demographic. The immediate retail landscape was made up of traditional strip malls with standard merchandising and little attention to aesthetics or placemaking.
Belmont Chase breaks this mold with its LEED-Certified, industrial chic design offering a focal water feature, wood pergolas, and a contemporary twist on rural country architectural elements; a reference to the local culture while providing a unique style and identity. The center’s master plan also promotes walkability, with pocket parks situated throughout the center. These gathering spaces enhance visitor flow and improve traffic patterns.
The design team used the project’s anchor, the only Whole Foods Market in the county, as inspiration to incorporate design elements that would attract a blend of high-end shops, distinctive restaurants, and luxury services to match the discerning market.
The owner and designer were committed to sustainability. Belmont Chase achieved USGBC LEED Silver certified designation – Exemplary Performance in Green Power and Construction Waste Management. The project also focused on the use of regional and low-emitting materials, water use reduction, and incorporated electric car charging stations. Property tenants were also encouraged to incorporate sustainable design strategies and were provided a comprehensive handbook outlining methodology to achieve this goal.