Leesburg Today

October 28, 2007

Commercial Realty Market Viewed as Work in Progress

How does Loudoun County position itself as a leading business destination in an uncertain economy? How can the county that didn't have a corporate address a decade ago continue to change its image? What product types are attracting investor interest in Loudoun County?

Those were among the questions local developers, equity investors and tenant representatives answered during the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce's second annual Virtual Realty Tour Oct. 26. Some 200 people attended the event at the Loudoun County Public Schools administration building in Broadlands....

Bob Buchanan of Buchanan Partners, another panelist, reminded the audience that all of the amenities along Rt. 7 didn't exist just a few years ago. His firm developed the Lakeside office complex in Sterling and is now focusing on new projects in the Rt. 50 corridor.

"We had to create those things you take for granted," he said, adding that Loudoun may have a long way to go before it attracts a significant business base. "I still feel Loudoun doesn't have a corporate image."