The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority has approved a change to the Huntington Conservation Plan to permit a 173-unit mixed-use redevelopment project at the corner of Huntington Avenue and Biscayne Drive.

The decision will allow the project, which has been under discussion for more than a year, to proceed. The developer, A&R Development, is currently pursuing regulatory approvals, according to the Southeast Fairfax Development Corp. A&R is actively working on a rezoning application to Fairfax County.

Unlike the majority of communities in Virginia, Huntington has a conservation plan that requires development to conform to certain stipulations, but amendments can be voted in.

SFDC spokesman David Ben said the building is planned to be a mid-rise development at eight stories tall. The ground level will contain retail establishments.

According to the Huntington Community Association, the retail space will front Huntington Avenue and taper down to four stories along Glendale Terrace. Parking garage entrances will be placed along Biscayne Drive.