By Kelly Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

In 1997, Erickson Communities broke ground on Greenspring, the company’s first Northern Virginia campus. Selling out in record-breaking time, the demand for the Erickson lifestyle in Northern Virginia remains strong.

According to Joe Harsel, Erickson’s Director of Community Relations, “Erickson felt compelled to build a new campus in the Northern Virginia area. Nearby Greenspring and Riderwood are sold out and 2,600 people have paid $1,000 to hold their place as next in line. That tells us this area is dramatically under-served.”

The new 132-acre site named Ashby Ponds, will offer a smarter way to retire for the over 281,000 people over the age of 65 living in the surrounding 25-mile radius of its Ashburn, Va. location.

“By far, the greatest benefit to everyone will be that many people will now be able to have an Erickson lifestyle experience,” says Harsel. “The surrounding area will also receive the benefits of Erickson as a world class employer, economic engine, and corporate citizen.”

Community development
As a result of the new Erickson community, Loudoun County will receive significant economic benefits including an agreement by Erickson to build a large portion of Gloucester Parkway. This good faith gesture means that the county will not have to use significant resources, normally associated with other development projects, to connect the surrounding infrastructure.

“Erickson’s foray into Loudoun County will also bring with it thousands of new jobs,” says Harsel. “Each community brings with it a wide spectrum of new employment opportunities from students working in the on-site restaurants to groundskeepers, fitness experts, and medical professionals.”