By Ben Orcutt—Daily Staff Writer

FRONT ROYAL — Warren County farmer and developer Larry Andrews announced on Wednesday that he plans to file a rezoning request to build high-end duplexes on land on Strasburg Road previously considered by Wal-Mart for a Supercenter.

Andrews purchased the 121-acre tract last year for $2.3 million from H.H.C. Richards Trust and has been growing hay on the property for cattle he raises. Andrews says that roughly 70-plus acres are in the Shenandoah River's floodplain and 44-plus acres could be developed by-right with more than 100 houses.

Andrews says he will file a rezoning request with the town to build the duplexes — which will be marketed to retirees — on roughly 10 acres, with the three additional acres set aside for use by the town, county or others. The property is currently zoned R-1. Andrews wants to reserve the right to build a house site on the area that he farms, as well as accessory buildings for farming operations, in addition to the right to farm the property.

"I have a business partner on the 44-acre parcel with one-third interest," Andrews says in a press release. "After careful consideration and study of my options for the benefit of my family and the future of this property from a farming perspective, I am offering to put a conservation easement on the property to protect it from development."

Andrews is hopeful that those who wanted the area preserved for its beauty will view his proposal as a way to keep most of the land in its current condition.

For further developments, visit nvdaily.com or read the print edition of The Northern Virginia Daily.

Audio from the press conference

Reporter Ben Orcutt and developer Larry Andrews discuss the project.

Audio from the press conference

Larry Andrews: "It's important to me in a lot of ways to preserve it." (1:53)

Larry Andrews: "I think that high end development from a retirement community is one of the things that's needed." (2:12)

Larry Andrews: "I think it's something that generations to come will appreciate." (2:31)

Audio by Rich Cooley/Daily