meaningful development.
Peterson Companies is committed to developing places that foster vital connections and positively impact communities.
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positive impact
Peterson Companies is committed to enhancing the communities in our region. We are actively engaged in several initiatives ranging from philanthropic giving and volunteering to efforts that support our environment for the future.
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Discover an organization where your career can grow and flourish in Peterson Companies. Our collaborative, innovative, and supportive culture has earned recognition as a 2025 Top Workplace by USA TODAY and The Washington Post.
milestone projects
Discover the key moments behind our progress over the years—from early wins to major growth milestones. Hover over each milestone to reveal the details and context behind the story.
Milt Peterson
1965
1970s
Hazel/Peterson
Tysons McLean Office
1984
1984
Rezoning approved
Residential
1990s
1990s
Fair Lakes
Rio
1994
1990s – 2000s
Dulles Discovery
Virginia Gateway
1994
1998
Downtown
First retail tenants open at Fairfax Corner
2003
2004 – 2008
Developed National Harbor
Commonwealth
2015
2021
Northern
Multifamily
2023
2025
Peterson Companies
1965
Milt Peterson ventures out on his own
Starting with the purchase of 7 acres in Vienna, VA and a vision to build planned communities.
1970s
Hazel/Peterson Companies is formed
Building planned communities including Burke Centre and Franklin Farm—shaping the future of Fairfax County, VA.
1984
Tysons McLean Office
A handshake deal delivers a 460,000 SF office building and the region’s largest private lease at the time.
1984
Rezoning approved for Fair Lakes
Sets the stage for 7.1M SF of mixed-use development, marking a transformational milestone for the company.
1990s
Residential portfolio expands
Developed condominiums and multifamily communities including Centre Ridge, Stonecroft, Virginia Oaks, and Waters Edge.
1990s
Fair Lakes Center opens
A 1M+ SF power center in Fairfax, VA featuring leading national retailers and restaurants.
1994
Rio Washingtonian Center
Acquired 102 acres in Gaithersburg, MD for mixed-use development with partners Ted and Jim Pedas.
1990s – 2000s
Dulles Discovery
Acquired, assembled, and developed parcels for the multi-phased 3 million SF office campus in Chantilly, VA.
1994
Virginia Gateway
Acquired 400+ acres in Gainesville, VA and over the next decade created 1M+ SF of retail, restaurant, entertainment, and office space, with the final phase, Promenade at Virginia Gateway, opening in 2014.
1998
Downtown Silver Spring
In partnership with Foulger Pratt, reimagined a 22-acre property in Silver Spring, MD.
2003
First retail tenants open at Fairfax Corner
The walkable, mixed-use lifestyle center takes shape in Fairfax, VA.
2004 – 2008
Developed National Harbor
220 acres along the Potomac River was transformed into the premier waterfront destination—home to retail, dining, office, residential, hotel, and entertainment.
2015
Commonwealth Self Storage
The company's first self-storage facility opens in Ashburn, VA, marking a new business segment.
2021
Northern Virginia Gateway
A lease with Amazon launches the company's first industrial development.
2023
Multifamily Portfolio Expands
Vista Fairfax Corner welcomes residents, followed by multiple acquisitions including Mariner Bay, 8001 Woodmont, and The Clarendon over the next two years.
2025
Peterson Companies relocates corporate office
A new corporate headquarters at Fairfax Corner sets the stage for the next chapter of growth and innovation.
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