A block of office buildings in Herndon previously known as the Spring Park Technology Center is getting rebranded as “Marker 20” as part of a revitalization that will emphasize the development’s proximity to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
Pedestrians already cut through bushes along the perimeter of the business complex at 450-485 Springpark Place to access the trail, so property owner Penzance is looking to formalize that connection with the new name.
During its public hearing at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday), the Town of Herndon’s Architectural Review Board will consider applications for building and site renovations as well as new signage to replace the Spring Park branding still posted at the front entrance of the complex.
“Penzance has been planning a rebranding to revitalize the park and enhance its connection to the W&OD Trail,” the developer says in a presentatation for the board. “The plan encompasses enhancement to four of the seven buildings, owned by Penzance, utilizing similar materials and levels of finish to create and maintain uniformity across the park.”
Penzance bought the Spring Park Technology Center for $71.5 million in September 2019 under the name Springpark Place LLC.
With the Herndon Planning Commission’s approval, the developer divided the property into eight separate parcels for potential sales last year. The parcel at 460 Springpark Place was sold to LDI Propco 2 LLC for $20.4 million in February, according to a Fairfax County property database.
According to the website and a video for the project, Penzance’s plans for Marker 20 include a 9,000 square-foot amenity center in 485 Springpark Place with a tenant lounge, conference facilities, a fitness center, bicycle lockers, and an outdoor patio.
To serve tenants and W&OD Trail users, the developer is seeking a brewery, distillery, or restaurant to occupy Suite 100 — a 18,688 square-foot space — in 450 Springpark Place, according to a site plan brochure.
Proposed outdoor amenities include a bicycle lane that connects to the W&OD Trail, a bicycle repair station, a hammock grove, a linear park with fitness stations, a bocce court, a golf putting green, and additional seating and landscaping.
With the applications submitted to the Town of Herndon, Penzance is seeking to add synthetic wood patios or decks and a garage door with a metal awning at Building 450 as well as a bi-folding door, a new floor-to-ceiling glass storefront, and a common area with a fire pit at Building 485, among other changes.
Town staff has recommended that the architectural review board approve the upgrades and new signage after previously raising concerns.
In an Aug. 4 staff report, town staff withheld its stance on the signage rebranding, citing a need for additional information.
Currently, signage at the business park is “indirectly lit” with ground-mounted spotlights, but proposed internal illumination of the new Marker 20 logo is something usually associated with shopping centers and other commercial uses along business corridors, according to the town.
Staff also recommended indirect illumination or a halo effect to reduce lighting impacts on the single-family townhouse development located on the other side of Spring Street.
Penzance’s revised application now calls for signage that satisfies town requirements, where the Marker 20 logo would be in metal letters highlighted by halo-lot light-emitting diodes, according to a memo that Herndon Deputy Director of Community Development Bryce Perry sent the board on Aug. 12.
“The applicant has submitted new information and revised drawings that address the issues raised by staff in the report,” Perry said in the memo. “A site plan was submitted that confirms all sign placement comply with the applicable zoning ordinance regulations.”
Signs for tenants currently at the business park include Windstream, Mark Construction Group, Acuity Brands Lighting, and Wärtsilä.
The architectural board is returning to in-person meetings after meeting online for the pandemic. It held an in-person work session on Aug. 4, but this will be the board’s first in-person public hearing since February 2020.
Photo via Google Maps
Fairfax County Police Officer Shoots Woman — A woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition yesterday (Monday) after a Fairfax County police officer fired their weapon and shot her during a confrontation at a group home in Springfield. Police say they responded to the 8000 block of Gosport Lane by a disturbance call about a woman reportedly assaulting people. [The Washington Post]
Former Fairfax County Police Chief to Head Capitol Police — J. Thomas Manger, who served as Fairfax County’s chief of police from 1998 to 2004, will take over as chief of the U.S. Capitol Police in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection by supporters of former President Donald Trump. Manger will be named to the position following an extensive search, according to The Associated Press. [Patch]
Herndon Business Park Acquired — The San Francisco-based real estate investment company Shorenstein Properties LLC has acquired Monroe Business Center, a 19-acre site at 539 Herndon Parkway with seven office buildings. The property’s location near the future Herndon Metro station “provides Shorenstein with a rare opportunity to create a more mixed-use environment over time.” [PR Newswire]
Two Fire Department Personnel Positive for COVID-19 — Two personnel in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department are currently COVID-19 positive. 175 people in the department are known to have been infected by the novel coronavirus at some point during the pandemic. With cases increasing in the county, the department urged people to get vaccinated if they haven’t done so already. [FCFRD]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
April was another busy month in real estate around Reston. According to Homesnap, 148 homes were reported sold.
Below are a few of the most expensive homes sold last month:
- 1930 Upper Lake Drive
4 BD/3 BA single-family home
Sold: $1,625,000 - 2007 Cutwater Court
4 BD/3 BA single-family home
Sold: $1,550,000 - 11414 Fieldstone Lane
5 BD/4.5 BA single-family home
Sold: $1,260,000 - 11990 Market Street #602
3 BD/3 BA condo
Sold: $1,180,000 - 11814 Triple Crown Road
5 BD/3.5 BA single-family home
Sold: $1,162,000
In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.
Photo via Google Maps
By Makaila Oaks
Mina Fies, founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, recently collaborated with Redfin and a number of remodeling experts from across the country to compile the most important questions to ask before you hire a home remodeling contractor.
The following is an excerpt of the top five questions we think you should ask before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Ask yourself if the project calls for a full-service remodeling contractor or if a handyman can do the job.
Using a glorified handyman to take on a complex project can be disastrous. The difference is professionalism. If your project involves more than just minor repairs or you’re doing more than just updating finishes (such as tile or paint), you want a bona-fide remodeling contractor.
Ask the company you’re considering, “What type(s) of work do you specialize in? Are you registered/licensed, and do you belong to a professional industry group like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or BBB? Show me your work, give me some references, and tell me about your processes.”
Adding these items to the list of questions to ask a contractor will help you decide if they’re a good fit for your project.
— Michael Hill, owner, CCH Design | Remodel of Meridian Idaho
2. Do you handle all phases of the project — from design to construction?
You’ll want to hire someone who can walk you through the entire process, from helping with the design and renderings, to acquiring necessary permits, to executing the work professionally. Working with the same company throughout the entire project keeps the process smooth and seamless, as opposed to hiring different people throughout every phase.
3. How many projects do you have going on, and what is the timeline for our project?
This is an important question to ask a contractor to make sure they aren’t too busy to take on the homeowner’s project. The homeowner will also want to know when the contractor will start and complete the project, and what the project schedule will be. This way the homeowner can be prepared and plan around the construction. This will also help the homeowner be ready for any materials they are providing to be on site for when the contractor needs them, avoiding delays.
4. Can you tell me about an issue you’ve dealt with recently where something went wrong on a project and how you handled it?
Interview your contractor as you would interview a prospective employee by asking open-ended questions. Hearing stories about how they’ve overcome obstacles in the past will provide valuable insight on how they would handle issues on your project. It will also open up a discussion around expectations for communication going forward.
— Mina Fies, Synergy Design & Construction
5. Will there be a dedicated team working on my project?
As we navigate home renovations during COVID-19, this might be one of the most important questions to cover with your contractor. When it comes to who will be on the job, consistency is key. It’s normal for contracting companies to be working on multiple projects at once, so make sure to verify that there will be a dedicated team on your project. If this is not an option, make sure the company goes over the safety precautions that have been put in place due to COVID-19.
Ready for a full service design-build home remodeling experience with a company right here in Reston who can help you answer these questions? Get in touch!
If you’re in the market to buy a house, you’ve got options.
According to Homesnap, there are 140 homes currently for sale in Reston — 90 condos, 20 detached homes and 30 townhomes. Additionally, as of April 4, there have been 67 new listings in the past four weeks and 123 sales.
This weekend, you’ll find a number of open houses across Reston, including:
1308 Stamford Way
6 BD/4.5 BA single-family home
Listed: $1,350,000
Open: Saturday, 12-3 p.m.
11935 Riders Lane
5 BD/4.5 BA single-family home
Listed: $969,900
Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
11234 Hunting Horn Lane
4 BD/2.5 BA single-family home
Listed: $649,000
Open: Saturday, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
11706 Great Owl Circle
3 BD/3.5 BA townhome
Listed: $595,000
Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
1594 Poplar Grove Drive
2 BD/1.5 BA townhome
Listed: $410,000
Open: Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Photo via James Lee on Unsplash
The only thing more damaging to your home than fire is water. Water damage can be truly disastrous. Left unchecked, even a slow leak will rot drywall and studs, create mold, and eventually weaken major structural elements like joists and beams.
Much water damage results from easily curable flaws that homeowners can do on their own. Here are some simple repairs you can make to avoid water damage:
Properly Grade the Soil Around Your Home
The soil directly surrounding the foundation of your home should be at a 30-degree angle, encouraging water to flow away. Ground that declines toward the house will result in pooled water, which can enter the foundation at that point or seep downward and enter through the basement floor.
Simply pack the soil down and rake it so it ramps away from the foundation; picture a small ball being placed at the base of the foundation that would slowly roll away from the home. This grading effect should be at least a foot long.
Attend to the Downspouts
Make sure your downspouts are cleared at least twice per year — or more often if you have a lot of trees near your home that drop leaves onto the roof and downspouts causing clogging. Also, clear the base of the downspouts of debris to ensure they can carry water away from the foundation. These downspouts should be at least 2 feet away from the foundation.
Fix Cracked or Missing Caulk
Walk around your home’s exterior to look for cracked or missing caulk around doors and windows. Pay special attention to the top of the window casing where water can easily accumulate.
Inside, peel off and replace any cracked caulk around bathtubs, showers and sinks. Water can easily seep into these cracks and cause drywall damage and eventually mold.
Inspect Your Roof and Attic
Roof leaks can go undetected for years and cause significant damage. Take a pair of binoculars and look for missing/peeling shingles.
Inside your home, check your attic for mold or water damage and to ensure your bathroom fans are properly venting to the exterior. You don’t have to see any daylight in your attic to have a problem.
Lastly, even if you have a new roof, flashing only lasts 10-15 years whereas the rest of the new roof can last much longer. Have your flashing inspected professionally and replaced if needed.
Lynn Cooper is a licensed REALTOR in Virginia with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Whether buying or selling, Lynn is 100% committed to her clients before, during, and after the transaction. Connect with Lynn at 202-489-7894, [email protected]Â or @lynncooperrealestate.
If you’re in the market to buy a house, you’ve got options.
According to Homesnap, there are 97 homes currently for sale in Reston — 97 condos, 21 detached homes and 43 townhomes. Additionally, as of March 28, there have been 69 new listings in the past four weeks and 109 sales.
This weekend, you’ll find a number of open houses across Reston, including:
2004 Chadds Ford Drive
4 BD/3.5 BA single-family home
Listed: $814,000
Open: Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
12806 Old Club Lane
4 BD/2.5 BA townhome
Listed: $699,900
Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
11811 Great Owl Circle
3 BD/3.5 BA townhome
Listed: $625,000
Open: Saturday, 1:30-4 p.m.
12025 New Dominion Parkway #412
1 BD/1.5 BA condo
Listed: $449,000
Open: Saturday, 2-4 p.m.
Photo via James Lee on Unsplash
March was a busy month in real estate — 116 homes were sold across Reston.
As of March 28, homes spent an average of just 28 days on the market, and the average sales price was $465,500, according to Homesnap.
Below are a few of the most expensive homes sold in March:
- 1258 New Bedford Lane
5 BD/4.5 BA single-family home
Sold: March 12 for $1,573,000 - 1307 Stamford Way
6 BD/4.5 BA single-family home
Sold: March 18 for $1,075,000 - 11331 Woodbrook Lane
4 BD/3.5 BA single-family home
Sold: March 19 for $1,025,000
In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.
Image via Google Maps
This week in Reston, there are 85 properties available to rent, according to Homesnap. These range from a $4.5K two-bedroom condo with a view to a $1.5K/month one-bedroom within walking distance to Reston Town Center.
Below are six recently listed rentals:
- 11990 Market Street #1613 — 2 BD/2 BA — $4,500/month
- 11514 Waterhaven Court — 3 BD/3 BA — $3,400/month
- 11621 Newbridge Court — 3 BD/2.5 BA — $2,700/month
- 12024 Taliesin Place #22 — 2 BD/2 BA — $2,150/month
- 11401R Gate Hill Place #78 — 2 BD/2 BA — $1,950/month
- 2050 Royal Fern Court #11 — 1 BD/1 BA condo — $1,495/month
In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
The market continues to move at an extremely fast pace, leaving many buyers feeling like they will never snag the golden ring of a ratified sales contract. Buyers are waiving all kinds of protections to be the winning offeror.
Buyers: Your best bet is to be ready. Get all your paperwork into your lender so the only thing needed is a ratified sales contract. Work with your agent to hone in on location first and then focus on properties. In the end, location is the thing you can’t change.
Move quickly. When you find one that fits, write the offer! This market is really hard for people who have a slower decision-making process. If you are in this category, do lots of homework. Look at lots of property online, go to open houses and understand the finances. This way when you find one you like you feel more prepared to make the offer.
Here is a list of a few of the new listings in Reston this week:
- 1403 Newport Spring Court — 3 BD/3.5 BA — $550,000 — Open Sunday
- 2337 Lovedale Lane #411B — 2 BD/2 BA — $374,990 — Open Sunday
- 2337 Colts Brook Drive — 4 BD/3.5 BA — $669,900
- 1930 Upper Lake Drive — 4 BD/3 BA — $1,695,000Â
For information on great Reston neighborhoods or if you would like a free valuation of your home, please feel free to contact me.
If you’re in the market to buy a house, you’ve got options.
According to Homesnap, there are 135 homes currently for sale in Reston — 85 condos, 16 detached homes and 34 townhomes. Additionally, as of March 14, there have been 62 new listings in the past four weeks and 110 sales.
This weekend, you’ll find a number of open houses across Reston, including:
1296 Golden Eagle Drive, Reston
5 BD/3.5 BA single-family home
Listed: $837,900
Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
11437 Hollow Timber Court, Reston
3 BD/3.5 BA townhouse
Listed: $774,900
Open: Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
11767 Great Owl Circle, Reston
3 BD/2.5+ BA townhouse
Listed: $615,000
Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
11764 Great Owl Circle, Reston
3 BD/3 BA townhouse
Listed: $595,000
Open: Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
12001 Market Street #231, Reston
1 BD/1 BA condo
Listed: $285,000
Open: Sunday, 12-2 p.m.
Photo via James Lee on Unsplash
This week in Reston, there are 85 properties available to rent, according to Homesnap. These range from a $5.5K/month newly renovated home with a three-car garage to a $1.6K/month centrally located condo with courtyard views.
Below are six recently listed rentals:
- 10754 Blaze Drive — 4 BD/4.5 BA single-family home — $5,500/month
- 11776 Stratford House Place #505 — 2 BD/2 BA condo — $2,700/month
- 11592 Embers Court — 4 BD/2 BA single-family home — $2,300/month
- 11653 Stoneview Square #11C — 3 BD/2 BA apartment — $1,900/month
- 11737 Ledura Court #T1 — 2 BD/2 BA condo — $1,800/month
- 11224 Chestnut Grove Square #228 — 2 BD/1.5 BA condo — $1,695/month
In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.
Reston Software Firm Secures Big Funding — Fast-growing software company ScienceLogic has raised $105 million in fresh funding to take advantage of a Covid-19-inspired “tectonic shift” in IT operations management. [Washington Business Journal]
Residential Real Estate Assessments Are Up — Real estate assessments are up an average of 4.25 percent countywide. House prices increased in most areas of the county due to record low-interest rates and low inventory. [Fairfax County Government]
Task Force on Equity and Opportunity Convenes — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay is urging the county’s task force on equity and opportunity to consider several issues, including cradle to career success, community health, and community safety and justice. [Fairfax County Government]
Local Police Investigate Herndon Robbery — Local police are investigating a robbery that happened on the 1200 block of Springtide Place on Feb. 21. The victims were robbed at gunpoint. One individual was assaulted and the other victim’s purse was taken. [Herndon Police Department]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Inventory is starting to pick up, but it is happening very slowly. Interest rates are astonishingly low at 2.5% to 2.8%, which puts home ownership within reach of many more buyers. The single-family house and townhouse market is moving at a fast pace. The condo market is also moving quickly but is much more price sensitive, so if you’re selling a condo, you’ll really need to pay close attention to the price relative to the condition.
If you are a buyer in this market, you will need to do your homework upfront so you can act quickly when the right property comes on the market. What does that mean?
- Go ahead and choose your lender and get ALL your documentation completed so that all you need to do is give them a ratified contract.
- Have your agent review the contract and the buying process upfront. Make sure you understand the contract contingencies and the risks that come with choosing to waive them to make your offer stronger.
- If you are not inclined to waive contingencies, discuss with your agent how you can make your offer the most appealing.
Look for more inventory in the next few weeks.
Here are few of the properties that settled in the past 10 days:
1446 Yellowwood Court
4 BD/3.5 BA
List Price: $535,000
Sold Price: $545,000
11717 Karbon Hill Court
2 BD/2 BA
List Price: $310,000
Sold Price: $300,000
1719 Ivy Oak Square
3 BD/2.5 BA
List Price: $415,000
Sold Price: $420,000
For information on great Reston neighborhoods, or if you would like a free valuation of your home please feel free to contact me.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Limited housing inventory continues to be the watchword, though the large number of properties added in the past week with a status of Coming Soon may indicate that things will be losing up soon.
There were 13 new listings this past week in Reston for a total of 68 active listings. The market is very active with 37 properties going under contract and 18 being added to the market in a “Coming Soon” status.
Here are few of the new listings this week in Reston.
- 11705-C Summerchase Circle — 1 BD/1 BA — $235,000
- 1258 New Bedford Lane — 5 BD/5 BA — $1,599,000
- 11900 Moss Point Lane — 3 BD/3 BA — $699,900
A few to watch out for that are in Coming Soon Status:
- 1846 Golf View Court — 4 BD/2 BA — $615,000
- 1829 Ivy Oak Square — 3 BD/2 BA — $419,900
For information on great Reston neighborhoods, or if you would like a free valuation of your home please feel free to contact me.
