Throwback Thursday: Reston Station’s Groundbreaking

A little over three years ago, Reston founder Bob Simon and local elected officials moved shovels of ceremonial dirt in the rain near the Dulles Toll Road and talked about big things to come.

The VIPs hailed the public-private partnership of Fairfax County and Comstock, who were teaming together to build the $90 million, seven-level underground parking garage. Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins said at that time Reston Station could be considered “Reston’s sixth village center,” alluding to Reston founder Robert E. Simon’s original vision that Reston be built as a walkable community centered around village centers.

“I hope we will measure up to the standards of Robert Simon for people to live, work and play here,” Hudgins said at the groundbreaking. “This is truly a significant part of Reston’s history, the [Dulles] corridor’s history and Fairfax County’s history. This changes Fairfax County from a bedroom community to a transit-oriented community.”

Since that afternoon in April 2011, the site has gone from giant hole in the ground to the framework of a 1.5 million square foot transit-oriented development.

When Metro riders disembark at Wiehle-Reston East, they will see a pedestrian plaza that planners envision as being home to civic and community events. The plaza features public art — giant spires of orange-red cords called “Dancing Reed’s by artist Don Hoover — as well as landscaping and seating.

But some of Reston Station remains a work in progress. Comstock officials said earlier in the building process that only the garage was expected to be open when the Metro station opened. Some of the larger projects will not start until they have a major leaseholder to help pay for the cost, a Comstock spokesman said.

Here is a look at what is finished, what is under construction and what is planned for the future at Wiehle Avenue, Sunset Hills Road and Reston Station Boulevard.

Completed:

Parking garage — the garage features 2,300 public parking spaces as well as 1,000 private spaces owned by Comstock. Parking is $4.85 weekdays; free on weekends. Reserved monthly parking is available. The parking garage also features a 200-space indoor bike room. Reserved bicycle parking is also available for $60 a year.

Retail space — there is a retail center on the plaza that is complete but has no tenants yet. It is currently being used for special events. There is also street-level retail on Reston Station Boulevard.

Under construction:

BLVD Apartments — the 450-unit luxury high rise is being built on the plaza. The first residents are expected to move in next year. Pricing information is not yet available.

To be built:

Office space: Comstock is planning for two office towers. One will be 375,000 square feet of office and 15,000 square feet of retail. The other will be 250,000 square feet of office and 15,000 square feet of retail. A third building is planned for office, retail and health club, size to be determined.

Hotel: A 200-room hotel is planned for the plaza. The current retail center will eventually be the hotel lobby.