Reston Heights Signs a Major Tenant for New Development

The JBG Companies have signed 24 Hour Fitness as an anchor tenant for the Reston Heights expansion on Sunrise Valley Drive.

It will be 24 Hour Fitness’ fourth Northern Virginia location. The national chain, which has more than 450 locations nationwide, has gyms in Tysons Corner, Falls Church and Fairfax.

“It’s a big win for us,” said JBG Principal Greg Trimmer.

It is not known how big the Reston gym will be, but the Tysons location, which anchors urban mixed-use development Tysons West, is 49,000 square feet. The Tysons location features an indoor pool, racquetball courts, weights, cardio equipment and a child care center.

Trimmer was part of a forum “The Future of Reston and Herndon” sponsored by business website/newsletters Bisnow in Reston on Tuesday. The panel discussion mostly looked at the commercial real estate climate in Reston.

From a retail perspective, Trimmer says the Reston market is booming. JBG is also developing RTC West, the 40,000-square-foot retail and office development at Sunset Hills Road and Town Center Parkway.

“When you look at the demographics of the DC area, it is home to 6 of the 10 wealthiest counties,” Trimmer said. “As far as Reston demographics, people in Reston are 20 percent more likely to eat out, 30 percent more likely to have a new car., and 75 percent of people in Reston will consider brand name more than price. Retailers cannot get here quickly enough.”

Most retailers, including Chili’s and 7-Eleven, have already left the Reston Heights complex at 11844 Sunrise Valley Dr. Reston Kabob will close its doors on July 31. Both JBG and Reston Kabob owners say they are interested in a new Reston Kabob when there when the new complex opens, but that could be several years away.

24 Hour Fitness will have competition from Reston branches of Life Time Athletic, which opened in fall of 2013, the YMCA Fairfax County Reston, Fitness First Reston Sport & Health, as well as boutique gyms and yoga studios.

The Westin Reston Heights, Mercer Condominiums and office buildings make up the first phase of Reston Heights.

The second phase, approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2013, will have a six-story residential building, a 15-story residential building, a five-story building that incorporates a parking garage with residences and retail space; and a 10-story building that mixes office space, parking and retail space.

The plan includes 145,000 square feet of above-grade retail, 100,00 square feet of below-grade retail, 428,225 square feet of office and 498 residential units.

Groundbreaking should happen later this year, JBG says.