Photos: So Long, Reston International Center Shops

Demolition finally began on Tuesday the Reston International Center’s retail buildings.

The businesses there closed over the last 18 months to make way for JBG’s large, mixed-use extension of Reston Heights.

Wells Fargo Bank shut down in the summer of 2014, followed by Chili’s in December 2014. By August, the strip that housed Reston Kebob, a 7-Eleven and a dry cleaners closed too.

After months of pre-construction work and asbestos removal, the wrecking ball made quick work of the Reston Kabob strip, demolishing it in one day. Chili’s is still a work in progress.

The stand-alone Popeyes will remain throughout the redevelopment.

JBG’s Reston Heights Phase 2 will include 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.

One major tenant, 24-Hour Fitness, has been signed for Phase 2.