General Dynamics Eyes Sunset Hills Site for HQ in Reston

General Dynamics Corporation is planning to build a large office building on Sunset Hills Road near Hunter Mill Road.

The aerospace and defense company has filed plans with Fairfax County for development on the 21.7-acre parcel at 11011 Sunset Hills Rd., which is currently a vacant lot between Hunter Mill Road and Wiehle Avenue.

The lot has previously been approved by the county for three buildings totaling 357,694 square feet. General Dynamics’ plans for Phase I of the project are for one 190,000-square-foot building with underground parking.

The headquarters would have about 200 employees, county officials said. General Dynamics currently leases several floors of a building in Falls Church. That lease will expire in 2019, the firm says.

While the development is planned for the commercial/industrial lot, it is located across from Dressage Lane, the entrance to a residential development. The county has sent letters to residents informing them of General Dynamics plans.

Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins has also scheduled a community meeting for next week to discuss with residents the impact the office building will have on traffic and other community concerns.

“While this development will go through the standard Reston Planning and Zoning Committee review process, I wanted to also give the community an early opportunity to talk about the development and address any concerns,” said Hudgins. “The owner and developer involved will be present and available for questions. My hope is that by engaging the community at the onset everyone can be fully informed as the review process proceeds.”

The meeting is at 7 p.m on Jan. 20 at South Lakes High School.

Photo: Future site of General Dynamics on Sunset Hills Road