VY at Reston Heights Gets Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Ceremonial shovels of dirt were turned on Thursday at the site of The JBG Companies’ second phase of development at Reston Heights.

The real dirt has been churning for months, since the former Reston International Center convenience center’s shops, as well as the free-standing Chili’s Bar & Grill and a bank building, were demolished late last year.

What JBG is building in their place is VY, a 385-unit apartment community, as well as 89,000 square feet of retail.

The 483,000 square foot mixed-use VY is a continuation of JBG’s Reston Heights, which already includes the Westin Reston Heights, the Sheraton Reston, the Mercer Condos and office buildings along Sunrise Valley Drive.

JBG says it is planning active community spaces integrated throughout walkable retail, including a public plaza lined with outdoor dining, a play area and an amphitheater for programmed events.

“Reston continues to be a thriving submarket, and JBG is pleased to be expanding our strong presence here,” said JBG Principal Greg Trimmer. “VY at Reston Heights will be an active destination with social public spaces, new living options, and new shopping and dining for all of Reston.”

So far, the project has signed one major retail tenant: 24-Hour Fitness.

A JBG spokesman previously said VY is an abbreviation of “very.”