Planning for new arts center at Reston Next begins

The county is officially courting feedback on the feasibility of a proposed arts center at Boston Properties’ Reston Next development.

Proffers negotiated by the county and the developer call for a 60,000-square-foot arts center and performing arts venue at the development.

Public meetings are planned from February through April to review the feasibility of the project. Architecture firm Grimm + Parker plans to review feedback and determine an estimate cost for the center.

“Community members, arts organizations and educators should plan to attend a session aligned with their perspective and give input regarding community needs and expectations for the facility space elements and functions,” Reston Community Center wrote in a Jan. 24 announcement about the public engagement period.

A breakdown of the meeting schedule is below:

Monday, February 14, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Kickoff Meeting. RCC Hunters Woods.

Monday, February 28, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Focus Group: Performing Arts. RCC Hunters Woods.

Monday, March 14, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Focus Group: Visual Arts. RCC Hunters Woods.

Monday, March 28, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Focus Group: Arts Education, Schools, Equity/Opportunity Neighborhoods. Zoom platform.

Monday, April 4, 2022, 6:30 p.m. General Wrap-up. Zoom platform.

Participants should RSVP by emailing [email protected].

Reston Next, formerly known as Reston Gateway, is located next to the Reston Town Center Metro Station. The development will be anchored by Volkswagen Group of America and Fannie Mae.

The arts center was part of a proffer agreement approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2018. Block J, which is near the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Town Center Parkway, is expected to house the facility.

A feasibility study must be completed by the summer of 2022.

Image via handout/Fairfax County Government