A redevelopment plan before the county could transform Isaac Newton Square, the aging office park at Sunset Hills Road and Wiehle Avenue, into a residential neighborhood with around 2,100 residential units.
Peter Lawrence Cos. and MRP Realty submitted plans in late August to redevelop two-thirds of the office park with 2.8 million feet of development, nearly 90 percent of which would be residential. The development would be spread across roughly 32 acres that Peter Lawrence Cos. controls.
“We spent a lot of time developing the project vision, and we’re proud of it,” said Andrew Painter, the development team’s legal representative. The plan is in line with the county’s comprehensive plan, which has long envisioned the office park’s future as entirely residential. The project is north of the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.
Painter told Reston Now that the development team intentionally designed the project to serve as a transition between the higher density areas close to the Metro Station and established residential communities towards the north and east of the property. The site is bounded by Hidden Creek Country Club, a gas station and a fire station, which will be rebuilt.
“Building heights will generally taper down as one moves from south to north, and our planned “Nature’s Edge” area rings the proposed neighborhood, which provides a landscaped buffer and path along our northern and western edges adjacent to Hidden Creek,” Painter said.
Residential units will be a mix of apartments, condominiums, flats and townhouses, which 14 percent of the total number of units being set aside as affordable units.
The proposed neighborhood will contain up to 10 development blocks with a mix of residential, retail and office uses. The heights of buildings and the intensity of the development will taper off near the existing woodlands near the southern edge of the property.
The developer plans to preserve the property’s row of mature Willow Oak trees, by creating a new “Willow Oak Park.” The 1.45-acre park will serve as the “heart of the neighborhood’s public realm,” according to the proposal.
A full-size athletic field open for active recreation activities will also be included in the plan. Roughly 25 parking spaces will be reserved for field visitors during designated times. A neighborhood green, just under half an acre, will sit next to the athletic field.
A 0.75-acre east-west pedestrian walkway, called the “community mews,” will serve as a mid-block crossing connecting Wiehle Avenue and parcels to the west. Unlike the athletic field and community green, this “mews” will be reserved for residents only. The plan also calls for “The Commons,” the neighborhood’s commercial center.
The developer will create a connection to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. Infrastructure on the property will also support cycling.
Although an overwhelming majority of the development is residential, 260,000 square feet of office uses will be present nearest to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. Roughly 68,884 square feet of retail uses are also proposed.
The plan hasn’t been accepted for review by the county yet, according to Brian Worthy, a spokesperson for the county.
Photos via Google Maps and Andrew Painter
Foulger-Pratt plans new development — The Potomac-based developer has submitted plans for a 1.5 million-square-foot development near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. Plans include up to 907 units, an assisted living facility and an office building with ground-level retail. [Washington Business Journal]
Outdoor movie postponed — Plaza America’s outdoor movie night has been postponed to Friday, September 14. The featured movie is Despicable Me 3 and the movie will begin at 8:45 p.m. at the SunTrust Bank. [Plaza America]
If you’d rather avoid DMV offices — A wireless office for the DMV will be on-site at Reston Town Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Services offered include driver’s license and ID applications and renewals, driving records, vehicle titles, license plates, decals and more. [Reston Town Center]
Creative response tonight — Kimberly Battista leads this month’s creative response at the Greater Reston Arts Center. Creative responses allow a creative professional to respond to work on view in the gallery. [Greater Reston Arts Center]
Yoga workshop this evening — Local yoga and wellness coach Rupa Shah discusses the ins and outs of yoga at this free event at Reston Regional Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees will also get to practice a few techniques. [Reston Regional Library]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Local police are investigating the deaths of three people found inside a Herndon home Wednesday evening.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, two juveniles and one woman were found dead in the 1000 block of Safa Street.
Police said the incident is likely domestic related and that there is no threat to public safety. The homeowner returned home and found the deceased individuals. Police did not indicate if the homeowner and the individuals are related.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, police said. Crime scene detectives will search the home to gather information about the incident after executing a search warrant, police said.
No other information was immediately available. The identities of the deceased have not been released.
This story has been updated.
New black, battery-operated bikes are coming to Reston’s Capital Bikeshare fleet tomorrow (September 5) through a pilot program by Fairfax County Government.
Roughly 80 bikes will be added to Reston and Tysons Capital Bikeshare locations through a program called Capital Bikeshares Plus. The new pedal-assist bicycles, called e-bikes, allow users to get a small boost and make it easier to pedal uphill and across longer distances.
“With the pedal assist feature of e-bikes, shared active mobility will be accessible to a greater variety of riders,” said Fairfax County Bicycle Program Manager Nicole Wynands. “We hope that e-bikes will open the door for more Fairfax County residents and visitors to enjoy the many benefits of getting around by bicycle.”
The new bikes are black and marked with a lightning bolt symbol in the Capital Bikeshare app. But unlike traditional bikes, the e-bikes must be powered on before the start of the trip. Current Capital Bikeshare members can use the bikes at no additional charge.
The pilot program will run through November. County officials expect they will “integrate seamlessly” with the existing Capital Bikeshare system in the county.
Photo via Capital Bikeshare
On Thursday mornings, Fairfax County first responders have gathered with local artist Kathy Sullivan to create multimedia art projects that express their personal development
Now, the public can view the work created by first responders at an exhibition at the Reston Art Gallery & Studios (11400 Washington Plaza) from Thursday (September 6) through September 20.
The class, called Ashes2Art, aimed to help first responders express themselves through artistic outlets. A special reception open to the public is set for September 7 from 4-8 p.m.
“As emergency services personnel, we sometimes focus our identity too heavily on our work life. The art program provides a unique stress-free environment that encourages individuals to explore and discover new outlets for their energy in a positive way. The program allows participants to employ the unique creative abilities of emergency personnel directed in new ways,” according to a statement from the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.
The program is supported and funded by the community. The Reston Art Gallery & Studios also donated display space for the show.
Photo via Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department
The Reston Historic Trust & Museum’s 17th annual home tour is back for its 17th year. The tour, which is set for October 13, will take participants through seven Reston homes that have undergone major redesign, including renovations, additional, complete remodeling, landscaping and interior decor.
Organizers say each home on the tour offers a “unique Reston flair,” featuring homes like a South Reston 1968 Dutch Colonial and Reston’s newest apartments, Signature at Reston Town Center. Registration is open online and can be purchased in person at the Wine Cabinet in North Point Village Center or Greater Reston Arts Center in RTC.
Tickets, which went on sale today, are available until October 6 for $25. Between then and October 13, prices will increase to $30. Group of ten can register together and receive tickets for $20 per person. Registration is open online. On the day of the tour, tickets can be purchased at Reston Museum.
All proceeds from the tour go toward the Reston Historic Trust & Museum. The program is made possible with support from Reston Community Center.
Attendees can tour homes at their own pace in any order between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Photos via Reston Historic Trust & Museum
Metro is offering a glimpse into its next generation of rail cars, which are similar to the stainless steel 7000-series launched three years ago.
On Tuesday (September 5), Metro announced it has begun the procurement process for the 8000-series, which will replace the 2000- and 3000-series cars, which went into service more than 10 years ago. Trains are needed to meet expanding service, especially as the expansion of the Silver Line to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County comes closer to fruition.
Departing from previous ideas, which included open, raised platforms to reduce overcrowding, heated floors and onboard WiFi, the latest plans are similar to the 7,000-series currently in operating. New features include new digital advertising screens, support for remote PA announcements, digital system mats, 110-volt power outlets to charge electronic devices and more lighting, floor markings and signage for ADA areas.
“Today Metro is beginning the multi-year process of acquiring our next railcar fleet, which will take everything our customers love about 7000-series trains and build upon that success,” Wiedefeld said in a statement. “I would take this opportunity to again thank our local jurisdictions — Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia — for creating a dedicated capital funding source for Metro that has made this possible,” according to a statement by Metro.
Metro has issued a formal request for proposals, which will close in late January. A contract will be awarded sometime next year. The contract calls for purchasing up to 800 cars, including options to run more trains during rush hour, and retiring the 6000-series fleet. The new trains are expected to be in service in 2024.
Photos via Washington Metropolitan Area Authority
Environmental quality talk tonight — Doug Britt, a Virginia Master Naturalist and the director of Reston Association’s first Reston Annual State of the Environment Report, presents findings from the report and gives an update on recommendations. [Reston Historic Trust & Museum]
The secret to make gold — The Greater Reston Arts Center’s newest exhibition will feature the work of DC-based artist Caitlin Teal Price. She explores the topic “green is the secret to make gold.” [Greater Reston Arts Center]
Community circles — Local students, teachers and community members work together to create a mural project called community circles. [Reston Association]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Police officers in Reston will no longer be equipped with body-worn cameras, as the pilot program ends in three Fairfax County police stations.
The program began in mid-February after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the pilot program in November last year. Three stations – Mason, Mount Vernon and Reston – participated in the program.
Reston was added to the program in March because extra equipment was available. Police department officers also said Reston’s location near several high-rise buildings and the Silver Line provided unique data from patrol units.
A research team at American University will study the program’s effectiveness and interview trained officers and community members to determine the effect the equipment on police activity and perception of police legitimacy in the community.
The team will also analyze data about the number and type of complaints filed against officers during the time the pilot program was in effect.
A report is expected in early 2019. The program cost roughly $684,000 in fiscal year 2018.
File photo
TSA stops Reston man with loaded guns – A Reston man was reprimanded after an X-ray machine at Dulles International Airport spotted two loaded semi-automatic handguns in his carry-on bag. According to the Transportation Security Administration, the weapons were fund when the man went through a security checkpoint on Saturday. [WTOP]
When fiction, fact and fantasy collide — Five regional artists are teaming together to present the exhibition “Building World” at the Greater Reston Arts Center. The exhibition ends on September 13. [The Connection]
Bring back jazz and blues — Roughly 400 people took part in the 12th Annual Jazz and Blues Festival at Lake Anne Plaza over the weekend. Concert-goers enjoyed seven acts of jazz, blues and soul. [Local DVM]
Survival lecture at Reston Regional Library tonight — New York Times bestselling author Tim MacWelch dispels myths and shares facts about surviving in the wilderness. This interactive lecture is open to attendees age 10 and up. [Reston Regional Library]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Reston that is in effect through midnight tonight, ushering in a rainy start to Labor Day Weekend.
Slow-moving thunderstorms are expected to bring showers throughout the region, according to the alert:
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS, IN MARYLAND, ANNE ARUNDEL, CARROLL, CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST HOWARD, CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST MONTGOMERY, FREDERICK MD, NORTHERN BALTIMORE, NORTHWEST HARFORD, NORTHWEST HOWARD, NORTHWEST MONTGOMERY, PRINCE GEORGES, SOUTHEAST HARFORD, AND SOUTHERN BALTIMORE. IN VIRGINIA, ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA AND FAIRFAX.
* THROUGH MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.
* SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING VERY HEAVY RAIN ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
* HIGH RAINFALL RATES MAY LEAD TO RAPID RISES OF WATER IN LOW- LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS AS WELL AS SOME SMALL STREAMS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for portions of the region until midnight tonight. This includes the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. pic.twitter.com/xvRwqNUIua
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 31, 2018
From the ground up — Ken Yarmosh was on the ground floor of app development when he founded Savvy Apps of Reston in 1999. Now he’s working with Fortune 500 companies and being recognized by Google and Apple for his contributions. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Local unemployment numbers — Northern Virginia’s unemployment rate fell from 2.7 percent to 2.4 percent in July. The statewide rate was 2.9 percent compared to the national rate of 4.1 percent. [Virginia Business]
Final Summerbration concert tonight — Join Chris Vadala with the Rick Whitehead Trio for a fresh mix of bebop jazz tonight at Reston Station Plaza. Parking is free from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Follow signs to ParkX. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Two bold black and white chalkboards are up at Lake Anne Plaza, challenging passers-by to write down what they wish to do or achieve before they die.
The public art installation, called Before I Die, is a temporary public art installation as part of the run-up to the 12th annual Jazz and Blues Festival at the plaza this Saturday (September 1). The festival is free and open to all ages.
The community project was started by artist Candy Chang in New Orleans. Chang created the project to examine the way “the wall of our cities can help us grapple with death and meaning as a community today.” After undergoing grief and depression following the loss of a loved one, Chang covered a crumbling house in her neighborhood in New Orleans with chalkboard paint and stenciled the prompt, “Before I die I want to.” Since then Before I Die walls have popped up in more than 70 countries, including China, Brazil, Kazakhstan and South Africa.
So far, the display in Reston includes wishes and goals like building a business, climbing a mountain and adventuring all over. It will be on display until September 10.
Wrongful entry — A car crashed into a garage on the 11400 block of Summer House Court in Reston on Tuesday. The Car took out two columns. The driver was taken to the hospital for a check-up. No major injuries were reported. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Longtime CEO leaves Fairfax County Economic Development Authority — Gerald Gordon, president and CEO of the FCEDA, will retire at the end of the year. He led the organization since 1987 and has been known for his efforts to diversify and build the county’s business community and economy. [FCEDA, The Washington Business Journal]
Take a Break concert tonight at 7 p.m. — Enjoy New Orleans jazz by listening to the New Line Brass Band play at Lake Anne Plaza. The event is free and open for all ages. Today’s event is the last “Take a Break” concert of the summer. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
NextStop Theatre Company will celebrate its 30th anniversary on September 7 (Friday) at Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (2214 Rock Hill Road).
The performance art theatre started as Elden Street Players in 1988. To honor the 80s rock musical The Wedding Singer, which will begin the week following the event, the theme of the event is the 80s. Attendees are encouraged to wear 80s attire.
The event, which will take place from 7:30-10:30 p.m., will include dancing, special performances by the theatre’s cast of The Wedding Singer, a silent auction, and food by Pure Perfection Catering.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the theater company. General admission tickets, which include an open bar and appetizers, are $50 each. Tickets can be purchased online.
Photo via NextStop Theatre Company
