Brookfield Property Partners now owns two office buildings next to its future Reston Crescent project, a planned mixed used development with more than 2,000 residential units and the likely future home of Wegmans.

The company purchased Summit I, the home of Noblis, Inc., and Summit II on 2000 and 2002 Edmund Halley Drive from JBG Smith Properties for $95 million.

The acquisition expands Brookfield’s footprint in Reston. Although the offices have the potential of 290,000 rentable square feet, CBRE has marketed the property as a redevelopment project that could yield up to 1.2 million square feet of mixed-used development.

“The sale of Summit I and II is consistent with our strategy to take advantage of market conditions to recycle capital, deleverage our balance sheet and reinvest the proceeds in higher-yielding growth opportunities,” Matt Kelly JBG Smith’s Chief Executive Officer wrote in a statement.

JBG Smith bought the buildings for $51 million in 2012 and renovated them. The company maintains ownership of other major sites near Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, VY at Reston Heights and RTC West.

Photos courtesy JBG Smith

Construction of the Lofts at Reston Station, a redevelopment project with 32 apartments and 12 two-over-two townhouses north of the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, is underway.

The development, located at 1825 Michael Faraday Drive south of Sunset Hills Drive, is expected to open by early fall, a representative for Pulte told Reston Now.

“Construction is coming along. We are in framing this week and we are looking to open in the early fall,” said Megan Skupien, marketing manager for the Pulte’s Mid-Atlantic division.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the project, which replaced an office building and a parking lot, in November 2016. According to promotional material, one- or two-level condominiums start at $600,000. 

As part of the project, Pulte also plans to extend Michael Faraday Drive and Reston Station Boulevard along the property, beginning to establish a local street grid for the area.  Reston’s master planning documents envision turning Reston Station Boulevard into the new main street for the area surrounding Wiehle-Reston East.

Residents of The Lofts will be Reston Association members.

The developer committed to the following proffers, according to a presentation given to the Reston Planning & Zoning Committee in 2016:

• $173,376 for athletic fields
• $168,010 to Fairfax County Public Schools
• $24,040 to help construct a traffic signal
• $44,000 for local parks
• A buyout of $20,898 to separate from the Metro Tax District

Photos by Fatimah Waseem; rendering via Pulte

Wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — “Strong winds will increase Wednesday morning ahead of a strong cold front and continue into early Wednesday evening. A line of showers will be associated with the frontal passage which could bring localized wind gusts to 50 mph or greater.” [National Weather Service]

The coming train –The Silver Line is bringing more of the D.C. region’s office submarkets into the Metro-accessible category. Northern Virginia accounted for more than half of all new commercial real estate construction last year. [WTOP]

Turning a page — After StoneTurn Group’s third-party review, Reston Association’s Board of Directors passed two actions that aim to bolster internal controls. [The Connection]

Hooked up — Free WiFi is available underground in several Metro stations. But Wiehle-Reston East isn’t on the list yet. [WMATA]

An eggspectacular hunt — At Restoration Church and the newly-planted Reston campus of Floris United Methodist Church, people “find community” and “growth in faith.” [The Connection]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

Registration will open at 6 a.m. tomorrow for Chick-fil-A’s “First 100” overnight campout ahead of the grand opening on Thursday.

The restaurant, located at 1494 North Point Village Center, is offering selected participants 52 free chicken sandwich meals during the event. Campouts begin the day before grand opening day. Participants will be selected through a random drawing.

A valid ID  is required to participate in the event. For more information on acceptable documents to verify current residence, as well as specific rules for the campout, visit Chick-fil-A’s website.

Larry Everrett, a retired firefighter of 30 years from Fairfax County, will operate the store. Everrett also served as a first responder to the Pentagon during 9/11.

Photos by Fatimah Waseem

Man wanted for abduction — Police are searching for Osman Osman, a Herndon resident who police believe assaulted and abducted his wife and child in Chantilly. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Comstock shifts gears — The development company is shifting its business strategy from for-sale homebuilding to commercial development, asset management and real estate. [Nasdaq]

Breathe in, breathe out — Join a longtime meditator for an adults-only meditation workshop today from 2-3:30 p.m. [Reston Regional Library]

The price tag for Sheraton Reston Hotel — Remember the planned renovation we covered? The hotel was bought by Wurzak Hotel Group for $27 million. [Commercial Real Estate Direct]

Open for (more) business — Reston Farm Market has new hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. [Reston Farm Market]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

Campus at Sunrise, a three-building portfolio with nearly 254,000 square feet, is on the market for $61 million, according to recently released marketing information by Cushman & Wakefield.

The commercial real estate company is seeking buyers for the trio of buildings on 11130 Sunrise Valley Drive, 11190 Sunrise Valley Drive and 11180 Sunrise Valley Drive, which were built between 1987 and 1990 on nearly a dozen acres.

Jennifer Dietze, a senior property manager for Lincoln Property Company, said Cushman & Wakefield is currently preparing an offering memorandum. Dietze also declined to provide any other information on the sale, including why the company is seeking to shed the property.

BPG Properties, a private equity real estate company, sold Campus at Sunrise to Canada-based Grosvenor Americas, the current owner, for $63 million in 2011 — two million more than the current sale price. Soon after, the company renovated the buildings’ HVAC systems, which they said “greatly enhance the tenant experience.”

Promotional material cites the buildings’ close proximity to Wiehle-Metro East, indoor and outdoor terrace lounge areas, an on-site delicatessane and fitness center.

Eric Berkman, a representative for Cushman & Wakefield, declined to comment on the building portfolio due to a confidentiality agreement.

Photos via Cushman & Wakefield

The Coalition for a Planned Reston, an umbrella organization for citizen groups like Reclaim Reston, is seeking additional community forums as the county considers a plan to increase Reston’s population density in certain areas from 13 to 16 people per acre.

The move comes as Fairfax County’s Department of Planning and Zoning issued a formal response on Thursday to requests made by Reston Association and CPR to change Reston’s master plan by curbing additional development and adding more language to manage infrastructure.

The group postponed a planned Monday meeting on the issue with Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, noting it would not be a “constructive use” of time. CPR also cited the county’s inadequate response to their concerns.

“Given the six-week delay in the county’s response and the significant community interest in the density issue, we believe the best way to address these issues of mutual concern will be for CPR to hold one or more community wide meetings to discuss with the public the County’s positions as represented by the March 28th letter,” the group wrote in a statement to Hudgins.

CPR plans to hold community forums on the county’s responses to requests for amendments this month. The group is also seeking to meet with county officials in early May.

“Madam Supervisor, the issues before us will directly affect every resident of Reston, current and future, for decades to come. We have confidence that you agree that it is imperative,” the group wrote.

On Thursday, a RA spokesperson said RA is analyzing the March 28 letter by the county but declined comment. 

Last day to vote in Reston Association elections — Voting for the Board of Directors election closes at 5 p.m.. Ballots must be cast online or received in paper by the deadline. [Reston Association]

Get a little “Overboard” today — Enjoy the film “Overboard,” which follows the story of an heiress who hires a carpenter to build a closet on her yacht for her wardrobe. A free continent breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m. today. [Reston Community Center]

Taking a toll — A $23.4 million upgrade to the equipment of Dulles Toll Road’s toll system could charge variable tolls based on the time of day or the volume of traffic. [The Washington Post]

Co-founder of Reston’s Used Bookstore dies — Susan Schram, a long-time Restonian, died in late March. She opened the bookstore with her best friend in 1977. [Legacy]

Photo by Gail Freiday Crockett

Plans for the future Reston Crescent development, a 36-acre plot of land in the northwestern corner of the intersection of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive, are moving forward.

The proposal by Brookfield Properties, the New York-based developer behind the 4.3 million square foot project, scale back the residential component of the major mixed use project. Roughly 45 percent is dedicated to residential use, down from 66 percent planned in February of last year.

Wegmans has signed a letter of intent for the project, but Andrew Brent, a spokesperson for Brookfield, said no updates on the grocer’s plans were available. Eight blocks are planned on the site, which will include 1.7 million square feet of residential, 1.9 million square feet of office space, a 125,000-square-foot hotel and a 250,000 square feet for assisted living.

Brookfield also plans more to include than double the amount of retail it pitched in July from 125,000 to 380,000 square feet. The plan will also include more open spaces and urban parks, including a 0.3-acre neighborhood park, a 0.3-acre dog park and other areas.

If approved, the plan would add new streets in an effort create grid-like pattern in the road network — a transition taking place in other major mixed use developments near future Metro stations.

The developer plans to dedicate 15 percent of all residential units for affordable or workforce housing.

Other proffers were also noted in the plans:

• $2,090 per residential unit to the Reston Road Fund
• $11,749 per student generated, based on a formula of 0.11 students per residential unit
• Six public park spaces
• LEED certification for residential buildings
• LEED Silver certification for new office buildings

Fairfax County accepted the final development plan for the project on Feb. 5. A presentation was given to the Reston Planning & Zoning Committee in late January.

Renderings for illustrative purposes via handout/Brookfield Properties

Maintenance work is set to begin this weekend to clear sediment and debris caught in the channels of Lake Thoreau.

Reston Association is working with Lake Services, Inc. to dredge the lake beginning as early as Sunday (April 1).

The work is estimated to be complete by the end of June. RA expects to remove about 848,290 liquid gallons or 4,200 cubic yards worth of material.

Dredging helps maintain the depth of channels and reduces the exposure of fish, wildlife and people to contaminants, according to the National Ocean Service.

Activity will not take place within five feet of any dock structure. The picnic area near South Lakes and Ridge Height Road will be serve as the staging area, according to RA.

Sediment will be removed from the lake and placed in trucks. Disposal will occur at a site in Loudoun County. Access to the pathway near the picnic area may be limited.

Photo via Reston Association

A nearly one-hour long power outage at Reston Town Center was caused by an unidentified construction incident.

According to a press release,  Boston Properties, HITT Contracting and subcontractors “followed protocol and took the proper steps as required by Dominion Virginia Power and Miss Utility prior to performing any work.”

A full review of the incident is ongoing. No other information was immediately available.

Here’s a roundup from social media:

We'd never want to keep you in the dark, but…the power is out at Reston Town Center and our phones are down! Thank you for your understanding while we get back up and running. @RestonTwnCenter pic.twitter.com/scSoFnjpA3

— Mon Ami Gabi (@MonAmiReston) March 29, 2018

NOTICE (3/29): We have a experienced a power outage that has impacted the entire Reston Town Center. As soon as we have an update regarding when power will be restored we will share the information. Apologies for any inconvenience!

— Reston Town Center (@RestonTwnCenter) March 29, 2018

https://twitter.com/_PornFlakes/status/979417332777934848

This has been updated. 

County staff rejected any changes that affect land use, density or intensity recommendations in Reston Master Plan until after 2019, responding to requests by Reston Association’s Board of Directors and the Coalition for a Planned Reston (CPR) to the planning document.

The county’s written response comes as officials prepare to push forward plans to increase Reston’s population density from 13 persons per acre to 16 in Reston’s Planned Residential Community.

Plans were staunchly opposed by residents in community meetings, while supporters contend the increase is necessary to implement Reston’s Master Plan, which posits major growth potential for the planned community.

Fred Selden, the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning director, wrote that the county is only open to considering clarifications, correcting oversights or editorial tweaks — emphasizing that the plan was the result of a six-year study, recommendations from a 50-member task force, and a significant public engagement period.

“Recognizing the time, energy and community commitment that go into our multi-year land use studies, it has long been the county’s practice not to amend these new plans within the first five years of their adoption,” Selden wrote.

In a point-by-point outline responding to RA’s November 2017 letter and CPR’s February letter, Selden said the county is monitoring plan implementation, including the pace of development and public facilities, schools, parks and road.

The growth of development and resulting infrastructure needs and strains has been cited as a central concern for CPR and RA’s board. County staff reiterated their willingness to work with community groups and stakeholders to address concerns.

Noting that the plan already contains controls to manage development, staff said they will work to develop a phasing plan that will tie future development with specific infrastructure and public facility needs.

The letter also noted the county’s willingness to amend a portion of the plan that allows 50 or more dwelling units per acre, resulting in “unlimited development.” The county is also willing to more explicitly state that redevelopment is recommended in non-residential, mixed-use areas in village centers, not stable residential neighborhoods.

Staff also committed to monitoring the implementation of the Reston Plan and providing a progress report for Reston similar to one performed for Tyson. Staff noted they were open to seeing an overall maximum population, but did not indicate if they agreed with CPR’s recommendation of 120,000.

Other recommendations were flatly rejected, including CPR’s request to require 20 percent of all future dwelling units to be affordable, other requests to reduce the density of dwelling units, and a request to delete language that allows redevelopment of St. Johns Woods.

An attempt to remove the road connection between American Dream Way and Isaac Newton Square — a mapped road across Hidden Creek County Club — was also not favored by staff. The option for the road is necessary to reduce congestion at the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Wiehle Avenue, county staff said.

The complete letter is below:

Department of Planning and Zoning Response to CPR, RA, Hudgins by Fatimah Waseem on Scribd

Recognition for Frank de la Fe — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored the Restonian for his service on the county’s planning commission for 16 years. [The Connection]

Mom defends son who faces murder charges — The 17-year-old Lorton teenager who has been charged with the murders of Scott Fricker, 48, and his wife Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43, has been called an alt-right killer. But his mother told says her son has struggled with mental health issues for years. [The Washington Post]

A response to school shootings and gun violence — South Lakes High School seniors held a voter registration drive in their U.S. history class. [The Connection]

Walk for the Walker Nature Center — The 15th annual walk to benefit the center, which offers environmental education, is set for April 14. Registration is open online. [Walker Nature Center]

USA Today highlights local Olympian — March is Girls Sports Month, so the news outlet featured Reston’s own Maame Biney, an Olympic short track speed skater. [USA Today]

Photo by Ruth Sievers

A spiraling tower of glass created by American glass artist Danny Lane is under construction next to the newly-opened Signature, Boston Properties’ 508-unit apartment building.

The artwork consists of stacked, iron glass on a granite plinth that can also be used as seating. The twisting form is placed at the center of the convergence point between three pedestrian paths.

The art piece is the “focal point” within Signature Park, which contains widened bike path, a play area for children and stairs leading to town center, according to Richard Ellis, Boston Properties’ vice president of development.

The site is under construction as work on landscaping continues, according Anne Delaney, executive director of Public Art Reston.

Here’s more about the piece and the artist from Public Art Reston:

The goal of the artwork is three fold. From macro to micro, our objective for the new Danny Lane sculpture site is: to enrich the civic life of greater Reston; to contribute a permanent sculpture to the Reston Town Center development that introduces a unique and elevating experience and to specifically form a connection between the new Signature residential tower that both harmonizes with the building’s elegant design and serves as a welcoming transition from the adjacent public green space.

Danny Lane is an American glass artist currently living and working in London. He is best known for his large scale glass and steel sculptures. Through his work, he contrasts the seeming fragility of glass as a material with the sturdiness of steel to create sculptures that are at once commanding and elegant. His work can be found in collections around the world, from London, to Hong Kong, to the United States.

Photo via Public Art Reston and Danny Lane