For those interested in arts or crafts, there’s plenty to do around Reston this weekend.

The Greater Reston Arts Center will host a grand opening tomorrow of the new exhibit STRETCH, featuring work of artists responding to the prompt “if you could do anything, what would that be?”

Five local artists were selected to display work in the new exhibit.

The opening reception from 5-7 p.m. is free and open to the public. The exhibit will run until Feb. 9.

Tomorrow (Dec. 15)

Workshop: Handmade Holiday Ornaments (9:30-11 a.m.) — The Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market Street) will be hosting a class on building creative holiday ornaments. Tickets are $10 for Reston residents or $20 for non-Restonians.

Reston Town Center Winterfest (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) — The all-day Winterfest celebration at the Reston Town Center will include a carousel at the ice skating rink, face painting, a gingerbread man and more.

Balloon Twister (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) — A balloon show will be held in the Reston Regional Library, open to the public and for all ages. Balloon artists will be creating hats, giant birds and other creations as part of a holiday celebration. The library will also be hosting an open house from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. the same day with light refreshments, music and entertainment.

Christmas from Ireland (2 p.m.) — The Irish musical group Lúnasa will be hosting a performance at the Reston Community Center blending spoken word, dance and traditional Irish music. The performance is sold out, but those interested in the show are encouraged to come to the box office at 1 p.m. to see check and see if extra tickets are available.

Sunday (Dec. 16)

From Here to There (7 p.m.) — The Reston Community Center will host an opera performance by mezzo-soprano and Restonian Elizabeth Bishop. Tickets are $15 for Reston residents or $20 for non-Restonians.

Photo via Greater Reston Arts Center

Update 10:30 a.m. — David Toney, Vice President of Development for Akridge, has clarified that the One Reston Town Center project does not have a five-year deadline to begin construction.

(Editor’s note: This story was updated Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 12:15 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. to correct references to One Reston’s height.)

One Reston Town Center, a 23-story building in Reston’s urban core, made waves when it was first approved six years ago. But since then, the project has been largely silent.

The project is planned to offer 420,000 square-feet of office space, as well as 15,000 square feet of ground-level retail. Akridge property management said at the time that it would not begin construction until a lead tenant was found to occupy at least 150,000 square feet of that total office space.

A leasing agent at Avison Young, a real estate partnership business, said the building is still in the pre-leasing phase. While the agent said Avison Young is actively pursuing several deals currently, no lead tenant has been found to occupy the building.

“We have some proposals in to some groups,” said David Toney, Vice President of Development for Akridge. “These things take time. We have some good activity on the project. We’re focusing on that and focusing on financing to go forward.”

Prior to the 2016 reapproval, Akridge had noted that waiting for a lease before beginning construction was less risky than beginning construction while searching for a tenant.

Photo via Akridge

This story has been updated

New Year’s Eve Glow Skate at Reston Town Center — Glow sticks will be available from 6 – 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the RTC Ice Skating Pavilion’s ‘Glow Skate.’ [Reston Town Center via Facebook]

‘Color Me Happy’ at Reston Regional Library on Jan. 10 — Relax, unwind and color your cares away at the library’s adult coloring session. Coloring pages and pencils will be provided. The session takes place from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in Reston Meeting Room 2. [Fairfax County Government]

A Look Inside: One Reston Town Center — Akridge, a commerical real estate company, plans to deliver an “iconic landmark” at 1760 Reston Parkway that include a six-story atrium lobby, an outdoor plaza on the seventh floor and a rooftop lounge and terrance. [Washington Business Journal]

Where to Eat, Shop and Explore in Reston and Herndon — The Washingtonian breaks down the best place to have a bite or swing by shopping the local area. Top picks include ArtSpace Herndon, Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon Historic Walking Trail and Scrawl Books. [The Washingtonian]

School Board Vote Approaches — The special election to fill a vacancy for at-large Fairfax County School Board position through the end of 2019 is Tuesday. The last day to absentee vote in person will be Saturday at the Fairfax County Government Center. [Fairfax County]

Blood Drive Slated for Monday — The Inova Blood Donor Services bloodmobile will be at Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) from 1:30-6 p.m. Monday. All donors will receive a free T-shirt. [Inova Blood Donor Services]

Future One Reston Town Center Building Showcased — Real-estate developer Akridge is promoting its 23-story One Reston Town Center building, coming to the corner of Reston Parkway and Bowman Towne Drive, near the Spectrum shopping center. It will feature 420,000 square feet of office space and 15,000 square feet of retail. Check out the specifics in a Washington Business Journal ad. [WBJ]

IT Solutions Company Comes to Reston — Govplace, a leading solutions provider for the public sector, has expanded its operations with the opening of a new 14,367-square foot office in Reston. The office space is located at 11111 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 200. [Govplace]

Now that plans for Reston’s tallest building have been given final approval (for the second time) by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the project has a name and a sales pitch.

The 23-story building will be dubbed “One Reston Town Center.” Even though its location at 1760 Reston Parkway puts Akridge’s project slightly outside of what a shopper would consider Reston Town Center, it still falls within what planners have zoned for Reston’s urban core (and therefore technically part of RTC).

The building will be located at Reston Parkway and Bowman Towne Drive, near the Spectrum Center. The Spectrum Center will also be undergoing a massive redevelopment in the future. Read More