Midtown Jewelers, a family-owned jewelry boutique in Reston Town Center, recently received awards from two wedding planner websites.
The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” 2019 honor for jewelers and WeddingWire’s 2019 “Couples’ Choice Award” add to the boutique’s list of previous prizes, including “The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame” and nine other WeddingWire awards.
Located among the retailers at Midtown, the jewelry boutique has been at 11990 Market Street, Suite D for more than 10 years, according to its Facebook.
Image via Midtown Jewelers/Facebook
Calling young artists. Sixth-graders at McNair Elementary School in Herndon have the chance to show off their masterpieces and compete in a contest.
Fairfax County Public Schools recently announced that the school partnered with the College Board to host an art competition.
Contestants can send their portraits to the College Board’s office in Reston Town Center (11955 Democracy Drive), where the art will get displayed. (The College Board is a McNair Elementary School partner, according to FCPS.)
After the votes are in, a representative from the College Board will deliver a certificate to the winner, who can expect to receive prizes and art supplies during the school’s graduation ceremony in June.
Image via Google Maps
Wine enthusiasts will have until the end of March to raise a final glass at a wine bar in Reston Town Center.
A sign recently posted in the window of The Tasting Room Wine Bar and Shop (1816 Library Street) says that the location will close on March 24.
“Thank you for an amazing 10 years,” the sign says, encouraging fans to head to the other locations in Middleburg and National Harbor in Oxon Mill, Md.
The wine bar was created by the owners of the Boxwood Estate Winery, which produces five blends in the Bordeaux tradition from the seven varieties of grapes grown in the Middleburg vineyard.
Image via Google Maps
DC Row revealed on Friday (Feb. 22) that it plans to open in Reston this summer.
News of the Reston location first appeared in late January when it was named as one of the six anticipated newcomers for Reston Town Center. The address has not been announced yet.
DC Row’s General Manager Brittany Brunch told Reston Now earlier this month that the Reston location will offer similar classes to the ones currently at the D.C. location (790 Maine Avenue SW). Reston’s DC Row will cater to specialized groups, including happy hour events for corporations and more time slots during the day for moms.
Locals can expect a pop-up near Reston Town Center before the grand opening, which has not been announced.
DC Row won’t be the only new fitness studio in the area. Solidcore plans to open its doors in RTC West on March 9.
DMV2Go — The wireless office on wheels offers DMV services, including driver’s license and ID card applications and renewals, driving records, vehicle titles, license plates, decals and more. Locals can find it at the pavilion in Reston Town Center today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. [DMV Virginia]
New digs — Right Source Marketing recently moved to new offices in Reston. The digital and content marketing agency also acquired new space in Timonium, Md. [@CarissHampton on Twitter]
Gusty day ahead — The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory for today. [NWS]
Google moving in Reston — “The Mountain View, California-based company is close to announcing plans to move from Reston Town Center to 1900 Reston Metro Plaza, the trophy office building Comstock Holding Cos. Inc.” [Washington Business Journal]
Fox Mill Road now open — A car crash and downed pole on Valentine’s Day shut down Fox Mill Road at Lawyers Road shortly after 2:30 p.m. The road opened up a few minutes ago. [Fairfax County Police]
Tolls tanked — “Tolls are off the table for Fairfax County Parkway, and long-planned High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes in the Virginia County may even be a stretch.” [WTOP]
Todd Hitt pleads guilty to fraud — “Former Kiddar Capital CEO Todd Hitt pleaded guilty to orchestrating eight counts of securities fraud that ultimately cost investors $20 million, according to a plea deal announced Wednesday by the Department of Justice.” Hitt admitted to soliciting about $30 million from investors over a period of four years while making false statements. Part of the $30 million included $17 for Kiddar Capital’s purchase of a Herndon office building. [Washington Business Journal]
Fishing workshop — A hands-on workshop at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) will cover tackle, rods and reels. The program runs from 6-7 p.m., and the cost is $8 per person. [Fairfax County]
Google is significantly expanding its operations in Northern Virginia, as part of a $13 billion round of investment in new offices and data centers across the U.S.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the plans in a blog post Wednesday afternoon.
“With new office and data center development, our workforce in Virginia will double,” Pichai wrote.
The post did not specify exact locations or other details, but Google currently has an office at Reston Town Center and was reported to be considering a major new lease near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.
It was also previously reported that Google had purchased sites in Ashburn and Leesburg for two new data centers.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends or significant others, Reston Now has rounded up some Valentine’s Day events this week that don’t involve dinner plans.
With all of the chocolate and candy temptations, why not focus on self-care with physical activity set to love songs and break-up hits?
New Trail Cycling, which opened in December at Lake Anne Plaza, will have themed rides all about love.
The first one titled “Love vs. Break-Up Hits” is scheduled for the classes at 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). On Saturday (Feb. 16), get ready for the “Battle of the Exes” at 11 a.m.
- Feb. 12 and 13 Valentine’s Day gift with purchase — Spend $100 at a Reston Town Center retailer or restaurant on Feb. 12 or 13 and receive a bouquet of flowers by bringing your receipt(s) to the flower cart located in front of the ice rink on Market Street.
- Feb. 14 Craf-Tea Thursday — Head to the Elden Streat Tea Shop to learn from Tess Rollins how to make two Valentine’s/Palentine’s Day paper cards while enjoying themed snacks and a pot of tea from 10-11 a.m.
- Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Bingo — From 10:30 a.m. to noon, come to the Tall Oaks Assisted Living to play bingo.
- Feb. 14 Annual Valentine’s Day Horse Carriage Rides — The annual event at Reston Town Center takes place from 4-9 p.m. The proceeds will benefit Relay for Life. Rides cost $5 per person and kids under age 5 ride for free.
- Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Painting — For $50 per person, you can enjoy painting and wine for two at Pinot’s Palette in Herndon from 7-9:30 p.m.
- Feb. 15 Valentine’s Gala — Food, dancing and more can be expected at Let’s Stay Together first annual Valentine’s Gala. The semi-formal gala will take place from 7-10 p.m. at the Embassy Suites on Woodland Park Road. Tickets start at $125.
- Feb. 17 Valentine’s Makesperience — Enjoy a couple’s dinner at 5:30 p.m. and sign up for a makers class at Nova Labs. Classes include jewelry-making, woodworking, t-shirt making, laser cutting and creating tea lights.
- Feb. 17 Galentine’s Day Party — Scrawl Books plans to host a post-Valentine’s “Galentine’s Party” to benefit Cornerstones and the Laurel Learning Program. Authors Orly Konig and Erika Marks will discuss books, writing and life while drinks and hors-d’oeuvres are served.
Restaurant chain True Food Kitchen plans to open its Reston location at M & S Grill’s former spot in Reston Town Center.
The restaurant will fill the vacant spot at 11901 Democracy Drive, which has been empty since M & S Grill closed last year on New Year’s Day.
When True Food Kitchen will open, though, remains unclear.
Reston Town Center said a press release last month that the chain will be one of six newcomers slated to open this year.
The next day, a post on Reston Town Center’s Facebook page said: “True Food Kitchen, the award-winning restaurant that has pioneered health-conscious dining, will bring its seasonal menu offering brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails to Reston Town Center starting Spring 2020!”
A spokeswoman for True Food Kitchen told Reston Now she was not aware of an exact opening date and that the chain will announce its job fair as it gets closer to opening in Reston Town Center. The Reston address is not listed with the locations “coming soon” on the website, which includes spots opening in the spring, summer and fall this year.
Located across the country, True Food Kitchen focuses on offering food based Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet. The chain currently has a location in Fairfax and plans to open in Arlington.
Image via Google Maps
BB&T’s signs and outdoor ATM machines are gone at its former branch spot in Reston Town Center.
A sign on the door at 1864 Explorer Street say that “this financial center is closed,” encouraging people to go to the BB&T branch and ATM at 1490 North Point Village Center.
Locals looking for the closest location can find it at 230 Herndon Parkway.
Reston Now has not heard back yet from BB&T as to why and when the branch closed.
Building permits from CH Realty indicate that the vacant spot is set to undergo interior alterations.
First image via Google Maps
The Apple Store in Reston Town Center has some planned changes in the works.
Apple Inc. filed a building permit for the spot recently vacated by Pottery Barn, which is next door to the Apple Store at 11949 Market Street.
Pottery Barn shut its doors at 11937 Market Street on Jan. 24, along with the Williams-Sonoma store down the street at 11897 Market Street. (Both brands are operated by Williams-Sonoma Inc.)
Replacements for the now-empty spaces haven’t been announced yet. Reston Town Center recently unveiled six newcomers slated to open later this year, but did not indicate the expected opening dates or addresses.
The permit description says that it is for a new tenant layout. It remains unclear at this time whether Apple is considering expanding or moving into the new space.
Reston Now reached out to Boston Properties and Apple for comment and has not heard back yet.
Image via Google Maps
W&OD run — The Reston Runners will be enjoying the warmer weather with a 50-minute run or walk at 6:30 p.m. tonight. They plan to meet at the OneLife Fitness Gym in Isaac Newton Square. [Reston Runners]
Tai Chi — Instructor Jeffery Edwards teaches a class once a week for six weeks on Tai Chi, an ancient “internal” martial art and mind-body discipline rooted in Chinese tradition. Participants can try out the weight-bearing callisthenic from 7-8 p.m. at the Glade Recreation Area for $70 for Reston Association members and $90 for nonmembers. [WebTrac]
Reston startup expansion — Reston-based software company GoCanvas was recently acquired by private equity firm K1 Investment Management for more than $100 million. Currently headquartered at Reston Town Center, the acquisition is meant to help GoCanvas double in size. [Washington Busines Journal]
Adults are needed to participate in a movement installation for the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival.
Artist Heidi Latsky plans to “celebrate the beauty of differences” with a movement installation titled “ON DISPLAY/RESTON.” The installation is a sculpture court where the performers are the sculptures, according to the Reston Community Center.
The Reston installation is a local platform for a worldwide initiative called “ON DISPLAY,” which was created by a partnership between Heidi Latsky Dance, a New York City dance company, and the United Nations to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Men and women age 18 and older are able to participate — no formal dance experience is required. “Diversity and the most inclusive range of ability are welcome. The movement installations will involve focus, stillness and structured improvisation,” according to the press release.
“ON DISPLAY/RESTON” will take place on Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. People interested in participating should contact Kevin Danaher at [email protected].
The three-day festival at Reston Town Center is set to start on Friday, May 17, and last until Sunday, May 19. More than 200 artists are anticipated at the festival.
Photo by Charlotte Jones
Calling all coffee lovers who looking for new brews. Peet’s Coffee plans to open in about a month at Reston Town Center.
The coffee shop will be located at 11830 Freedom Drive, Peet’s Coffee Spokeswoman Elizabeth Ricardo told Reston Now.
“We expect it to open either by end of February or early March,” Ricardo wrote in an email.
Peet’s Coffee has already posted job openings for its future spot in Reston Town Center.
This will be the coffee chain’s first location in Reston.
File photo
Boston Properties, the owners of Reston Town Center, recently tapped Transwestern, a commercial real estate company, to provide leasing services for RTC.
The move comes amidst a flurry of recent business closures, from Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn earlier this month to nine retailers and restaurants last year.
“The new leasing engagement by Boston Properties comes at the same time as a major rebranding initiative at Reston Town Center,” Transwestern announced in a press release today (Jan. 31).
While the controversial paid parking has driven some of the businesses out of RTC, six newcomers are slated to open there later this year, including Peet’s Coffee and DC Row.
“This year will hold exciting changes for Reston Town Center,” Katie Yanushonis, the vice president of leasing at Boston Properties, said in the press release. “Our investment in the branding and placemaking of Reston Town Center will help maintain its place as the leading mixed-use development in the United States.”
Transwestern will be responsible for leasing RTC’s “urban core,” which consists of more than 2.5 million square feet of office space and 450,000 square feet of retail space in the mixed-use development.
“Significant” availabilities are expected in the next few years, partly from Leidos’ consolidation at 1750 Presidents Street, the press release says.
The upcoming Silver Line Metro station in Reston and the neighborhood’s changing shopping and dining scene are also expected to boost RTC’s attraction to employers, Transwestern said.
“Transwestern is honored to have the opportunity to lease the most important urban mixed-use project in all of the Washington region,” Senior Vice President Alex Hancock, who is leading the office leasing team with Executive Vice President Joe Ritchey, said in the press release. “Reston Town Center has always been a location with unparalleled ability to help organizations recruit, retain and maximize the productivity of their world-class workforces.”
Ritchey has worked on Reston Town Center for more than 29 years.
Image via Transwestern Commercial Services
