We have a big weekend in Reston coming up that kicks off with Bike to Work Day on Friday and the Tephra ICA Arts Festival in the Town Center on Saturday and Sunday. By the way, how are we feeling about the re-branding of GRACE Art to Tephra these days? Whenever I see the name, I think, “Oh right, why did they rename it again?”

In today’s Reston Insider:

• Cycle power: Bike to work day is coming up fast.

• Renaming: Should we rename the Shadowood Rec Area?

• Great Expectations: How the Reston Town Center defied them.

THE BIG IDEA

How the Reston Town Center Defied All of Your Expectations

At first, you loved it.

Back in 1990, when the Reston Town Center (RTC) finally came to fruition, it was described as Reston’s “Emerald City of Oz.” A wonderland that was off in the future sometime.

It was easy to park in a wide-open field and walk to Clyde’s for dinner, catch a movie, or shop at Banana Republic.

The future of Reston’s “downtown” seemed bright.

But then it expanded. Parking became more complicated and required you to navigate one of several new garages. Fast forward to 2017, when Boston Properties (developer and manager of RTC) began charging for parking.

The uproar was vicious.

Not only did they dare charge for parking, but they also introduced an overly complicated app that added insult to injury. Folks were beyond outraged and began to boycott the center.

Many of the smaller independent shops packed up and ended their leases, followed by a few of the larger retailers, like Williams-Sonoma, and restaurants like McCormick & Schmick’s.

By this time, people were so worked up on Facebook forums and Nextdoor that they practically celebrated each time a new departure was announced.

Eventually, the parking got sorted out into the hybrid pay system that exists today, and the uproar was quelled to a simmer.

Now, seven years after the introduction of paid parking, RTC is thriving. According to Boston Properties (BP), office space is nearly 100% occupied even as many commercial properties have yet to recover from the pandemic, and new restaurants like Sixty Vines, Open Road Distillery, and Tatte are opening faster than a lycra-clad cyclist buzzing down the W&OD.

Go ahead. Admit it. You’re secretly glad it’s thriving again despite once having rooted for its demise.

You see, BP had insights that we mere mortals could only imagine. While they were signing new marquis companies like Microsoft, Verisign, Fannie Mae, and Volkswagen, BP knew that new retail and restaurant businesses would pay a premium to lease space in such a unique location. With each departing business came an opportunity to triple their rent revenue.

While there’s little question that the initially convoluted parking scheme accelerated the loss of small and legacy businesses at RTC, the truth is that the overall economic environment for these businesses was already poor. The rise of e-commerce caused shops like Williams-Sonoma to shut down stores nationwide, while small businesses would eventually be priced out of a trophy-class office environment like RTC.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about supporting local and small businesses — it’s why I end up at Lake Anne on weekends more often than not. But that doesn’t mean I can’t also appreciate having large lifestyle restaurants, an Apple Store, J Crew, Lululemon, etc., right in the heart of town.

As my grandmother used to say, “There’s a place for everything and everything in its place.”

What do you think? (Reply or leave a comment).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

They’re back: The Lake Anne of Reston Condo Association and Reston Community Center got their acts together agreed to bring Sunset Concerts at Lake Anne back this Summer after a brief stint at Reston Station.

Heavy hitter: Herndon may be getting serious about its economic development after hiring a heavy hitter who landed several “big fish” in Arlington.

Keeping up with the times: Should Fairfax County employees get a pay raise?

A new logo that doesn’t suck: Check out George Mason’s new logo. Modern, pragmatic, and classic. Not bad, says this graduate school alumnus.

Chopping cherry trees: Nearly perfectly preserved cherries were found underneath George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion.

WHAT TO DO

🚴 Bike to Work Day: May 17 is Bike to Work Day, so you better get that bike tuned up now. You’ll join more than 16,000 people expected to participate across the DMV to start a habit of commuting by bike. You can jump in on the fun at the Herndon Town Green or at the Bike Lane in Reston.

🎨 Arts Festival at RTC: The 33rd annual Tephra ICA Arts Festival (formerly known as the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival) is at the Reston Town Center this Saturday and Sunday. There will be more than 200 artists with unique pieces for you to view and/or buy. Not only is this a great afternoon out, but it is also a Sip and Stroll event, which means alcoholic beverages will be sold and can be consumed while strolling in public. Can’t beat that!

🪴 Reston Plant Swap: The Reston Community Center is hosting a plant swap at Halley Rise (where the Wegmans is) on Thursday, May 16, at 6 pm.

🎵 Little Women: Little Women the Broadway Musical is starting a run at Capital One Hall in Tysons from May 17 through the 19th.

🦎 Search for Tadpoles: and other lake life while hiking around Lake Fairfax on Sunday, May 19. Be sure to have your kids wear shoes that can get muddy.

🎥 Movie in the Park: Don’t miss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem playing this Saturday night at Brown’s Chapel Recreation Area.

SAVE THE DATE

🏳️‍🌈 Reston Pride 2024: This annual festival on Washington Plaza at Lake Anne will be on Saturday, June 1, from Noon - 6 pm. Expect entertainment along with dozens of vendors celebrating the inclusiveness of the LGBTQ+ in Reston and Northern Virginia.

RESTON ASSOCIATION

Should we rename the Shadowood Recreation Area? No, it is not because of a Civil War general, but RA is seeking your input on the possible renaming of the South Reston pool and recreation area.

Hook, line, & sinker: Ever wonder about the wild fish in Reston’s lakes? RA sent professionals to evaluate the conditions, and the video is fascinating.

EVENTS | NOTABLE DATES

Movie in the Park: Don’t miss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem playing this Saturday night at Brown’s Chapel Recreation Area.

THANKS!

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