Can you believe it’s Memorial Day Weekend already?! Sunday looks like the nicest day this weekend, so don’t wait until Monday for your barbecues and picnics. Let me know if you’re doing anything cool this Memorial Day, and don’t forget to reflect and honor those who have served our country.

In today’s Reston Insider:

• So many concerts: So many outdoor concerts and Viva Vienna.

• Outdoor Dining: More outdoor dining in Herndon.

• The Big Idea: Reston Station District: A Future Hub or a Self-Contained Island?

THE BIG IDEA

Reston Station District: A Future Hub or a Self-Contained Island?

As the developer, Comstock celebrates the “topping out” of construction for the new JW Marriott at Reston Station, I’m left wondering how I feel about the area’s future. Certainly, one can’t help but have a sense of pride that our area is so desirable that it would attract such enthusiastic investment and development. At the same time, it’s hard to envision the future of the Reston Station District and its impact on Reston as a whole.

Clearly, the developer is engaging in “placemaking” as it attempts to put Reston Station on the map, so to speak. But the question is, will it be integrated within Reston or an island unto itself?

It makes sense for Reston to have a hotel of the quality and scale of the new JW Marriott given the preponderance of tech firms and marquis businesses setting up shop in our town. The area needs a place that can host conferences and large business meetings, and Reston Station seems like the right place for such a venue. But how many Restonians will actually go to the JW and associated retail and restaurants?

I realize there will be plenty of apartments and condos amongst the towering office buildings, but the majority of activity is likely to be from those who work in the towers and those who are in town on business. Those businesses will most likely recognize their clientele and focus on them. If there are enough people working, visiting, and living within the district itself, there may not be a need to reach out and connect with the whole of Reston. Thus creating an island of sorts within our community.

Part of the problem for locals is that it’s somewhat confusing and difficult to visit. It’s hard to know where to park, and the traffic in and out during commuting hours makes it an area to avoid at certain times. I’m guessing many will want to try out the new Puttshack and eat out at the upcoming Ebbitt House (the first expansion from the Old Ebbitt Grill), but if it is too difficult to get in and out of there, they may not return.

It will take a few years, but I believe the secret to how successful Reston Station is from a local's perspective lies in how well it becomes integrated into the surrounding future neighborhoods. Right now, Wiehle Avenue serves as a giant moat separating the Midline at Reston Station and the connected Michael Faraday Drive developments to the East. Without some form of an overpass or tunnel, this could severely limit the number of people who will stroll on over for a concert on the plaza or grab a cocktail with friends at happy hour.

Perhaps when the Issac Newton Square redevelopment (just North of Reston Station) is completed, we’ll get a real ground-swell of locals to offset the commuter and business-traveling crowd and help make the place feel more local. But the key will be developing the right infrastructure and streetscapes along Wiehle Avenue and Sunset Hills Road. Fortunately, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation is on the case, having launched a Wiehle Avenue study.

Ultimately, if Reston Station is to become the new “place” that Restonians are proud to call their own, it must be integrated into the larger vision of Reston—not simply through architecture and public art but through an openness to connecting with neighborhoods and developments owned by competing companies. Our community and political leaders need to help make that happen.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Farmers Market: The 26-year manager of the Reston Farmers Market was recently recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors after he retired. He was credited with much of the revitalization of Lake Anne by developing what became the best Farmers Market in Fairfax County. Here’s to hoping the new manager can build on the previous vision.

Road Diet: The Town of Herndon is putting Sterling Road on a diet that will convert the road from two lanes in one direction and one in the other to one in each direction with a center turn lane. I remember when everyone was up in arms about the road diet on Lawyers Road, and look how that turned out to be a much more peaceful ride.

Kook Dogg: With so many mega restaurants run by large groups, it’s nice to see a Mom-and-Pop come to RTC West in the old Little Beast spot. Kook Dogg Cafe will be serving up specialty pizzas, artisanal sandwiches, and a unique beer selection to Restonians in the next couple of months. I'm not sure how I feel about the name Kook Dogg, but hey, I can’t wait!

Weigh-in: So many Restonians have thoughts on all the development happening in and around Reston. Now is your chance to weigh in on the county’s development plan called Plan Forward. The project will be kicked off on Wednesday, May 29, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Cathy Hudgins Southgate Community Center in Reston. Watch the kickoff video.

Outdoor Dining: More outdoor seating at restaurants in Herndon may be coming soon. The town council is considering increasing the space available to restaurants while lowering their cost per square foot. The idea is to make Herndon a hot spot for outdoor dining, which people love.

WHAT TO DO

🇺🇸 Star-Spangled Salute: Bring a lawn chair and join The Reston Chorale and Brass Band of Northern Virginia for a free, patriotic concert honoring those who serve and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The concert will be held at the Reston Town Center Pavilion on Saturday, May 25, at 7:30 pm.

🎤 Born to Run: Head to Reston Station for happy hour or dinner Friday night at one of the restaurants there and stay for the Bruce Springsteen cover band starting at 7 pm.

🎲 Board Game Lovers Unite: Get your board game on at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods on Wednesday, May 22, from 5 pm - 10 pm.

👡 Glass Slipper: Here’s a great way to introduce your children to the appreciation of ballet. The Cosmopolitan Ballet Theater’s youth production will perform Cinderella at Capital One Hall in Tysons on Friday, May 25 at 5 pm.

🎡 Viva Vienna: Head down Hunters Mill or Lawyers this weekend for the 40th annual Viva Vienna festival. There will be heaps of rides, funnel cake, and a beer garden for the grown-ups. May 25 - 27

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+ community in Reston and Northern Virginia.

RESTON ASSOCIATION

Design Review Hearing: The Design Review Board (DRB) held a public review meeting on Tuesday to solicit feedback on some proposed design changes and processes. The DRB says it “has been working on evaluating review levels, providing more flexibility in permitting staff to approve more applications, which in turn results in quicker reviews and fills in the gaps to more ambiguous design guidelines.”

EVENTS | NOTABLE DATES

Paddle on Lake Anne: The Lake Anne Sunset Paddle is on Thursday, May 23, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Meet at the Lake Anne Boat Docks on the plaza.

Lake Thoreau Pool Reopens: Head to the Grand Reopening of Lake Thoreau Pool on Friday, May 24, from 4 pm to 7 pm.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Reston Insider today. If you found something useful please forward or share it with someone.