At the beginning of my career in the 1980s, I worked for Arlington County, Virginia. I had the opportunity to take part in the planning for the revitalization of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor — among Northern Virginia's densest areas — as one of my first major projects. Well served by the Metro system, the area was a major employment center, but with dated office buildings, older neighborhoods of post-war housing, and strip shopping centers, it lacked the appropriate office and residential density. The vibrant retail and amenities that transit-friendly corridors should offer. Over the past three decades, the Rosslyn and Ballston communities have been transformed by successful redevelopment, drawing new businesses, residents, and visitors while garnering significant economic growth for the region.
As a planner, I have worked on many office park, mixed-use development, and residential community projects over the years. However, I find revitalization projects to be the most meaningful to me. I enjoy the opportunity to optimize land use and incorporate much of what we have learned in recent years, particularly the strategies for improved sustainability. Urban and suburban renewal not only improves land value, it actually enhances the community with greener, more intelligent developments that are both people friendly and environmentally responsible.
Reston, Virginia: a Signature Mixed-Use Area Slated for Renewal
Two projects — one recently completed and another currently underway — are excellent examples of thoughtful redevelopment that can have a significant impact on the quality of life. In Reston, one of the nation's most renowned planned communities, a signature mixed-use area is slated for renewal. Our client, Republic Land Development, an affiliate of the Republic Family of Companies, has proposed ambitious plans for the revitalization of the Lake Anne Village Center. This center was the first portion of Reston to be developed, and features buildings that date back to the mid-1960s. The plans re-envision the development's orientation to improve sustainability while enhancing both views and access to the lake — now largely blocked by the original construction that surrounds it. A priority for Fairfax County, the project will also redevelop the county-owned Crescent Apartments, an affordable housing complex; and increase the number of units from 181 to more than 900. Village Drive, the main roadway accessing the Lake Anne Village Center, will be realigned. Stormwater management will feature increased measures for bio-retention. The project will balance appropriate density with a stringent approach to conserving natural resources, all while also creating a more pedestrian-friendly, amenity-rich community.
Merrifield, Virginia: a Robust Mix of Residential, Office, and Restaurant/Retail Space
In Merrifield, a community near our Fairfax headquarters office, a recent renewal project has proven highly successful. Set near a busy intersection, the Merrifield Town Center has replaced dated, low-density development — largely small warehouses and storage yards — with a robust mix of residential, office, and restaurant/retail space. The project consists of two mid-rise buildings connected by an elevated walkway with a lively streetscape. Uniwest Commercial Realty, the developer of the town center, has been a pioneer in Merrifield redevelopment, advocating for increased density and balanced development, while setting the tone for a stronger, more sustainable community.
Revitalization is challenging work that requires patience, sound advocacy, and a prudent investment strategy. Revitalization re-envisions land use with both creativity and responsible environmental stewardship.