Hundreds Of New Homes, Offices Could Transform Area Near Reston Metro

RESTON, VA — Fairfax County residents can weigh in Monday on proposed land-use changes that could reshape nearly 58 acres near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, including plans for hundreds of new homes, offices, a hotel and retail space.

The county's West of Wiehle Study examines properties adjacent to, and mostly within, a quarter-mile south of the Metro station. The study will consider changes to the area's mix of housing and commercial development, as well as future transportation needs.

A community meeting is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, at Langston Hughes Middle School, located at 1401 Ridge Heights Road in Reston.

The study includes three specific redevelopment proposals. The broader area is currently planned for a mix of residential and commercial uses.

Commerce Metro Center

The most extensive proposal involves nearly 16 acres currently developed with four six-story office buildings.

The property is currently planned for an even split between residential and nonresidential development. The proposed change would shift that to 20% residential and 80% nonresidential, with offices accounting for most of the commercial space.

A related rezoning proposal calls for keeping three existing office buildings and demolishing Commerce Center III.

Plans also include three new office buildings, an apartment building with up to 540 units, and a hotel with up to 240 rooms. The plan would add another 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail to the existing Commerce 4 office building.

Association Drive

A separate proposal would clear the way for an entirely residential future on 22.9 acres along Association Drive.

The property is currently planned for 75% residential and 25% nonresidential development. The amendment would change that to 100% residential without increasing the property's planned density.

Nine low-rise office buildings dating to the 1970s and 1980s currently occupy the site, including headquarters for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Principals Association.

11600 Sunrise Valley Drive

Another nearly 10-acre property could also shift to entirely residential development.

The site currently contains a four-story office building originally constructed in 1972 and expanded in 1998. Like Association Drive, it is planned for 75% residential and 25% nonresidential development. The proposal would make it 100% residential without changing the planned density.

Two redevelopment concepts are under consideration: up to 125 townhomes and triplexes, or up to 396 apartments and triplexes.

Monday's meeting will give residents a chance to learn more about the proposals and the county's broader planning study.