Reston Development Favoring Office Over Retail

Despite DC reaching record office vacancy in Q2 this year, Boston Properties wants to increase office square-footage in their Reston Next mixed-use development.

In recent filings with Fairfax County, Boston Properties REIT proposed a 287,000 SF increase in office space for phase II of the project. The total size of the four million SF project would see a net decrease of 373,000 SF, stemming from decreasing planned restaurant, retail, hotel, and residential uses.The project use mix would be comprised of 50% office, 42% residential, 5% hotel, and 2% retail.

Phase one of Reston Next is nearing completion, with two office buildings completed in 2021, and a residential tower and hotel to be completed this year. The development is intended to be a vibrant community connecting the Reston Town Center and the metro stop. 

Phase two will see the addition of two more office towers, and three residential towers across 5 blocks. Gensler is spearheading the architectural design, while landscape architecture is being managed by OJB, and URBAN, Ltd. is overseeing engineering.

Filings indicate Boston Properties will not only revise the variety of uses but also construct a pedestrian bridge across Sunset Hills Road. This bridge will serve as a direct link to the Reston Town Center Metro station.