The last phase of the Lake Anne visioning study is expected to conclude this fall.
Lake Anne Visioning Study
Fairfax County expects the Lake Anne visioning study to be finished by fall, with a final report and community meeting. A study conducted during the summer examined the Reston community’s residential market and capacity to support new cultural facilities. The report was shared at a community meeting on July 31. It recommended a mix of mid-rise, low-rise, and garden-style multi-family units. Moreover, it was found that adding culture and arts programming to the Washington Plaza Baptist Church was not feasible unless the county subsidized the project or collected significant donations.
According to consultant Streetsense’s residential market analysis, mid-rise units would modernize and diversify housing opportunities for higher-income neighborhoods. Meanwhile, low-rise housing options would outcompete the present old product in the submarket. The report also mentions that townhomes represent one of the strongest opportunities for development despite the hundreds of townhomes under construction.
In addition, Streetsense recommended a mix of two-over-two townhomes attracting less affluent buyers, luxury traditional townhomes with higher price points, and mid-range, traditional townhomes that attract young families. About 14% of high-earning tenants (families and households making over $150,000 annually) constitute potential future owners.
Lake Anne Condominiums
Condominiums for sale are limited compared to multifamily housing in the greater Reston area. However, the Lake Anne visioning study found that there is some opportunity to bring high-quality boutique condos for sale. These may attract young professionals and couples or singles who are downsizing.
Condominium demand is tempered in Lake Anne because of other developments in the pipeline. These include the JW Marriott hotel-condo units, The Flats at Woodland Park Station, and Halley Rise. All of them are set to be finished by early 2025. The report also identified the sense of community and natural surroundings around Lake Anne. Its unique attractions use modern amenities and retail to entice young professionals. They also add rooftop terraces with panoramic lake views.
Washington Plaza Baptist Church
Jon Stover & Associates Economic Development Consulting (JS&A) spearheaded a cultural assessment focusing on the future of Washington Plaza Baptist Church. The church, which was built in 1968 and consists of three stories, owns an undeveloped parcel of land to its south. It has a dwindling congregation, and maintaining the church has been tough due to low annual contributions.
Furthermore, additional on-site cultural and arts uses may not sustain the church unless the county or philanthropic community provides support. Selling existing church property to boost revenue may also help. Some willing partners can help the church and the arts community. Nonetheless, no potential users have said they are interested in occupying the area.
The church has a historic designation but lacks ADA accessibility. It also has insufficient sanctuary-level restrooms and nearby parking. These present challenges for future cultural programming. Other Reston churches are better suited for culture and arts uses.
The Final Phase
Fairfax County hired Streetsense in late 2022. It was tasked to conduct a Lake Anne visioning study to guide the area’s development. In the summer of 2023, they finalized a concept that called for a park with an amphitheater, new housing, improved waterfront amenities and access, and an expansion of the Reston Community Center facility or a cultural anchor.
The second phase started last August. It included interviews with property owners, which suggested support for exploring strategic partnerships that would make strategic parcel development more enticing. However, stakeholders also think the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association (LARCA) has a disproportionate burden to maintain public areas.
In 2021, the county commissioned a report that found that the Lake Anne Village Center requires more than $37 million in repairs. In July, LARCA began working to restore the Heron House condominium building to prevent leaks. Meanwhile, the county expects to announce the final community meeting date by the fall. It will include studies that review potential redevelopment scenarios for various properties. After the meeting, the county will discuss the next steps after considering the community’s needs and feedback.
