The initial access to Reston required travel along bucolic route 7 from Tyson’s corner connected with a route 606 or otherwise named Baron Cameron. From these roads the first turn into Reston would be Wiehle Avenue. The first building visible on Wiehle Avenue is an example of the architectural quality throughout Reston. The Saint Thomas a Beckett was conceived as a place of worship but with sufficient flexibility to serve as a place for community gatherings, avoiding the more traditional fixed pews. The church is perceived as a building of both quality and design which provides an appropriate introduction to Reston. The adjoining property is occupied by the Jewish congregation which demonstrated that entered into a shared facility arrangement with the Catholics. The diversity that this represents is also consistent with the founding goals of a new town. The space between the two buildings and the Wiehle Avenue curb offers an opportunity to make a stronger statement regarding both of these factors by the formation of a communicable park. The stories related to these two factors will provide rich ingredients for the story of Reston. Entry from the other end of Wiehle begins with another example of architectural control. The fast food restaurants do not have the conventional ostentatious signs these fast food restaurants are known for. The architectural covenants were used to prevent the golden arches.
The second turn into Reston is the entry to the heart of Reston, the Lake Anne Village Center. This is noted by obscure road signs and difficult to read signs which identify the area as a historic district and Lake Anne Village Center. The reinvestment thinking for Lake Anne includes the establishment for more visual graphics to draw traffic into the heart and soul of Reston as described in Restonopoly. Attention to strengthening the gateway to Reston at the signature Lake Anne Village should be one of the most important elements of the village revitalization and a Reston Gateway program which should be completed.
Continuing on Route 606, the next entry point is Reston Parkway. The visual elements at this intersection include the rear elevation of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church well proportioned and often referred to as the Reston stable. Other quadrants in this intersection include a Home Depot and the land accompanying another church. This intersection also offers limited visibility to the Reston Town Center and its foreground of the spectrum of a commercial area with an entry sign stating the spectrum at Town Center. Paradoxically enough, the building at the corner in called On the Border. The most visually dominate building from this intersection is the International Center located further south on Reston Parkway. Another major property at this intersection is Parc Reston which has the potential of establishing a more commanding gateway as part of its reinvestment program described in the Parc Reston Rezoning commentary located in “Papers in Progress” on my website.
The entries from the airport arrival traffic begin with the Fairfax Parkway exit. The predominant element at this exit is the red dot of the Target sign followed by the supporting parking lot and adjoining gas station. The area also contains the architect designed by YMCA architect Wayne Hughs. The skyline of the Town Center begins to emerge along this road. Other visual elements include: parking structures and an elevated walkway connecting the W&OD trail across a thoroughfare. A composition of high rise buildings is located on the intersection of Sunset Hills and Reston Parkway designed by Reston architect Doug Carter and Smith. The International Center continues to remain visible throughout this journey. There is no obvious entry-point to the Town Center from this approach.
A left turn on Reston Parkway would lead to a well landscaped entry-point to the Town Center with several signs identifying the existence of an Information Center. The first right turn from Reston Parkway is identified as Temporary Road which would be a road people could travel to get to Lake Anne.
In order to complete this tour, the observations are from the toll road itself and include the signs identifying where to turn for the Herndon Historic District. It has been interesting to hear conversations from passengers on the airport buses traveling through Reston catching some signs and minimal glimpses of architecture. No where in this journey is there any information that people have entered a place called Reston, known internationally for its innovation and quality? A similar tour recently form the adjoining neighborhood of Fox Mill found a street sign announcing the formation of Reston football teams.
Travel from the Fairfax Parkway is marked by the massive concrete abutments and sound walls. This brings to mind the cement plant which was the landmark of nearby adjoining Herndon central area.
This journey into Northern Virginia might have begun at the aspiring architectural statements offered by the soaring concrete structure of Dulles Airport designed by an internationally renowned architect. After passing through Reston, travelers are greeted by the skyline of Tyson’s Corner described by some as uninspiring, again without any welcoming elements. Travelers who elect to proceed westerly begin notice a number of signs identifying the proximity of historic Leesburg. Communities along this route are noted by marketing signs with little hints of the character of these places.
These observations focus on the lack of the welcoming gateways within this portion of Northern, Virginia which contains some of the most highly valued real estate. |