The proposed design for the new CubeSmart in the Town of Vienna heads to the Board of Architectural Review next week.
According to town documents, the proposed four-story facility would have roughly 130,000 gross square footage at 233 Mill Street NE — near a current facility at 300 Mill Street NE.
The BAR is set to discuss the proposed design on Tuesday (Jan. 7).
Nearby, CubeSmart is located in Tysons (1764 Old Meadow Lane), Falls Church (6875 Lee Hwy) and Merrifield (2950 Gallows Road).
Image via Town of Vienna
In a few weeks, people can cannonball into an icy poll for a fundraiser in Merrifield.
The Polar Plunge Festival returns to the Mosaic District to raise money for Special Olympics Virginia to provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities and health services to athletes, according to the event’s website.
It costs $100 to take the plunge. So far, the upcoming event has raised just over $7,000, with a goal of $45,000.
A contest will award the “best-dressed plunger,” according to the Mosaic District website.
The event is set to take place on Saturday (Jan. 25) from 1-4 p.m.
Photo via Plunge Virginia/Facebook
Locals will have a chance to learn about Virginia policy at an upcoming town hall with politicians next weekend.
State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th) and Del. Mark Keam (D-35th) are hosting the event to talk about the upcoming 2020 General Assembly session.
The General Assembly convenes next Wednesday (Jan. 8).
The town hall is set to take place at Vienna Town Hall (127 Center Street S.) next Saturday (Jan. 11) from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
(Updated at 8:40 a.m.) Fairfax County police say three people were injured after a shooting this morning near the Walmart in Tysons.
Police tweeted that they were on the scene in the 8600 block of Westwood Center Drive shortly after 5 a.m. today (Wednesday).
Three young adults were injured in their lower bodies from the shooting at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, NBC4 reported.
“Three people have been taken to the hospital with injuries believed to be non-life threatening,” police tweeted. “No suspect information is currently available.”
Officers are in the 8600 block of Westwood Center Dr in Tysons Corner for a shooting investigation. Three people have been taken to the hospital with injuries believed to be non-life threatening. No suspect information is currently available. #FCPD pic.twitter.com/tpQSVYP57V
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) January 1, 2020
Map via Google Maps
It’s New Year’s Eve and we’re ready to bring you more news about Tysons, Merrifield, Falls Church, Vienna and McLean — say that list fast five times — in 2020!
But first, our mighty team of three — Editor Catherine Douglas Moran, Reporter Ashley Hopko and Photographer Jay Westcott — will be taking a break on New Year’s Day.
Next week, Morning Notes will be a little different. Readers can expect it twice a week, and we’ll be giving previews of upcoming coverage, along with more opportunities for reader engagement.
Later in January, a new byline will be joining our site from our incoming intern Shreeya Aranake.
We wish you and yours a happy and safe New Year’s Eve. Feel free to tell us in the comments section what you’re excited about in the new year.
See you in 2020!
Yesterday we kicked off the countdown of our most-read stories of the year.
Here’s the final list of the top 10 stories.
10. Chef Geoff’s Set to Close Tysons Restaurant in 12 Days (9,723 views)
The restaurant’s Tysons location closed on Friday, June 21, after 10 years at 8045 Leesburg Pike.
9. Body Found Along Leesburg Pike in Tysons (9,779 views)
In May, Fairfax County police said a body was found along Leesburg Pike near the Spring Hill Metro station.
8. Here’s a Sneak Peek Inside the New Whole Foods Store in Tysons (9,918 views)
Before the new Whole Foods opened to the public in The Boro, Tysons Reporter got to check out the store.
7. Here’s What’s Opening With the Whole Foods in Tysons (9,981 views)
Before Whole Foods opened, Tysons Reporter rounded up a list of other retailers and eateries waiting to piggyback off of that launch.
6. Roads Closed in Tysons Area Following Major Flooding (10,205 views)
Tysons Reporter kept readers updated on road closures and weather-related incidents when severe flooding hit the Tysons area on July 8.
5. Tysons Malls Extend Hours For Black Friday Shopping (10,761 views)
Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria had extended their hours for shoppers on one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
4. Fairfax County Investigating American Disposal Services for Failed Trash Pick-Ups (11,314 views)
In the spring, Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors decided to investigate reports of missed trash pick-ups by a solid waste and recycling collection company in preparation to take legal action. (The county ended up fining American Disposal Services.)
3. Nothing Found After Police Respond to Reports of Man With Weapon at Gannett HQ (13,323 views)
Fairfax County police responded en masse to reports of a man with a weapon at Gannett headquarters in Tysons one day in August. Police said that after a thorough investigation, “our detectives have concluded no criminal activity occurred.”
2. Lord and Taylor Closing at Tysons Corner Center With Clearance Sale (25,503 views)
Shoppers can find 20-40% discounts at Lord and Taylor before the department store closes at Tysons Corner Center in January.
1. Macy’s in Tysons Galleria Closing With Big Clearance Sale (29,019 views)
The biggest story of 2019 for Tysons Reporter focused on the discounts at Macy’s in January ahead of its closure in Tysons Galleria.
With the new year almost here, the editorial team at Tysons Reporter took a look at the archives to gear up for 2020.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest things that we’ll be keeping an eye on and covering next year.
Spanning the Tysons Area
Fairfax County has approved regulations that limit how many (and how fast) scooters can zip around their areas. The new rules start Jan. 1.
New faces are joining the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, including Dalia Palchik, who will oversee the Providence District on the Board of Supervisors.
The Vienna, Dunn Loring and East Falls Church stations will tentatively be closed between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Meanwhile, the West Falls Church station will stay open with trains running less frequently from the station. At the East Falls Church Station, trains will still pass through the station even though it will be closed to riders.
Tysons
What Happens to the Proposed Valo Park Redesign?
The owners of Valo Park want to open the office complex to the public by adding restaurants, a 9/11 memorial and a bocce court. The plans are tentatively scheduled to go before the Fairfax County Planning Commission on March 25, 2020.
State of Proposed Spring Hill Project
The Fairfax County Planning Commission is set to decide on two mixed-use developments by the Spring Hill Metro station in March. The project would bring more commercial and residential units near Tyco Road.
Construction is aiming to be done on the new Scotts Run Fire and Rescue Station 44 in Tysons East by Dec. 31, 2020. The station is designed to relieve the overburdened Fire Station 29, which currently covers the entire Tysons area.
Dozens of stores and eateries opened in the mixed-use development this year, including Whole Foods and Ethan Allen. For next year, we’ll be keeping an eye on when ShowPlace ICON opens, along with the El Bebe and Open Road eateries.
Tysons Partnership is working with Gensler to rebrand the area to encourage economic growth and is also looking to establish a “sustainable business and funding model” for the nonprofit association.
New Concept From The Owners Behind Tysons Biergarten
Tysons Biergarten is now closed by the Greensboro Metro station, but sometime in the spring, a new concept called The Shipgarten — made of shipping containers — aims to open at Scotts Run. Diners can expect a biergarten with German and Belgium beers, Asian fusion cuisine, barbecue food and a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant.
No More Dropped Calls in the Tysons Metro Tunnel
Metro plans to have cell coverage in the tunnel between the Tysons Corner Center and Greensboro Metro stations by June. The tunnel is one of the last set of areas Metro is working to complete wireless coverage for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon customers.
Merrifield
More Mosaic District Newcomers
Fairfax County permits indicate that Sephora, Drybar, a Connecticut-based eatery called The Granola Bar, Madison Reed and several new food options like Neapolitan pizza chain Pupatella and Urban Hot Pot are coming to the Mosaic District. While opening dates haven’t been announced yet, Tysons Reporter will be following up to find out when people can expect the newcomers.
A pilot program with autonomous shuttles from EasyMile is set to start transporting people from the Mosaic District to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station in the spring or summer.
City of Falls Church
Solutions for Stormwater Issues
After severe flooding in July, officials in the Little City have been working to fix the damage, while also planning how to prevent future issues. A newly formed taskforce is set to work until July on updating the list of priority projects for stormwater improvements in the Watershed Management Plan.
Whole Foods Expanding NoVa Footprint in Falls Church
Weeks after opening in Tysons, the grocery chain signed a lease in early November to anchor the redevelopment of the corner of E. Broad and N. Washington streets. Tysons Reporter is looking to find out when the store plans to open and what community members think the new store’s impact will be on local businesses.
Progress of Little City Commons Development
Tysons Reporter will continue to provide updates on the construction of the new commercial area in Falls Church known as Litty City Commons.
Town of Vienna
New Tavern Opening Along Maple Avenue
The owners of Bear Branch Tavern said they want to open later this winter, adding a restaurant with two bars, a patio, indoor and outdoor fire pits, an oyster bar, frozen drink machines and bike racks to 133 E. Maple Avenue.
New Zoning Maple Avenue Guidelines
The Vienna Town Council extended the suspension of the Maple Avenue Commercial (MAC) Zone to June 2020. Town officials are working to redesign the rules for new development applications for Maple Avenue.
Senior Living Facility Moving Forward?
Sunrise’s proposal to build a senior living facility at 380 Maple Avenue will go before the Vienna Town Council next year.
McLean
The Future of Claude Moore Colonial Farm
The National Park Service is trying to decide what to do with Claude Moore Colonial Farm property. Three different proposed plans were presented to the community in the fall for feedback. NPS is hoping to release a final proposal in spring 2020.
The Fate of Overcrowded McLean High School
Fairfax County wants to shift students from the overcrowded McLean High School to the under-capacity Langley High School. Boundary scope meetings are expected to continue into the spring, followed by a public hearing on the proposal and then a vote, so that the change can impact the 2020-2021 school year.
Tell us in the comments which pf these upcoming things you’re most interested in.
For today and tomorrow, Tysons Reporter will be counting down our most-read articles of 2019.
We’re kicking off the retrospective today with articles #11-20.
20. Rehab Company Faces Widespread Community Backlash Over Planned McLean Facility (5,746 views)
A series of new group homes by Newport Academy, a corporation that runs therapy programs treating teenagers with mental health or addiction problems, faced a backlash from residents at a meeting in April.
19. Whole Foods Picks New Space in Downtown Falls Church (6,165 views)
The grocery chain signed a lease in early November to anchor the redevelopment of the corner of E. Broad and N. Washington streets, according to Falls Church News-Press.
18. Danielle’s Desserts Closing at Tysons Galleria in August (6,258 views)
The Tysons Galleria bakery announced that it would close in August.
17. Fairfax County Considering Parking Space Reduction for Malls in Tysons (6,793 views)
In October, Fairfax County started to consider reducing its parking requirements for its largest malls in the county — the two in Tysons, Fair Oaks and Springfield Town Center. (Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors approved the change.)
16. Here’s When The Boro Developments Are Set to Start Opening (6,924 views)
In February, Tysons Reporter gave readers an update on when the residential and retail components of the new Tysons development would open their doors.
15. Here Are the Candidates Running in Fairfax County Races (7,243 views)
Ahead of the November election, Tysons Reporter created a short guide to the candidates running in the local races affecting Tysons residents and information on when and where to vote.
14. Three People Injured in Electrical Incident in Tysons (7,318 views)
Three workers were injured while installing a conduit box and more than a thousand people were without power along Greensboro Drive in Tysons one September afternoon after a contractor cut into energized cables.
13. Five Tysons-Area High Schools Make U.S. News’ Top Virginia Schools List (7,484 views)
Several public high schools in the Tysons-area, including Langley and McLean high schools, made the cut for U.S. News and World Report’s annual roundup of best high schools on the state and national levels.
12. Tysons Biergarten Closing Ahead of New ‘Shipgarten’ in Scotts Run (7,872 views)
The Tysons Biergarten announced its upcoming closure by the Greensboro Metro station. The owners behind the beer garden are planning to open a new concept called The Shipgarten at Scotts Run that is set to open in spring 2020.
11. Here’s the Latest on the Restaurants, Stores Coming to The Boro (8,187 views)
Another update in June told readers which retailers and restaurants were lined up to come to The Boro development.
Check back tomorrow for the countdown of the top 10 stories.
The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.
We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Tysons Reporter also complied a list of the upcoming New Year’s events, for those seeking festivities.
Monday (Dec. 30)
- Trails and Ales — 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Caboose Tavern (520 Mill Street NE) — This event brings together people for a group run or walk on the W&OD Trail. People are encouraged to bring headlamps and reflective gear. All ages are welcome but they must be 21+ to enjoy brews afterward.
Wednesday (Jan.1)
- Korean Bell Ringing — 2-2:30 p.m. at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court) — This celebration displays bells given to Virginians by the Korean-American Cultural Committee. Attendees can drink free hot cocoa and listen to musical sounds. This event is free and all ages are welcome.
- New Year’s Day Brunch — 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Caboose Commons (520 Mill Street NE) — Community members can gather with friends and family to enjoy their first brunch of the New Year. There will be a variety of dining options available.
Friday (Jan. 3)
- Minecraft Day Camp — 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Code Ninjas (510 S. Washington Street) — Kids of all ages can come and learn how to model 3D objects and create various models. A half-day camp option is available for $45 as well as a full-day option for $80. Registration can be found online.
Saturday (Jan. 4)
- Intro Into Cyber Workshop — 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Cover 6 Solutions (1964 Gallows Road) — This workshop teaches people the basics of cybersecurity and people will walk away being able to integrate skills into their schooling and careers. Tickets are $199 and a spot can be reserved online. Once complete, people will receive a certificate of training.
- The Beat Open Mic — 6:45 to 9:45 p.m. at Caffe Amouri (107 Church Street NE) — People of all ages are welcome to gather and enjoy music from the community or perform themselves. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required beforehand.
Sunday (Jan. 5)
- Falls Church Distillers Tour and Tasting — 4 until 5 p.m. at Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street) — This event invites people to come and tour where the company makes its liquor and learn how the process works. Tickets are $25, which includes a tasting of seasonal whiskeys.
Photo via Caffe Amouri/Facebook
As 2020 nears, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs around Tysons catering to people trying to spend their final hours of the year in style.
Here are some of the events Tysons Reporter spotted on New Year’s Eve.
Jammin Java will host an 80s’ themed dance party begging at 6:30 p.m. that will feature prizes for the best outfits, trivia and a champagne toast at midnight. There is a $35 cover for tickets but all ages are welcome to attend.
Greenhouse Bistro will host a Toast to the Decade event feating a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. People are invited to swing by Greenhouse Bistro (2070 Chain Bridge Road) around 9 p.m. and stay until 2 a.m. There is a $50 cover per person and there is a strict dress code for men, according to the event page.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Rumba at Inca Social (2670 Avenir Place) will offer guests a chance to celebrate with dinner, a DJ and a midnight champagne toast to celebrate 2020. Guests will receive a masquerade mask and other goodies. Tickets start around $20.
Maggiano’s Little Italy (2001 International Drive) is hosting a murder mystery-themed dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests will have the chance to investigate clues in order to solve a crime. Tickets are $100 and include a multi-course meal.
Sapphire Tysons (8201 Greensboro Drive) is hosting an event from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. with unlimited food and an open bar. The cost is $85 or $150 for a couple. People are encouraged to dress up to hit the dance floor and enjoy a DJ playing a variety of music genres.
Anyone excited about the return of the roaring 20s’ can gather at Blackfinn Ameripub (2750 Gallows Road) from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. and enjoy 1920s-inspired cocktails, a champagne toast at midnight, a live DJ and a photo station. Tickets start at $15 online and include appetizers and the toast.
Photo by Yasemin K. on Unsplash
