As 1st Stage Theatre outgrows its current Tysons home, the theater is hoping to move to a proposed mixed-use development by the Spring Hill Metro station.
The theater’s artistic director Alex Levy told the Fairfax County Planning Commission Wednesday night that the theater is negotiating with the county and the developers of the proposed Tysons West development known as The View.
“The stunning new venue that was designed in The View was built specifically for a thriving company like ours,” Levy said. “It will serve as the heartbeat of an exciting and thriving new development.”
Levy told Tysons Reporter last year that the theater has been growing in attendance by 15% year after year — creating capacity issues at the theater’s current space at 1524 Spring Hill Road.
While the theater wants to expand, Levy has said that 1st Stage wants to stay in Tysons.
Levy praised the county and developers for working on the art spaces with specific users in mind and aiming to offer reduced rent for a not-for-profit company, like 1st Stage.
“What makes 1st Stage’s success remarkable is it happens in a landscape in which most of the D.C. region has strong arts funding and subsidized venues,” Levy told the commissioners.
Paul Kohlenberger, the president of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, told the commissioners that he supports the idea of subsidizing the lease for 1st Stage at The View.
“Visionary Project”
Vienna-based Clemente Development Co.’s development would add six buildings, including a 600-foot-tall office building that would snatch the “tallest building in the region” title from Capital One’s headquarters in Tysons East and the Washington Monument.
Plans for The View also include a 455-foot-tall office building, a 394-foot-tall building for hotel and residential uses and a 108-foot-tall building with retail and office space.
“We think the diversity of height in and around Tysons is absolutely critical,” a representative for the developer told the Planning Commission.
Known as the Iconic Tower, the tallest building would capitalize on its height with a publicly-accessible botanical garden and observation deck.
While the commissioners have lingering concerns about making the buildings bird-friendly and the logistics with an athletic field tied to the project, they were mostly supportive of The View — especially its focus on the arts.
“One thing that doesn’t work is a theater that is designed for everyone,” John Carter, the commissioner for the Hunter Mill District, said. “Those tend to fail because there’s no such design that works for everybody.”
That’s Entertainment
In addition to the planned black box theater, The View wants to have an art walk, seasonal ice loop, open-air theater on the green and a Tysons Community Center at a nearby site.
“The arts are essential to thriving and robust communities,” Linda Sullivan, the president of ARTSFAIRFAX, said, along with pointing out that Capital One’s planned performance hall and The View will be “important anchors and drivers” of the arts locally.
The Landing Public Sky Park would include an outdoor amphitheater. Meanwhile, the Theater on the Green — also known as the Common Green — would be located between The Landing and one of the buildings.
“The Theater on the Green will provide space for outdoor dining, an open lawn, wayfinding, special paving and banding to visually guide pedestrian flow, a stage for events and performances, outdoor seating, outdoor games, artful lighting, access to multi-modal paths and a continuation of the Art Walk Loop,” according to county documents.
The 20,000 square-foot theater would be available for 35 years.
More from the developers’ plans for the black-box theater:
The proposed development anticipates that the applicant will construct the 199-seat black-box theater, which will be leased to an arts, entertainment, or theatrical group at a very significantly discounted rate. The theater will include “back of house” space for rehearsal, set construction, and other support activities.
The applicant has been in discussions with local theaters and arts groups, as well as national experts in this field; these discussions have continued to inform the design and practical parameters of the proposed theater space.
“The arts can have a ripple effect,” Sullivan said, adding that national studies have shown that arts have a positive economic impact.
Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner, the commissioner for the Providence District, deferred the decision on the “visionary project” to next Thursday, Oct. 10.
The View heads to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Images via Fairfax County
Signs have popped up for an upcoming development by the Tysons Corner Metro station.
Three large signs indicate that Lerner is planning a 2 million-square-foot mixed-use development called Tysons III.
The signs appear to be linked to Lerner’s plans to bring office space, street-level retail and a hotel to the grassy spot between International Drive and Tysons Blvd that is used by Cirque du Soleil in the summer.
The Tysons Comprehensive Plan envisions the area as a “Transit Station Mixed Use.”
“The overall percentage of office uses throughout all of the Transit Station Mixed Use areas should be approximately 65%. This will help Tysons maintain a balance between land use and the necessary transportation infrastructure,” according to the plan.
Meanwhile on the other side of Tysons Blvd, Lerner also wants to add two luxury residential towers known as The Residences at Tysons II. According to Nadel Architecture:
Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, lounge and indoor dog wash. Rooftop amenities include BBQ areas, fire pits and a dog park. The project involves many stakeholders and sensitive issues of pedestrian design, landscaping and urban design.
Tysons Reporter called the number on the sign and reached out to Lerner via email to ask about the project, but hasn’t heard back yet.
Photo via MBA, image via Nadel Architecture
Tysons Reporter is back with its new monthly crime map showing where the incidents occurred in Fairfax County Police Department’s McLean District Station.
We went ahead and pulled together all of the incidents noted for the McLean District Station in FCPD crime recaps from Sept. 1-30, weeded out the ones that are not in the Tysons Reporter coverage area and plotted them in the interactive map above.
The McLean District Station covers crime in Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Falls Church, McLean, Tysons and Great Falls.
The map only includes information from FCPD and does not include reports to the police departments in the Town of Vienna or the City of Falls Church.
Use the icon in the top left corner of the map to toggle between the various types of crimes displayed.
Fairfax County’s weekday police recaps are not comprehensive lists of every incident and the addresses are approximate. FCPD also notes that information in the recaps “is generally based on initial reports made to the police department.”
Anyone with information about any of these crimes should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477).
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
Maybe, just maybe, we’ll actually get a fall season in October where you can breakout pants and a cozy sweater.
I spent Saturday at Cox Farms in 95 degree heat and while still fun, it didn’t quite feel like a Fall Festival! I will say though, their cider donuts are so good! I did a roundup of the September Fall Festivals last month, so rounding that out with the ones in October below! If you had a favorite from September, drop it in the comments so others can plan for next year!
Cox Farms — Centreville, VA
September 14-15, September 21-November 5
Live music, cow milking, farm chores, hayride, tunnels, slides, swings, corn maze, goats, cider, donuts and their market! This is my favorite event all year and I actually hold my client appreciation event here in the fall. You really can’t beat a day in cooler weather walking around their farm!
Great County Farms — Bluemont, VA
September 30-October 31
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival featuring pick your own pumpkins (also apples), wagon rides, pig races, Dino shows, Marshmallow roasting, cider pressing, live music, 5-acre play area, donuts and their market. Adult pro tip: Bluemont Vineyard and Dirt Farm Brewing are across the street and the views can NOT be beat. There’s a coupon for tickets on CertifiKid.
Fall For Fairfax-KidsFest — Fairfax, VA
Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, October 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kids fall festival for elementary and pre-school aged children, which includes scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, pony rides, petting zoo, model trains, rides and 75 exhibits and food vendors. This event also has a coupon on CertifiKid.
Oktoberfest — Vienna, VA
Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Held on Historic Church Street by the red caboose, the event features live music, games, kids activities, German auto show, lots of food and drinks. *My company, McEnearney, has a booth at the event. Come meet me between 3-7 p.m.*
City of Fairfax Fall Festival — Fairfax, VA
Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The event includes over 400 vendors, children’s activities, 3 stages of music and entertainment, and carnival rides.
Halloween on the Green — Vienna, VA
Saturday, October 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages 2-10, family fun on the town green, which features crafts, games, storytelling, moon bounce, petting zoo, treats and decorate your own pumpkin.
Reston Farm Fall Fest — Reston, VA
Now until November 5, hours vary based on day
Weekends feature moon bounces, moon bounce slides, corn maze moon bounce, train rides, dog shows, puppet shows, face painting and food!
Town of Vienna Halloween Parade — Vienna, VA
October 23, 7 p.m.
A fabulous tradition that runs along Maple Avenue from Branch to Center Street. Read my tips on attending the parade from last year.
Amazing Farm Fun — Ticonderoga Farm, Chantilly, VA
Now until November 3, hours vary
Long list of activities includes hayrides, jumping pillows, tunnels and slides, petting farm, tire play, cowtrain, firepits and s’mores, and more.
Jack’s Pumpkin Glow — Reston, VA
Now until October 27, hours vary
A 1/3 mile train filled with over 5,000 hand carved jack o’lanterns into amazing structures. Buy tickets ahead of time. Tickets can be pricey, so check out the 20% off coupon on Certifikid.
Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival — Germantown, MD
Weekends until November 3
Admission is $12/person and includes hayrides, jump pad, corn maze, giant slides and more. There’s also food available like cider, donuts, kettle corn and more. You can pick your own pumpkins, do a pumpkin cannon, face painting and pony rides.
Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park — Leesburg, VA
Open everyday, hours vary
Festival activities include wagon rides, giant slides, zip line, moon bounce, corn bin, hay maze, pony rides, animals, moon bounce pillow and more.
Whole Foods’ new store in The Boro development is set to open by the end of October.
The new 70,000 square-foot grocery store will be the region’s largest Whole Foods and feature a food hall. It will be Whole Food’s Mid-Atlantic flagship store.
The store (1635 Boro Place) is set to open Oct. 30 with a celebration featuring music, samples of products and giveaways starting at 8 a.m., according to a press release.
The first 200 customers will receive a custom “Whole Foods Market Tysons Corner” reusable tote bag along with a savings card with a value ranging between $5 and $100.
“We can’t wait for this community to experience their new Whole Foods Market,” Carl DePree, the store’s team leader, said in the press release. “From its responsibly-sourced, local and innovative product offerings, to its in-store food hall, bar and game room, to its modern design elements, this store is unlike any other.”
The store will have a food hall on the first floor, including:
- Italian food from Officina, which was founded by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli
- Sushi, poke, dumplings and ramen from Genji Izakaya
- Curiosity Doughnuts
- Rappahannock Oyster Co.
Shoppers can also expect a pub and game room on the second floor, an in-house bakery, butcher and seafood departments, a specialty foods section, an Allegro coffee and tea bar and a JRINK juice bar.
Prepared foods at the hot and cold bars will have a pizza bar, an Indian venue with two in-store tandoori ovens, a barbecue bar and a deli, the press release said.
The store plans to donate 5% of its net sales on Thursday, Nov. 7, to Food For Others, a local nonprofit that helps hungry families.
Additionally, all donations from Whole Foods Market’s bag credit program for shoppers who bring their own bags will benefit Fairfax Casa, which advocates for abused or neglected kids, from opening day until the end of the year.
Whole Foods is also currently hiring for jobs at the Tysons spot, with hiring events this Friday and Saturday (Oct., 4-5). The location plan to employ roughly 325 full- and part-time employees, according to the press release.
After the grand opening, the store will be open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
As Tysons Reporter celebrates its first anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most-read stories throughout the year.
From breaking news to announcements of upcoming developments, we’ve got it covered. Check it out.
10) Here’s What’s Opening With the Whole Foods in Tysons
Though Whole Foods at the Boro still isn’t open, shops and local businesses are gearing up to open their doors. Other eateries and businesses coming to the area include Flower Child, Ethan Allen, Fish Taco and Colour Bar Studio.
9) Chef Geoff’s Set to Close Tysons Restaurant in 12 Days
Chef Geoff’s closed their doors back in June after 10 years of business in the area.
Wawa announced their upcoming presence in Vienna last year. Last week, Wawa unveiled that they are aiming to open April 2020, offering customers a fuel-free store.
7) Body Found Along Leesburg Pike in Tysons
Fairfax County police found a body near the Spring Hill Metro station back in May but noted there was no threat to the public.
6) Roads Closed in Tysons Area Following Major Flooding
In July, major flooding hit the Northern Virginia area, damaging local homes and several roads in the Tysons area.
5) Fairfax County Investigating American Disposal Services for Failed Trash Pick-Ups
American Disposal Services was under fire in May for failing to pick up trash, leading to an investigation by Fairfax County. The county later fined the collection company $2,500.
4) A Look at Scotts Run, the Tysons Development That Apple Has Its Eye On
In November 2018, Apple considered putting a new office in Tysons near Scotts Run.
3) Nothing Found After Police Respond to Reports of Man With Weapon at Gannett HQ
After a scare in early August, police determined that there was no threat to the Gannett HQ building in Tysons.
2) Apple Eyes Fairfax County As Arlington Lands Amazon
Apple reportedly considered bringing a campus to Tysons around the time tech-hub Amazon was eyeing Arlington. While Amazon decided to come to Arlington, Apple’s expansion plans don’t seem to include Fairfax County.
1) Macy’s in Tysons Galleria Closing With Big Clearance Sale
Macy’s offered customers discounts of 20-40% after announcing their closure in January at Tysons Galleria.
Whole Foods Is Hiring — The new store in Tysons is holding hiring events on Friday and Saturday. [Patch]
Tysons Development Moves Forward — “The 3 million-square-foot View at Tysons, featuring what would be Greater Washington’s tallest office building… just emerged from a long staff review with a recommendation for approval.” [Washington Business Journal]
Chefs Compete In Tysons Challenge — “An epic battle of chefs from six local restaurants competed in ‘Tysons Challenge,’ a Charity Classic event sponsored by The St. James at The Tower Club in Tysons Corner, Va. on Friday, Sept. 20.” [Inside NoVa]
Trail Links Up Tysons to Vienna — “A web of trails snake through the Vienna and Tysons area in northern Virginia, but for decades, they didn’t connect to each other… Now, after 20 years of work, residents are celebrating the final link in that network.” [Greater Greater Washington]
Lawsuit Continues Over Tyson Man’s Death — “The family of Bijan Ghaisar, who was fatally shot by two U.S. Park Police officers in November 2017, has refiled its lawsuit against the federal government after it was dismissed from the case on technical grounds earlier this year.” [Washington Post]
Debates Begin For County Chair Contenders — “Candidates for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairman on Sept. 23 offered starkly different visions of the county and its prospects during a forum at the Fairfax County Government Center.” [Inside NoVa]
Tysons may not have the liveliest nightlife at the moment, but that could soon change as more late-night restaurants and places to hang out open. “Tysons After Dark” will highlight a different spot every week.
Thursdays are for karaoke. Several restaurants around the Tysons area let people step up to the mic to sing popular songs.
TD Karaoke (2980 Gallows Road)
Locals can find a modern interior with karaoke and bar grill in Merrifield. Private rooms are available to book from $30-$180 per hour. TD Karaoke is open from 4 p.m.-2 .m. Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-2 a.m. on Sundays.
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington Street)
The “beach shack” serves up Floridian food with vegan and vegetarian options in Falls Church. “Boardwalk Karaoke” takes place from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7) through the end of the year. Dogs are welcome.
Mark’s Pub (2190 Pimmit Drive, Suite E)
Formerly known as Art’s Tavern, the Falls Church area sports bar has karaoke every Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike)
Every Thursday from 4:30-9 p.m., people can sing to old and new songs. There’s no cover charge. During the beer garden’s happy hour (3-9 p.m. on weekdays), people can order $5 beers.
Photo via Tysons Biergarten/Facebook
Metro ridership might be plummeting overall, but ridership in the Tysons area is continuing to increase.
All four stations in the Tysons area saw increased ridership in the spring of 2019 as compared to the year before, continuing an upward trend this year.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission’s new stats compared ridership in April, May and June of 2019 with the same period in 2018.
Ridership at the McLean Metro station by the new Capital One headquarters has continued to spike. Out of the four, the McLean station saw the largest increase in ridership during the three-month period, rising 25% over the last year.
On the other side of Tysons, the Greensboro Metro station spiked to 18%.
Meanwhile, ridership at the Spring Hill station increased 7% and Tysons Corner station increased 5%.
“Ridership at the McLean station has now gone up dramatically for three quarters in a row: first by 18.6%, then 20.6% and now 25%,” Tysons Partnership tweeted, thanking Capital One and The MITRE Corporation.
As for Greensboro, the partnership pointed to Meridian Group’s The Boro development.
“Ridership at the Greensboro station has now gone up dramatically for two quarters in a row: first by 18.4% and now by 18%,” Tysons Partnership tweeted.
Graph via Tysons Partnership/Twitter
A luxury tower with condominiums in The Boro development is preparing to open.
The 25-story-tall tower known as Verse will feature 140 residences for sale.
Verse is slated to open later this fall, Meridian Group and KETTLER announced yesterday in a press release.
The building includes a private outdoor lounge and fitness spa. International firm Cecconi Simone designed the interiors.
People can choose between one-, two- and three-bedroom condos. One-bedrooms start at $500,000, two-bedrooms at $850,000 and three-bedrooms at $1.2 million.
Image via Verse
