Real Estate

Sneak Peek: Plans for Crescent and Lake Anne Redevelopment

Republic's plans for Lake Anne include retail, housing, natural settings and community spaces.

Republic Land Development's plan for the Crescent Apartments' site aims to revamp the 16-acre site as well as update the area around historic Lake Anne Plaza.

"Lake Anne is a spectacular opportunity to be more," Republic senior vice president Stacy Hornstein said on Thursday. "There is no place like it in the region. "

Republic - which has developed projects such as Washington Harbour in Georgetown - was chosen by Fairfax County in July to redevelop the hillside site that currently houses the 16-acre Crescent Apartments. 

On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the interim agreement with Republic, paving the way for the process of county planning, Reston Association Design Review Board and other land use necessities necessary for a project of this scale.  The approval of the project design and land use permits is expected to take more than a year, says Republic president and CEO David Peter.

Republic will present its conceptual plan to the public at a community open house meeting Monday 7 to 9 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne. The developers will also present to the Reston Association Design Review Board at the DRB's meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at RA headquarters.

Republic reps said they met many times with Lake Anne residents, business owners, Reston founder Robert E. Simon and others to understand what Lake Anne needs and what role it will serve as Reston grows.

"What we heard from them is they want a plan that is in conformance with the folks who developed Reston," said Hornstein. "

Republic representatives said the redevelopment will be built in stages, with the replacement for Crescent units built first, as well as retail improvements in the now-parking lot of Lake Anne Plaza. The entire process would take 10-12 years, they said.

The farmers market would be relocated to a nearby spot while construction is underway, but would return to the plaza's grand concourse when completed.

 Some of the highlights of the mixed-use development include:

* A half-circle design for Crescent itself as well as additional retail in what now is the Lake Anne Plaza parking lot, complementing Lake Anne's existing horseshoe design.

* Straightening out Village Drive so one turns into a grand entrance - "a front door" - to Lake Anne - where the lake and plaza is readily visible and inviting. Developers envision a boutique grocery store along Baron Cameron near the entrance to Lake Anne.

* Mid-rise affordable housing that will replace the 181 units of affordable housing at Crescent. There may be more than 1,000 housing units eventually between Crescent and other residential to be built at Lake Anne. Other housing will be townhouses, mid rise and one 15-story high rise, as well as an active seniors community.

* Community amenities to be built at Lake Anne include an amphitheater and an outdoor movie screening area.

* Additional retail and residential above in what now is the parking lot for Lake Anne Plaza. Retail parking will be below ground. The plans include about 50,000 square feet of office space.

* Public trails will connect Crescent with Lake Anne Plaza and other nearby areas to minimize need for cars. They would also like to connect Lake Anne and Reston Town Center with a bike sharing operation. 

To see more detailed plans, attend one of next week's meetings.
 
Do you think a new look will revitalize the Lake Anne area? Tell us in the comments.


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