The Heart & Soul of Reston - Lake Anne - is on Life Support

Feature Story

THE HEART & SOUL OF RESTON IS ON LIFE SUPPORT

While the Reston Town Center is great and all, Lake Anne Village is the true heart of Reston.

Over the years, it has become the home of several major events that bring the whole community together, like the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, Reston Pride Festival, and Santa on the Lake.

In addition to the many public events, Lake Anne is home to the most vibrant Farmers Market in the region. Residents from across the area come to the market each Saturday to purchase local produce and visit the local craft fair. They often stay for brunch at the Lake Anne Coffee House or a beer and pretzel at the Lake Anne Brew House.

With the possible exception of Old Town Alexandria, where else would you find such a vibrant and welcoming community on the water?

When you visit Lake Anne for the first time, you are often surprised to find one of the most unique places in the DMV. With the possible exception of Old Town Alexandria, where else would you find such a vibrant and welcoming community on the water?

But many who visit Washington Plaza (the main plaza adjacent to the lake - also known as Lake Anne Plaza) during a weekday or in “off-hours” will see the dinginess of the infrastructure and the starkness of the Brutalist architecture and may consider the community “dead.”

That’s why it’s time to get serious about investing in this historic location to resolve the long-term financial and structural issues that are keeping the community from realizing its potential in an ever-changing Reston.

One major barrier is the more than $37 million needed just to get the existing buildings up to a modern standard. That money has to come from somewhere, and it will be difficult to squeeze any more of that out of the existing unit owners who already pay monthly HOA fees between $700 and $1500.

Some will argue that the community's homeowners and business owners should pay the bill. After all, it’s their mismanagement that created this hole in the first place. While the condo association has a history of financial malfeasance, some aspects of Lake Anne Village benefit the public at large - and that fact shouldn’t be discounted.

The good news is that there is an awareness of the problem at the county level. In 2023, a consultant conducted a visionary exercise and presented some unique ideas that would clearly enhance the already unique environment. Now, the county is proposing to provide tax breaks to developers to help revitalize the area. Things are moving in the right direction, albeit slowly.

Lake Anne Village is for everyone in the community; it’s where we gather, celebrate, recreate, and chill. It is the heart and soul of Reston and deserves our collective attention.

What do you think? (Reply or leave a comment).

Around Town

F-15 FLY-BY OVER RESTON

Did you hear the fly-by the other day? An F-15 fighter jet made several passes overhead across the area. Some reported feeling under attack, while others didn’t hear it at all. Although it’s not unheard of to hear a fighter jet overhead in our area, hearing multiple passes warrants further research.

FIND OUT WHY AN F-15 LANDED AT DULLES →

Work With Us

HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

Whether you’re ready to buy, sell, or simply stay connected, we offer multiple ways to get involved with Greater Reston Living. Discover how we can support you in achieving your goals while fostering the spirit of our local community.

Curated Events

EVENTS IN RESTON, HERNDON, AND BEYOND

Back-to-school may be Monday, but the weekend’s still wide open. Fill those backpacks (and bookshelves) at the Kids Back to School Book Sale, then spread a blanket for Toy Story under the stars at Reston Town Center. Craving a block-party vibe? Hit Vienna’s Chillin’ on Church Friday night, and cap it off with all-aboard fun at Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show all weekend.

Week Beginning Thursday, July 3

SUMMER CONCERTS

Reston and Herndon crank up the volume each summer, transforming lakesides, town squares, and pocket parks into seven free, genre-hopping concert series. Grab a lawn chair (or dance barefoot in the grass) and let everything from bluegrass to big-band to rock & roll set your weeknight soundtrack. Plan your sonic summer with the full schedule.

A Final Note

YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM RESTON WHEN…