Reston History & Plans

ABOUT RESTON: Published on www.Reston.org

A Unique Community’s Fascinating History

Reston is a large, self-sufficient community spread over more than 7,000 acres, but it began as an undeveloped tract of wilderness in the Northern Virginia Piedmont.

Reston’s history dates back to the 1890s, when a doctor from Philadelphia made an unsuccessful attempt to establish a town (then called the Town of Wiehle) in the area now known as Reston. Later, in the 1950s, two entrepreneurial brothers from Kentucky drew up a town master plan, but this effort likewise failed to materialize. More efforts followed, but each was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the idea of community-building was undergoing major changes. In response to the evolving demands of modern living, the concept of “new towns” emerged in western England and Scandinavia. The idea behind these communities was highly attractive – self-sufficient, small-to-medium sized cities with a broad range of carefully planned and balanced housing, commercial, industrial, educational and recreational facilities. They were urban landscapes in rural settings, and they were proving the viability of creating living areas that combined quality of life, amenities and individual dignity.

Then, in 1961, Robert E. Simon, Jr., saw this land, fell in love with it, and succeeded in gathering the elements needed to begin the process of bringing the new town concept to Northern Virginia. Using proceeds from the sale of a family property – New York City’s Carnegie Hall – Simon purchased the 6,750-acre parcel. He called the new town “Reston,” using his own initials and the English suffix for town. Within its 11.5 square-mile area, more than 58,000 residents would eventually come to live, work, play and enjoy life.

Development Begins

Simon assembled a talented team of planners, architects and environmentalists to prepare a grand design for the development of his parcel — and the management of its open spaces. One of Simon’s important early steps was persuading the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to pass an ordinance allowing the closer clustering of housing. This change enabled Reston to include the then-remarkable notion of large commonly held open spaces with fields and trees that would improve the aesthetic and environmental quality of the community.

Engineers dammed natural streams to form lakes, and planners designed village centers to provide shopping facilities and other services. Near the center of it all was Lake Anne Village Center, with its tall Heron House apartment building and innovative townhouses surrounding the lake, similar to a European coastal village. The center, in fact, soon became an internationally-recognized symbol of this growing American New Town.

In 1967, however, the capital costs of the ambitious development project began to overwhelm Simon’s financial resources. One of his principal investors, Gulf Oil, stepped in to save the project from bankruptcy. To their lasting credit, Gulf Reston officials continued development of the New Town and for more than 10 years and encouraged its growing diversity in housing sizes, styles and prices. The company worked to attract businesses and organizations to relocate in Reston, thus providing opportunities for residents to work near where they lived.

A Community Takes Shape

Reston’s citizens soon began forming many of the civic, cultural, sports and religious organizations that flourish to this day. One of the most significant efforts was the building of the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods Village. Requiring seven years to plan and design in close cooperation with Fairfax County officials, backers established an administrative board and a special taxing district to fund the ambitious plan.

Mobil Corporation bought the remaining undeveloped land from Gulf Reston in 1978, and formed Reston Land Corporation as a subsidiary. The new developer continued following Simon’s master plan. Long-envisioned projects became realities, including new schools and parks, a regional county library, the Reston Hospital Center, a homeless shelter, a county magisterial district office building and the Cameron Glen nursing center for the elderly.

Meanwhile, more businesses were moving to Reston. Attracted by the community’s desirable campus-like office and R&D park designs, the new business neighbors also benefitted from their proximity to Washington. In 1984, the local business community banded together and established the Reston Board of Commerce, which now includes some 800 members working to strengthen the connections between businesses and the community.

By 1988, over 1,400 companies had established themselves in Reston, employing 31,000 people — more than an average of one-and-one-half jobs per household. High-tech firms like Sperry were followed by others, especially after the Dulles Toll Road opened in 1984. Time and again, company officials pointed to Reston’s community design, housing, amenities and talented workforce as major factors in their decisions to locate their businesses here. The commitment of numerous businesses to locate in Reston, starting in the early years with USGS, has provided the broad employment base so vital to the new town concept. - http://www.reston.org

Something for Everyone

Living in Reston is like living in a park. Over 1,350 acres of open space are maintained throughout the community, and a wide variety of facilities and programs offer year-round opportunities for fitness, fun and exploration.

Fifty-five miles of paved pathways and natural surface trails connect our facilities, neighborhoods, schools and shopping, and are perfect for walkers, joggers and bicyclists. More than 700 acres of forest, 50 meadows, and four wetlands provide beautiful vistas and important habitat for local wildlife. Aquatic habitats include four lakes, three ponds and 20 miles of streams, enjoyed by boaters and anglers.

From Reston's 15 different pools, patrons can swim laps in our Olympic-sized pool, splash in the children’s interactive area, speed down a giant slide or relax in heated spas.

Reston’s vibrant tennis community plays on 52 community courts. Eight are clay and 26 are lighted. These include six smaller-sized "Quickstart" courts for kids 10 and under.

Friends and teams practice and compete on ball fields and multipurpose courts. Playgrounds, garden plots, picnic facilities and community buildings are popular places to gather.

Parks & Recreation staff conduct an exciting line-up of top notch programs and events for all ages. From nature programs and summer camps to dive-in movies and festivals, there is something fun for everyone -- including those who may work in Reston. Many activities are free while others require reservations and have fees.

Around Reston

Education and child care is important to any growing family. This page provides a starting point for finding the right school and care for you. Reston is fortunate to be surrounding by many great schools, including South Lakes High School, and exceptional childcare facilities. The Fairfax County Public Schools website will explain where the schools are located, and which schools fall under what boundary lines. In addition to the public school system, there are also Montessori and other private schools in Reston. Residents consider the Virginia Department of Social Services the primary and reliable resource for finding quality licensed childcare in Northern Virginia.

Tourism & Travel

Located only 20 miles from our nation's capital, Reston is in close proximity to many major roadways and rail systems. Washington D.C., Maryland and other parts of Virginia are conveniently accessible from Reston.

Dulles International Airport is located only minutes away from Reston. The main terminal is considered to be one of the region's most architecturally striking buildings. If you have visitors flying into Dulles, there are many hotels your guests can choose to stay at, while still being in the middle of Reston. The Metrorail Silver Line, which has a station in Reston, will soon connect to the airport.

In nearby Washington, visitors can spend the day roaming the Smithsonian's museums, galleries and zoo. Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals baseball team, is also a short drive away from Reston. Of course, many tourists to the region spend the day visiting memorials and monuments in the National Mall.

Back in Virginia, visitors to Reston can spend time at a number of historic towns and scenic parks. Nearby wineries line the Virginia countryside to the west and south of Reston.

MAP OF RESTON VA