The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved developer Comstock’s request to build an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting two of its new office buildings in the Reston Row portion of Reston Station.
The plan to build the secure passageway somewhere between the fourth and seventh floors of the buildings will meet the needs of a Fortune 500 company planning to lease space in the buildings, a representative of the developer told supervisors at the public hearing on Tuesday (Oct. 14).
Leasing negotiations are ongoing and the prospective tenant’s name was not revealed, but it was described as a “prestigious” firm with existing local ties.
The developer applied for an amendment to its Reston Row development plan to allow the pedestrian bridge late last year. In a statement of justification, Comstock’s representative noted:
“Comstock has received feedback from significant office tenants interested in headquartering at Reston Row that inclusion of a pedestrian bridge by and between the two office buildings in the project would create the kind of synthesized and integrated campus that such major players are looking to lease. As the office market in the region is still bottoming, winning the tenancy of a major office user would be a boon not just to Comstock or the Hunter Mill District, but also to the county and the region.”
The request attracted no speakers to the Oct. 14 public hearing before receiving unanimous support from supervisors. It previously garnered the unanimous support of the Fairfax County Planning Commission.
There were no other significant changes to the project, including density, sought from county officials. The board’s action allows, but does not require, the construction of the pedestrian passageway.
If built, the pedestrian bridge will be required to be located at least 50 feet above street level, and incorporate bird-friendly design.
The 7.64-acre Reston Row neighborhood is bounded by Reston Station Blvd, Wiehle Avenue and Sunset Hills Road. It is located adjacent to its sister development Reston Station and the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.
Totaling 1.6 million square feet of development, Reston Row is home to a JW Marriott-branded hotel and condominium building, along with the two office buildings at 1800 and 1880 Reston Row Plaza. The office construction is complete, but Comstock is still working with potential tenants to fully lease out the space.
Ongoing development will add a 420-unit BLVD Haley apartment building, plus a number of new retail businesses, including Noku Sushi, Ebbitt House and Puttshack.
