Reston Town Center shares preview of planned updates to public spaces

A number of public spaces in Reston Town Center will get a facelift.

As reported last month, work on Fountain Plaza and the pavilion will begin this spring. Now, Boston Properties is offering a first look at the planned upgrades.

The renovations will be the first major updates to the town center’s public spaces in roughly 30 years.

Alan Ward, a principle at Sasaki Associates, is leading the design team of the project. He deferred comment to Boston Properties on the overall project, but said in a statement that the spaces will meet the needs “of today and into future.”

“I am thrilled to work on these updates, which respect the spirit and vision of the original designs while enhancing access, activating the spaces, and providing years of enjoyment and to come.” Ward said.

Per Boston Properties, the enhancements will include:

The Pavilion

• Two fire pits in front of the Pavilion adjacent to Market Street will add to the holiday and cooler months’ experience
• Large fans will help cool the space during warmer months for both formal and informal gatherings
• An expansion through the service street adjacent to the Hyatt will create more flexibility and space for programming, events, and daily activations
• A wooden deck that will serve as a seating area and a stage for smaller events and performances
• Additional seating areas in the artificial turf area during warm months

Other

• The fountain: Renovation of the lower base area, with new tiling, expanded seating, and tiered landscaping, and replacement of the entire outdated mechanical system. The original design of the upper base and Mercury statue will remain unchanged.
• New trees and plantings to replace aged greenery and damaged root systems
• Expansion of outdoor seating, including stadium-style structures and traditional tables and chairs

The town center’s ice rink will operate from November through March, but some events will be relocated or rescheduled during construction. Some areas might be temporarily unavailable, according to Boston Properties spokesperson Sapna Yathiraj.

“We are working with our event partners to providing alternate locations in 22 for our annual events, which will provide the dynamic, community focused atmphosphere RTC is known for even while some areas are temporarily unavailable.” Yathiraj wrote in a statement.