Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

McLean estate once visited by Amelia Earhart now on housing market

Published July 2, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated July 8, 2024 at 11:31AM

Ballantrae Farms in McLean hit the market for $39.9 million (via Washington Fine Properties/DC Real Estate Team)

For just under $40 million, you could stand on the same ground where Amelia Earhart once landed an airplane.

Ballantrae Farms, a 6.3-acre McLean estate whose house pre-dates the American Civil War, is currently up for sale with an initial asking price of $39.995 million. The property’s “storied past” includes a landing by Earhart in the 1930s, according to a listing that Washington Fine Properties posted last week.

News

Work begins to restore Lake Anne’s historic Heron House in Reston

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 2, 2024 at 10:30AM

Heron House at Lake Anne from March 2024 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Construction is now underway on a multi-year project to restore the residential high-rise that has towered over Lake Anne in Reston for over half a century.

The restoration will help preserve Heron House, a 15-story condominium building, while also making repairs to prevent water leaks that have affected some units, the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association (LARCA) says.

News

NEW: Developer plans next phase of Reston Town Center expansion

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 1, 2024 at 3:30PM

Boston Properties has proposed a revised development plan for its Reston Town Center expansion (via Gensler/Fairfax County)

Boston Properties is betting on office for the next phase of its Reston Town Center expansion.

The developer submitted plans to Fairfax County on Saturday (June 29) that would increase the amount of office space allowed in the mixed-use neighborhood dubbed RTC or Reston Next that’s now under construction near the Reston Town Center Metro station, while decreasing retail, hotel and residential uses.

News

‘High-end’ gun range with smoking lounge proposed in Tysons

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 1, 2024 at 2:30PM

Units J and K at 8453 Tyco Road in Tysons are currently occupied by CrossFit Tysons (via Google Maps)

A commercial warehouse space in Tysons that currently houses a fitness studio and gold dealer is being targeted for a different kind of recreational use.

A new business called Smok’d has proposed turning three suites at 8453 Tyco Road into a “high-end” indoor firing range with a smoking lounge, according to a special permit application submitted to Fairfax County last Thursday (June 27).

News

Family of pedestrian killed in Centreville crash seeks help with fundraiser

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 1, 2024 at 1:30PM

Lubia Vasquez Mateo was killed in a crash in Centreville on June 24, 2024 (via Christian Vasquez/Gofundme)

The family of a Clifton woman who was killed last week while crossing Pickwick Road in Centreville has launched an online fundraiser.

Set up by the nephew of Lubia Marisol Vasquez Mateo, the Gofundme page says the family is seeking financial assistance to cover various expenses, including memorial costs, travel costs and the medical bills of her partner, Jose Vasquez, who was injured in the crash.

News

Man arrested after Vienna pub reports homophobic harassment

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 1, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated July 1, 2024 at 12:55PM

Hawk & Griffin in Vienna has a rainbow-colored heart on its front door for Pride Month (photo by Amy Woolsey)

A man was arrested last week after reportedly harassing customers and staff at a Vienna pub over its Pride Month displays.

On Friday (June 28) night, a man walked off the street and began accosting patrons in Hawk & Griffin’s outdoor beer garden “because of our flags displayed for pride month,” the pub’s owners said the following day in a Facebook post.

News

FCPD: Two teens shot, one killed, at Annandale apartments

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 1, 2024 at 9:45AM | Updated July 2, 2024 at 10:09AM

The Fairmont Gardens apartments in Annandale (via Google Maps)

Two teens have been arrested following a shooting in Annandale on Friday (June 28) that killed a 14-year-old and left another teen injured.

Detectives believe the two boys were walking together around the Fairmont Gardens Apartments when a vehicle approached them, and its occupants began shooting, the Fairfax County Police Department said in a news release published last night (Sunday).

FCPD: Merrifield man charged with sexual battery of 6-year-old

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 28, 2024 at 3:15PM

Fairfax County police logo (file photo)

Fairfax County police arrested a man yesterday (Thursday) for allegedly touching a 6-year-old child inappropriately at a playground in West Falls Church.

Officers were called to the Kingsley Commons Townhouses in the 7300 block of Arlington Blvd shortly after 7 p.m. in response to a report that a man “unlawfully touched” a child.

“Patrol officers were able to quickly locate the man and take him into custody,” the Fairfax County Police Department said today (Friday) in a press release.

Police say Victor Villalobos, a 47-year-old man from Merrifield, has been charged with aggravated sexual battery of a juvenile under the age of 13. He was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he’s being held without bond.

“Detectives are urging anyone who may have had unlawful contact with Villalobos or has information about this case to contact our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 4, and share any information they may have,” the FCPD said.

Around Town

First Watch opening next week in Fair Lakes, its biggest restaurant yet

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 28, 2024 at 1:30PM

Exceeding 7,600 square feet, the Fair Lakes restaurant is First Watch's biggest location (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The daytime eatery First Watch will welcome July by unveiling its newest location in the Fairfax area.

The chain is set to open in Fair Lakes at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 1. At 7,668 square feet, the former TGI Friday’s at 12249 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive is First Watch’s biggest restaurant yet, boasting a spacious interior and an outdoor patio that can seat over 200 people combined.

Around Town

Where to see fireworks in Fairfax County for Fourth of July 2024

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 28, 2024 at 11:30AM

Independence Day fireworks at Yeonas Park in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Lake Fairfax Park isn’t the only spot in Fairfax County planning an early Fourth of July party this year.

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Independence Day celebration in Reston will compete tomorrow (Saturday) with festivities in McLean, Lorton and Mount Vernon, where George Washington’s estate will kick off two days of fireworks tonight (Friday).