Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

GMU lands $5M donation to help renovate Fairfax performing arts hall

Published May 28, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated May 28, 2024 at 5:50PM

George Mason University's Center for the Arts at night (photo by Daniel Schwartz)

George Mason University is planning a new look and name for its Center for the Arts.

The GMU College of Visual and Performing Arts announced today (Monday) that it has received a $5 million gift to support a “reimagining” of the performing arts venue (4373 Mason Pond Drive) at its Fairfax campus. The donor was the Peterson Family Foundation, a regular supporter of the college and recipient of this year’s Jinx Hazel Award from ArtsFairfax.

News

New traffic signal incoming on north side of Reston Town Center

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 28, 2024 at 1:30PM

Traffic signals are being installed at the New Dominion Parkway and Explorer Street intersection near Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Work is underway to signalize the New Dominion Parkway and Explorer Street intersection on the north side of Reston Town Center.

Mast arms for the long-awaited traffic lights have been erected on all four sides of the intersection, and construction on the curbs, including improved accessibility aprons, are mostly complete, according to Reston Town Center Association (RTCA) Executive Director Robert Goudie.

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Northbound GW Parkway to close in McLean this weekend

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 28, 2024 at 10:30AM

Northbound GW Parkway will temporarily close in McLean for rehabilitation work (via National Park Service)

An upcoming GW Parkway ramp closure suggests the end of Memorial Day weekend will likely bring little relief from traffic in McLean.

The northbound exit ramp from the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the Capital Beltway (I-495) will be closed throughout this coming weekend, the National Park Service recently announced. The closure is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Friday (May 31) and remain in place until 5 a.m. next Monday (June 3).

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Reported theft at Greenbriar Town Center spurs police chase on I-66

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 24, 2024 at 2:15PM

Virginia State Police stopped a fleeing vehicle on I-66 near the N. Ohio Street overpass in Arlington (courtesy Charles H.)

A police chase that started with a larceny report in the Fair Oaks area ended last night (Thursday) with three people getting arrested on I-66 in Arlington County.

Officers were dispatched to Bath and Body Works in Greenbriar Town Center (13009 Route 50) around 5:59 p.m. in response to a larceny, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Around Town

Taiwanese cafe Vivi Bubble Tea set for grand opening in Vienna

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 24, 2024 at 11:45AM

Vivi Bubble Tea is now open in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Vivi Bubble Tea is now serving up boba, popcorn chicken and other Taiwanese snacks in Vienna.

Franchise owner Yaya Zhang, who also owns Fairfax City’s Vivi Bubble Tea, opened her second location at 233 Maple Avenue East in the Glyndon Shopping Center on May 13. During its soft opening, the cafe is offering 10% off all drinks.

Around Town

Reston’s Water Mine park to open for summer this weekend

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 24, 2024 at 11:00AM

The Water Mine in Reston was closed for the winter (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County Park Authority will dive into Memorial Day weekend with the opening of three seasonal water amenities, including The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston.

The popular water park inside Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) will open for the summer at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday). Initially, the facility will only be open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, but operations will expand to include weekdays starting on June 18.

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FCPD: Pedestrian killed in crash near Huntington Metro station

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 24, 2024 at 10:15AM | Updated May 27, 2024 at 7:14PM

North Kings Highway at Huntington Park Drive outside the Huntington Metro station (via Google Maps)

A driver who allegedly hit a pedestrian near the Huntington Metro station early this morning (Friday) has been arrested, Fairfax County police say.

Officers were dispatched to North Kings Highway at Huntington Park Drive around 12:38 a.m. after 911 received “multiple” calls for what was initially described as a crash with injury, according to scanner traffic on Open MHz.

Around Town

Angie’s Restaurant to close in Fairfax after decades-long run

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 24, 2024 at 9:30AM

Angie's Restaurant in the Twinbrooke Shopping Center (via Google Maps)

Angie’s Restaurant will permanently close its doors after this weekend, wrapping up decades of serving gyros, omelets and more in the Kings Park West neighborhood.

The Greek and Italian diner’s last day of business will be this Sunday (May 26), one employee told FFXnow. Another said the team opted to close because the landlord for Twinbrooke Shopping Center, where Angie’s is located, “raised the rent too much.”

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Contractor that helped build Amazon’s HQ2 sets up new HQ in Reston

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 23, 2024 at 2:30PM | Updated May 24, 2024 at 11:04AM

The contractor Muller Companies has established a new headquarters at 1910 Association Drive in Reston (photo by Jennifer Reyes)

A construction contractor that worked on Inova Fairfax Hospital and Amazon’s second headquarters in Arlington recently took over an office building in Reston for its new base.

Muller Companies officially moved into its new 30,000-square-foot headquarters at 1910 Association Drive on April 15, according to owner and CEO David Muller.

News

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve to reopen for Memorial Day weekend

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 23, 2024 at 1:30PM

Scott's Run Nature Preserve regulations (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve will reopen tomorrow (Friday), just in time for Memorial Day, after an extended emergency closure, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced today.

The popular McLean park has been closed since late March so that crews could remove an estimated 80 tons of sediment from wastewater pipes and make necessary repairs.