🚧 Reston Town Center North could take a major step forward today after roughly 15 years of planning.

🚲 Twosome Fairfax City is moving forward with a $725,551 project to add bike lanes and pedestrian improvements along University Drive.

💦 Alexandria has opened the Colasanto Interactive Fountain, adding a new outdoor recreation feature for residents and visitors.

Scroll down and enjoy!

—Chris Colgan

Reston's flagship diversity celebration returns with performances across three stages, immersive street programming, and artists of national significance (including National Heritage Fellows).
📍 Location: Reston Town Center, Reston, WA
📅 Date: Sept 19 | 11 AM – 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

A German-style street festival at John Carlyle Square with live music, traditional dance, a beer garden, bratwurst and pretzels, a handmade crafts market, plus lighthearted competitions like a beer stein holding contest and "Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest."
📍 Location: John Carlyle Square Park, Alexandria, VA
📅 Date: Sept 19 | 11 AM – 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

A traditional Irish music and dance, food and drinks, a pop-up makers market, and "sip & stroll" activities around the village. Campbell Avenue closes to traffic for the festivities.
📍 Location: Village at Shirlington, Arlington, VA
📅 Date: Sept 19 | 12–6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

NOT ENOUGH? SEE 10+ GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND→

Driving the news
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the 47.9-acre Reston Town Center North redevelopment Sept. 15 in an 8-0 vote. The Planning Commission had recommended approval 11-0 in July.

Details
Phase 1 focuses on public amenities, including:

Later phases could add up to 1,000 homes, 150,000 square feet of commercial space, a school, and recreation facilities. Full buildout could stretch to about 2050.

Why it matters
The near-term benefit for Reston is the civic investment.

A new library, public green, and updated community facilities could make the area more attractive well before the housing is complete. Those amenities may support nearby home values as they move from plans to finished projects.

The big picture
Reston has several other housing projects in the pipeline, including Lake Fairfax Business Park and Makers Point.

But these projects are at very different stages. Some are still proposals, while others could move toward construction much sooner.

What’s next
With approval secured, Phase 1 site work could begin in late 2026.

Lake Fairfax Business Park is another project to watch, with its proposed rezoning still moving through the county process.

The bottom line
Reston Town Center North is a long-term redevelopment with a more immediate civic payoff.

The future housing may grab attention, but the library, Central Green and public spaces are likely to be what residents notice first.

If you own or are considering a home nearby, focus on the construction timeline — not just the approval headline.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Driving the news
The City Council unanimously approved a construction contract with Arthur Construction Company Inc. The award still requires approval from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Details

Bicyclists and drivers will continue sharing lanes through the busier section of Old Town.

Why it matters
The project adds a safer bicycle and pedestrian connection between Old Town and areas to the north without requiring additional property.

For Fairfax City, it also supports plans to create a stronger walking and biking connection between Northfax, Old Town, and George Mason University.

The big picture
The project stems from Fairfax City’s 2020 small-area plans and its 2021 Bicycle Master Plan, which identified University Drive as part of a larger pedestrian and bicycle corridor.

The bottom line
Fairfax City is converting part of University Drive into a lower-capacity roadway with dedicated bike lanes and added pedestrian features while maintaining vehicle access through the corridor.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Driving the news
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities opened the fountain on Sept. 10 as part of a soft launch.

The opening follows final inspections, utility work, and construction coordination involving several city and state partners.

Details
During the soft-opening period, city staff will monitor the fountain and make adjustments as needed.

The interactive water feature is open for residents and visitors to use for outdoor play and cooling off.

Why it matters
The fountain adds another public recreation option for Alexandria families and visitors.

For the community, it creates a new outdoor gathering space and expands the city’s recreational amenities.

The big picture
The project required coordination between Alexandria staff, the Virginia Department of Health, Dominion Energy, and project contractors before opening to the public.

What’s next
Alexandria is working with community stakeholders to schedule an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. A date has not yet been announced.

The Colasanto Interactive Fountain is now open, giving Alexandria residents and visitors a new public space for outdoor recreation.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Reply and let me know what you liked the most and what you’d like to see in next week’s newsletter. See ya!