🏗️ A parking garage tied to one of America’s biggest political scandals is about to get a very different future.

🏢 Hepburn and Sons plans an $18.1 million headquarters that will bring 80 new jobs, expand the region’s defense sector and reshape part of Innovation Park.

🌳 A new trail is changing how people move through one of McLean’s busiest corridors. Built beside I-495, the 2.5-mile path connects neighborhoods, parks and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve — but the trail is just one piece of a much larger transportation project.

Scroll down and enjoy!

—Chris Colgan

America's favorite surf rockers roll into Wolf Trap for a sun-soaked night of timeless hits like "Surfin' USA" and "Fun, Fun, Fun." Led by Mike Love, the show is part of Wolf Trap's America250 series honoring the music that shaped the nation.
📍 Location: Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna
📅 Date: July 23 | 8 PM (gates open 6:30 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: Reserved & lawn seating — free parking included
MORE INFO→

Fairfax City's beloved summer concert series takes over Old Town Square with live music, a beer garden, and food trucks. This month the U.S. Army "Downrange" Band brings a high-energy mix of rock, pop, country, and R&B — grab a chair or blanket and settle in.
📍 Location: Old Town Square, Fairfax City
📅 Date: July 24 | 6:30–9:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

The region's classic county fair celebrates its 90th year with carnival rides, livestock shows, live music, and all the fair food you can handle. Saturday caps off the week with the fan-favorite demolition derby.
📍 Location: Loudoun County Fairgrounds, Leesburg
📅 Date: July 21–25 | Final day Sat, Jul 25 (10 AM–11 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: Daily admission from $5.75 (kids) / $16.50 (adults; $20 at the gate after 5 PM)
MORE INFO→

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

Driving the news
The Arlington County Board approved plans to replace the office buildings at 1401 Wilson Blvd. and 1400 Key Blvd. with two residential towers, retail space and a grocery store.

Details
The project will include:

The site includes the garage where FBI official Mark Felt met Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward during the Watergate investigation.

Felt, known at the time as “Deep Throat,” shared information about the Nixon administration’s efforts to block the FBI investigation.

Why it matters
The project will add hundreds of homes and a new grocery option in Rosslyn while replacing two aging office buildings.

That could bring more residents, foot traffic and daily activity to an area long shaped by office development.

The big picture
Arlington is moving ahead with more office-to-housing and mixed-use projects as work habits change and demand grows for neighborhoods where people can live, shop and commute without relying on a car.

In a separate vote, the County Board approved plans to convert the former TSA headquarters in Pentagon City into another mixed-use development.

Between the lines
The property’s history will remain visible.

The marker explaining Felt and Woodward’s secret meetings is expected to stay near the site during and after construction.

A previous plan was approved in 2014 but never built. Monday Properties revived the redevelopment effort in 2024.

What’s next
The developers will move through the remaining design, permitting and construction steps.

A construction schedule was not included in the announcement.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Driving the news
Hepburn and Sons plans to build a 27,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Innovation Park, the 1,500-acre research campus anchored by George Mason University.

Details

Why it matters
The project keeps a locally founded company in Prince William County while adding high-tech careers, construction activity and long-term business investment.

It also strengthens the area’s growing network of defense, research and technology employers.

The big picture
Founded by the Hepburn family in Manassas in 2010, Hepburn and Sons provides engineering, mission systems and advisory services to government agencies, commercial clients and the U.S. military.

The company currently employs more than 60 people, most of whom are veterans.

Between the lines
Virginia and Prince William County worked together to keep the expansion in the state.

The company will also receive hiring support through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

What’s next
Groundbreaking is planned for early 2027, followed by construction and hiring ahead of the headquarters’ expected summer 2028 opening.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

McLean residents have a new 2.5-mile route for walking, running and biking, with direct links to local trails and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve.

Driving the news
Hundreds of residents joined Virginia and Fairfax County officials on June 27 to open the 495 Express Lanes Extension Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail.

The community marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a 4.95K Fun Run and Walk, and a 495-meter Kids’ Run.

Details

Why it matters
The trail gives McLean residents a safer way to reach parks, neighborhoods and regional trail networks without relying on a car.

It also adds a new outdoor recreation option for families, runners and cyclists while supporting Fairfax County’s long-term plans for better trail connections.

The big picture
The path was built through the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension project, a partnership between Virginia and Transurban.

The larger project extended the express lanes north toward the American Legion Bridge and included road, transit, bridge, bicycle and pedestrian upgrades.

By the numbers:

Between the lines
The project reflects a broader shift in transportation planning around Northern Virginia.

Major highway projects are increasingly expected to serve pedestrians and cyclists alongside drivers.

Local leaders also see the trail as part of a connected network rather than a stand-alone path.

What’s next
A new parking lot at the future Scott’s Run Nature Preserve annex is expected to open in the coming months, giving visitors another access point to the preserve and trail.

The bottom line
The new trail turns part of the Beltway corridor into a useful community connection, expanding how McLean residents can travel, exercise and reach nearby green space.

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!