By the end of 1988, over 1,400 companies had established themselves in Reston, employing 31,000 people, more than an average of one and one-half jobs per household. High technology firms like Sperry were followed by others, especially after the Dulles Toll Road opened in 1984, shortening the driving time to Tysons Corner and Washington. Time and again, company officials spoke of the community design, housing, amenities, and the talented work force as being major factors in their decisions to settle their businesses in Reston. The overwhelming commitment of numerous businesses to Reston, starting in the early years with USGS, has provided the broad employment base so vital to the new town concept.
Another key component in Bob Simon’s original master plan for Reston was the heart of this urban landscape in a rural setting. The 20 acre first phase of Reston Town Center was dedicated in October 1990, developed by a new corporation, Reston Town Center Phase I Associates, in cooperation with Boston based Himmel/MKDG. This first unit of a larger plan included 220,000 square feet of retail space, 290,000 square feet of office buildings and professional space, the 514 room Hyatt Regency Hotel and an 11 screen movie theater. A large fountain topped with a distinctive statue of Mercury became the Center’s focal point.
Across Market Street from the Mercury Fountain, a barrel-vaulted glass roofed Pavilion was built in 1993 over an ice skating rink used during winter months. For the rest of the year it is a large, open air building for concerts, festivals, seasonal celebrations, and children’s events.
The planning and development of Reston have surpassed all expectations as has the phenomenally successful Reston Town Center. In 1996, the total number of visits to the Town Center for all purposes during the year was more than 5 million. It has become the “downtown” for western Fairfax County and eastern Loudoun County.
Nineteen ninety-seven was a year of change for Reston. In addition to new leadership for Reston Community Center, Reston Interfaith and Reston Community Hospital, Mobil Land Development Corporation sold its real estate holdings in Reston. Westbrook Partners purchased all undeveloped land in Reston, including Reston Town Center. Equity Office purchased Reston Town Center, and Blackstone obtained the Hyatt Regency Reston. Speculative office buildings are again on the horizon and more than 1,000 townhomes and condos are being developed in Reston Town Center.
Reston will continue to attract national and worldwide recognition and awards as it has from the beginning. The outpouring of creative energy which has resulted in its singular success is combined with the rich legacy of its past, the vitality of its people and the success of its business community to make the promise of its future a bright one.