Reston Town Center is about to enter its most transformative era yet — and the scale of what’s coming is enormous. On September 17, the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 11–0 to support the next phase of RTC Next, the long-term expansion being led by BXP (formerly Boston Properties).
If you’ve lived in Northern Virginia long enough, you know Reston has never been afraid to reinvent itself. But this time, the county is backing a project that will fundamentally reshape how Reston looks, feels, and grows over the next decade.
This is bigger than a few new towers. This is an entirely new urban district — walkable, transit-connected, and built for the next generation of NoVA living.
What’s Actually Being Built in RTC Next Phase 2
The latest plan — now heading to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on October 28 — outlines a major expansion east of Visionary Way, adding:
-
930,000 sq. ft. of new office space
-
Two new residential buildings (1,402 units)
-
22,000 sq. ft. of retail and ground-floor activation
-
A dedicated 60,000 sq. ft. performing arts center block
-
A linear park system connecting both phases of RTC to the Metro
-
New pedestrian links to the W&OD Trail
-
16% affordable/workforce housing
-
Enhanced EV charging infrastructure
At full buildout, RTC Next Phase 1 + 2 will total 4 million square feet — the size of a small city.
Relevant official sources for context:
Fairfax County Planning Commission: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/
Reston development background: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/reston-area-study
BXP corporate site: https://www.bxp.com/
Where This Expansion Is Happening
Phase 2 covers 33 acres bordered by:
-
W&OD Trail (north)
-
Sunset Hills Road (south)
-
Future Library Street extension (east)
Four existing office buildings sit on the land today — two will be demolished, while two remain and get integrated into the new street grid.
This area is already steps from the Silver Line, which planners say justifies the project’s density. More people, more jobs, more walkability — and fewer car-dependent development patterns.
The Big Change: A Better Location for the Performing Arts Center
One of the most important design updates is the relocation of the performing arts center.
Originally planned for Block J, BXP has moved the facility to Block G2, right along a new linear park that runs between Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Why the change?
-
Greater visibility from Reston Parkway
-
Better foot traffic
-
Stronger integration with nearby retail and residential buildings
-
A more central position for future cultural programming
Fairfax County has long envisioned a modern, western-county performing arts venue. The new placement makes that vision far more achievable.
Why This Project Matters for Reston and Fairfax County
Here’s the real story — not the planning-speak, but what this means on the ground.
1. Reston is becoming NoVA’s next major jobs hub.
Adding almost a million square feet of office space continues Reston’s growth as a tech and innovation corridor.
2. Housing supply is increasing — and diversifying.
1,402 new units, including affordable housing, help meet demand in one of NoVA’s tightest markets.
3. Walkability and transit access are being strengthened.
The new parks and trails are designed to reduce car dependency.
4. Retail, restaurants, and nightlife will grow.
More residents and workers = more demand for amenities.
5. This is a long-term property value driver.
Mixed-use, Metro-driven development historically maintains higher value resiliency.
Reston has always been ahead of its time. This is the next chapter.
Looking for Homes Near Reston Town Center?
If you’re searching for homes near Reston, Herndon, Vienna, Tysons, or anywhere along the Silver Line — here are the latest listings:
If you’re searching for homes near Reston Town Center or the Silver Line corridor — here are the latest listings:Homes Near Reston Town Center
Final Thoughts
Reston Town Center is already one of the strongest urban hubs in Northern Virginia. Phase 2 of RTC Next takes that foundation and turns it into a full-scale, transit-oriented downtown — with new homes, jobs, culture, and green space woven together.
This is the type of project that shapes a region for decades.
If you care about the future of Fairfax County… keep your eyes on Reston.
Thinking About Moving to Northern Virginia?
Get my free Northern Virginia Relocation Guide — packed with neighborhood breakdowns, schools, commute tips, and real insider insight.
Download it here: www.northernvirginiarelocation.com
If you want expert guidance on Reston, the Silver Line corridor, or Fairfax County real estate, my team and I can help you navigate every step.
Chris Colgan – eXp Realty – Powered by PLACE
info@colganteam.com
Northern Virginia Living with Chris Colgan (YouTube)
@ChrisColganTeam on Instagram (79k+ followers)
"October 28 with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. "Once site plans and permits are approved following Board approval. "Heights remain the same as the previously approved 2018 plan. "The project is designed around Metro access and increased pedestrian connectivity. "Historically, major mixed-use expansions near Metro stations increase long-term value and rental demand. "The performing arts center has been moved from Block J to Block G2, giving it better visibility and placing it directly along the new linear park. The county will still need to identify an operator and funding source, but the dedicated site is now part of the approved plan. "Yes. Two of the four existing office buildings on the Phase 2 site will be demolished to make room for the new towers. The two buildings closer to Reston Parkway will remain and be incorporated into the updated street grid and park network. "Phase 2 includes 1,402 new residential units, with 16% designated as affordable or workforce housing under Fairfax County’s guidelines.Inside Reston Town Center FAQs
When will the Board vote?
When will construction start?
How tall will the new towers be?
What about traffic?
Will this raise property values?
What’s happening to the performing arts center?
Will any existing buildings be demolished?
How many new homes are being added?
Leave A Comment