Professional Documents
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Lake Anne Vision Presentation 5-18-2023
Lake Anne Vision Presentation 5-18-2023
VISION PRESENTATION 1
GOAL
To build community consensus around a positive path forward for Lake Anne.
CHALLENGE
There is a financial imperative to move quickly toward a solution, acknowledging that we have a
range of stakeholders/owners, as well as properties that are at different points in their life cycles.
RETAIL
WORKSHOP TAKEAWAYS THE PATH FORWARD
• The property lacks cohesion, and there are numerous roperty owners should employ a holistic strategy
P
reasons for that. However, the consumer doesn’t (design, tenanting, and public space programming)
know (or care) why cohesion has been challenging. to improving the retail environment.
Property design and tenant mix must be cohesive to
compete within the retail landscape. grocery store is not being pursued as part of
A
Lake Anne's future economic development plan.
• Most workshop participants acknowledged a
desire for a grocery anchor, but also understand I mprovements must be made to Lake Anne’s public
the submarket is saturated. Additionally, parking realm and buildings to attract and retain restaurant/
requirements for grocery in today’s environment retail tenants and consumers.
would be too significant to achieve without
compromising the integrity of the place.
• The property appears tired and both the building FUTURE NEWSPAPER HEADLINE BY A WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT
stock and the public realm do not do justice to the
“
vision for the place. Lake Anne Achieves Bob Simon's Goals —
A Place Where People Come to Get Together and
“
Business is Booming; Restaurants Lead the Way
TOPIC:
PARKING
WORKSHOP TAKEAWAYS THE PATH FORWARD
• Participants generally agree that parking is a he future includes parking improvements at a
T
problem at Lake Anne and that structured parking minimum, and potentially a new parking structure.
would be needed to support event parking as well as
additional commercial density. People consistently hysical interventions should be contextually
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expressed that a parking structure would need to appropriate as well as mindful of preserving the
be architecturally beautiful, feel appropriate to Lake neighborhood’s distinctive tree canopy.
Anne, and preserve as many trees as possible. ake Anne should be prepared to meet evolving
L
• Participants were asked to rate specific locations for transportation needs, including EV charging.
a potential parking structure. Overwhelmingly, the
preferred location was Land Unit B, either in the
footprint of the existing public lot or immediately
north of it. “
FUTURE NEWSPAPER HEADLINE BY A WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT
• The desire for electrical vehicle charging
infrastructure was a recurring theme.
“ Lake Anne’s Success Creates Parking Tension
TOPIC:
INFRASTRUCTURE
WORKSHOP TAKEAWAYS THE PATH FORWARD
• The upkeep and maintenance of the public space rioritize infrastructure improvements to create
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and infrastructure is not sustainable for LARCA. the most positive impact for the least cost.
No other condo in the region is responsible for
maintaining a public plaza, lake, and park/trail elineation of governance and responsibility
D
system. Maintenance costs increase every year and over infrastructure is clear on paper, but in
are currently in the tens of millions. practice may not make sense.
• There is confusion over which of the six or seven everage historic designation to take advantage
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Clusters has responsibility for different infrastructural of available programs such as tax credits and
elements (e.g., sidewalks, bulkheads, parking lots). other financing.
Clarification is needed.
ACCESSIBILITY
WORKSHOP TAKEAWAYS THE PATH FORWARD
• Pedestrian safety is a concern on several levels. Fast I n order to be a truly accessible destination, improve
traffic on Village Road and North Shore Drive with few paths of circulation throughout for an overall
marked crossings, poor wheelchair/stroller access to accessible landscape.
the plaza, and low lighting levels combine to produce a
fractured and dangerous pedestrian experience. I mprove wayfinding to increase ease of access, both
onsite and in the regional road network.
• When it comes to bicycling to Lake Anne, the existing
bike lanes and paths are narrow, unprotected, and/or I nvestment in bicycle infrastructure and traffic
lack connectivity and access to the plaza. The lack of calming is key to the evolution of Lake Anne.
safe and visible bike parking once people arrive at the
plaza is another deterrent.
STORY
WORKSHOP TAKEAWAYS THE PATH FORWARD
• The theme of originality — in history, design, one in on the concept of originality and agree to
H
vibe, culture, character — came up throughout what makes Lake Anne truly one-of-a-kind.
conversations during the workshop. There is simply
no place like Lake Anne. ulticulturalism — from consumers to residents to
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the businesses onsite — is a key tenet of the Lake
• Vibrancy is also a theme that surfaced over and over Anne experience and is worthy of leaning into and
again. Through events, markets, festivals, and art, the communicating intentionally.
energy of this place is transformative. One anecdote
about an impromptu dinner party that resulted in a rticulate a plan for activations and events that
A
grassroots gathering of 250 residents especially emphasizes the property’s key differentiators to
stood out. communicate Lake Anne’s niche to the market.
“
“
Lake Anne, Vibrant Commercial Plaza, Still Paying
Homage to the Incredible Design and Principles
Upon Which Reston Was Founded
GUIDING
TRENDS &
MARKET
INSIGHTS
This section widens our aperture beyond
Lake Anne to consider key themes to lean
into and regional analogs to learn from as
we consider our positioning and point of
view for the future.
STRATEGIES TO STUDY
Old Town’s signature cobblestone streets and colonial history make
it a not-to-be-missed destination in the DC region. A collection of
national and local retail and restaurants, a waterfront scene, and a
centrally located cultural use — The Torpedo Factory — create a just-
right mix of energy and discovery for locals and tourists alike.
GUIDING TRENDS & MARKET INSIGHTS
STRATEGIES TO STUDY
Georgetown’s Washington Harbour — a somewhat insular mixed-use
destination on the Potomac — has successfully positioned itself as
“where DC goes to celebrate.” The property has also been successful in
turning its waterfront location into a year-round draw, using seasonality
to its benefit through regularly scheduled programming (e.g. ice skating)
and iconic, Instagrammable decorations.
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OLD TOWN
ALEXANDRIA
REGIONAL MARKET OPPORTUNITY TORIC APPEAL
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RTC Reston Town Center CF
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VS Village of Shirlington
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REGIONAL MARKET REALITIES:
RESIDENTIAL
KEY INSIGHTS THE PATH FORWARD
• T
he bulk of the product in suburban submarkets like Lake he best site for new additional density is on the
T
Anne is Type 3 or 5 construction (e.g., wood frame) Crescent Site. The residential product will likely be
• A
n appropriate build-related rent threshold for developers is three to seven stories in height with on-site surface
less than $3/sf or structured parking depending on the density.
Density ranges will likely be 35 to 65 units per acre.
• N
ew residential multifamily development requires 240 to 330 Current Lake Anne density is in the 35 units per
units per phase so operational costs can be amortized across
an appropriate number of units. Multifamily construction of
acre range.
this type typically necessitates a site area of 3 to 5 acres (e.g.,
Brookfield’s recent Wegmans development in Reston)
• R
eston Town Center is a clear exception in the Reston
marketplace as it’s more of an urban, metro-centric
environment which makes high-rise podium
development feasible
REGIONAL MARKET REALITIES:
RETAIL
KEY INSIGHTS THE PATH FORWARD
• T
here is currently an oversupply of retail in the broader ithout the addition of a retail anchor (i.e. grocery
W
Reston trade area including grocery tenants and other store), it will be difficult to add specialty retail,
similarly sized anchors beyond the amount currently on site. A market-
• C
urrent market preferences are for local and unique food appropriate option is to keep the current retail
and beverage offerings density, improve access to the district, and add
• Successful retail typically requires: additional convenient parking.
• Convenient and ample parking
• High visibility ound out retail — broaden the mix, but keep
R
• Pedestrian-friendly and activated public and civic it local.
spaces (outdoor dining environments)
• Speciality retail typically requires:
• A large amount of GLA and co-tenancy
• A retail environment greater than 200k sf with
multiple anchors
• A
successful threshold for unanchored retail is in the
40-50k sf range. This is typically comprised of food and
beverage offerings, neighborhood goods and service
tenants, and a small amount of amenity (e.g., giftshop)
• Washington Plaza currently has 40k sf retail
REGIONAL MARKET REALITIES:
OFFICE
KEY INSIGHTS THE PATH FORWARD
• C
urrently, in the greater Washington metro region, there iven the current high vacancy office rates, there
G
is 65M sf of vacant commercial office space mainly in should be little or no added office density to the Lake
suburban environments. Anne district. A small amount (12 to 20k sf) of loft
• F
or new suburban office to be viable, it must have boutique office may be viable because of the on-site
immediate proximity to Metro food and beverage offerings and the great sense of
place/historic setting.
• T
here are opportunities for professional and loft office in
highly amenitized environments typically limited to a small
amount of square footage (e.g., 20 to 40k sf)
• O
ffice space can be synergistic with food and beverage
offerings and have a positive parking share resulting in
fewer spaces required for both uses
REGIONAL MARKET REALITIES:
INSTITUTIONAL
KEY INSIGHTS THE PATH FORWARD
• I nstitutional uses typically require partnerships between cultural or institutional anchor may be an
A
the public and private sectors opportunity for the Lake Anne district, but the
• T
hey are often either nonprofit or have very low profit financial/underwriting complexity of institutional
margins requiring lower rents and operating costs to be uses makes the viability of this type of anchor
sustainable — and are dependent on public resources and challenging.
fundraising
he relocation of the current community center is
T
• T
ypically, there are a limited number of groups/ a possible option.
organizations that are available to provide this type of
use/amenity in a given market
• T
he current community center is under-sized — it needs
a larger footprint
AUDIENCE
TYPOLOGIES
This section identifies our key user types
and the draws and barriers to their
spending time and money at Lake Anne,
as well as aspirations for the future.
The Lake Anne Long-Timer is deeply invested The Lake Anne Family understands the difficulty of the The Lake Anne Business Owner wants to see
in the community's unique character and may housing shortage and is supportive of building more physical improvements that make it easier to
be less open to big changes, even if they seem homes. However, they want to make sure that walkability, open and run businesses, but doesn't want to
necessary to ensure Lake Anne’s future. accessibility, and neighborhood charm are preserved. lose any of the existing charm.
TARGET AUDIENCE INSIGHTS
They think Lake Anne is cute and charming but can’t really find They usually try to bike over, since parking can be tough
another reason to go there, though they keep meaning to try out for events, but biking home in the dark is daunting on
Kalypso’s one summer evening. North Shore Drive.
The Lake Anne Shopper/Diner is looking for convenience and ease. The Lake Anne Event Attendee is here for the pop-
They wouldn't mind seeing a greater variety of shopping and dining ups and cultural events. If there are more reasons to
options, but it's also contingent on being able to find quick parking come to Lake Anne, they will. Even better if they can
or being able to get there easily by bike or on foot. get there safely without a car.
POSITIONING
STRATEGY
This section distills all of the inputs from
our immersion, focus groups, surveys,
and workshop to clearly articulate a
strategic point of view for Lake Anne.
While the water is our calling card, our A true icon in midcentury modern design, Lake Anne is an iconic mixed-use place
pride of place goes further. People that people the world over study Lake Anne. that marches to its very own beat. Offering
live here love the culture, the character, However, design doesn’t stop at the a true kaleidescope of experiences — from
the closeness of the community — and architecture. Creativity and art are imbued the fan-favorite farmer’s market to the
while they don’t agree on everything, their into the very fabric of the neighborhood — collection of local restaurants and retail
love and of Lake Anne and belief in its from the Van Gogh bridge to The Pyramid to its range of residences — there’s truly
specialness is palpable. and beyond. nothing else like it.
PERSONALITY
What attributes convey our character?
When you experience Lake Anne’s natural Lake Anne is a close-knit place where Lake Anne is confidently different than
setting and waterside vibe, you can’t help people genuinely know one another — any place around, with a curiosity of
but feel transported from the hectic busy- welcoming diverse people and character and unique sense of self that’s
ness of daily DC-area life. perspectives with open arms. rare and cherished.
PROMISE
What do we aspire to be for our audience?
Original Destination:
Village Landmark
IT POSITIONS LAKE ANNE AS IT POSITIONS LAKE ANNE AS
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DIRECTION 1
Original Village
Original
POLLINATOR GARDEN 2-4 STORY APARTMENTS NOSTALGIC TONE
Village
GRASSY AREAS IDENTITY MARKERS
SEASONAL AMENITIES
DIRECTION 1 — BUBBLE PLAN FOR CONCEPTUAL PURPOSES ONLY
Open Space
MIXED-INCOME
RETAIL Residential HOUSING
(TOWNHOMES,
• F ocus on building a cohesive merchants’ organization, storefront/ Cultural / Civic Uses MULTIFAMILY
APARTMENTS)
infrastructure improvement, and a marketing strategy Parking PLUS AMENITIES
• Introduce new artist studio spaces for rent & PARKING
Closed Parking Entry
New Parking Entry PARK/
PARKING SHARED
VI
Signage GREEN
LL
SPACE
AG
• R edesign existing surface lot at entry to be more efficient and
E
RD
E
aesthetically pleasing (landscaping, etc.) ON
AV
MER
• Focus on wayfinding to help visitors find available parking RO
N
CA
BA
ARTS SPACE
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RENT
REDESIGNED PARK
• F
ocus on a solution-oriented approach to clarifying roles
R
SURFACE
E D
PARKING/
HOR
and responsibilities FARMERS'
N S
MARKET
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
• N
ew development is low-rise, a mix of apartments and townhomes,
with green space and amenities throughout
ACCESSIBILITY
• C hoose a few high-impact accessibility projects to focus on, like safe IMPROVED
WATERFRONT
crossings from Lake Anne House and the Crescent to the Plaza ACCESS &
AMENITIES
• Install ample bicycle racks in highly visible locations
LAKE ANNE
Original
Village
DIRECTION 1 — ALTERNATE BUBBLE PLAN FOR CONCEPTUAL PURPOSES ONLY
Open Space
MIXED-INCOME
RETAIL Residential HOUSING
(TOWNHOMES,
• F ocus on building a cohesive merchants’ organization, storefront/ Cultural / Civic Uses MULTIFAMILY
APARTMENTS)
infrastructure improvement, and a marketing strategy Parking PLUS AMENITIES
• Introduce new artist studio spaces for rent & PARKING
Closed Parking Entry
New Parking Entry PARK/
PARKING SHARED
VI
Signage GREEN
LL
SPACE
AG
• R edesign existing surface lot at entry to be more efficient and
E
RD
E
aesthetically pleasing (landscaping, etc.) ON
AV
MER
• Focus on wayfinding to help visitors find available parking RO
N
CA
BA
INFRASTRUCTURE
REDESIGNED
• F
ocus on a solution-oriented approach to clarifying roles
R
SURFACE
E D
ARTS PARKING/
HOR
and responsibilities SPACE FARMERS'
N S
FOR MARKET
RENT
PARK
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
• N
ew development is low-rise, a mix of apartments and townhomes,
with green space and amenities throughout
ACCESSIBILITY
• C hoose a few high-impact accessibility projects to focus on, like safe IMPROVED
WATERFRONT
crossings from Lake Anne House and the Crescent to the Plaza ACCESS &
AMENITIES
• Install ample bicycle racks in highly visible locations
LAKE ANNE
Original
Village
DIRECTION 1 — SUMMARY
Original
Village
PROS CONS
• Maintains original public space design plus • M
aintaining the existing neighborhood audience
upgraded and improved infrastructure. would result in no significant change in retail
demand and revenue.
• Maintains lower density neighborhood feel, with
less stress on the existing infrastructure. • N
o new revenue sources are provided to help
existing residents/merchants carry the cost of
• Maintains current programmed activities which infrastructure upkeep.
requires less effort to implement/maintain than
expanding the offering. • A
greater partnership with the County and other
condominium groups may be needed to help maintain
• New residential development could maintain a the infrastructure, potentially requiring a change in
scale similar to the existing low-rise housing in LARCA's condo agreement and responsibilities.
the district.
• D
oes not provide additional parking beyond
enhancements to existing lot.
DIRECTION 2
DIRECTION 2 — INSPIRATION IMAGERY
Destination:
SIGNATURE STOREFRONT DECOR BIKING ACTIVATIONS PERMANENT FARMERS MARKET STRUCTURE
Landmark
PATHS WITH SHADE STRUCTURES
Open Space
RETAIL Residential
• A ddition of cultural attractions draws visitors to Lake Anne businesses Cultural / Civic Uses
• Focus on a cohesive merchants organization, consistent retail hours, Retail
MIXED-INCOME
storefront/infrastructure improvement, and a marketing strategy Parking HOUSING
CULTURAL (MULTIFAMILY
Closed Parking Entry ANCHOR APARTMENTS)
PARKING PLUS AMENITIES
VI
New Parking Entry & PARKING
LL
AG
• A ddition of a parking structure where the west public surface lot
E
Signage
RD
E
currently is supports new cultural destination uses ON
AV
MER
• Addition of new infrastructure for the farmers’ market frees up RO
N
CA
BA
existing surface parking PARK/
SHARED
REDESIGNED GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE SURFACE SPACE
R
E D
PARKING/
FARMERS'
HOR
• F
ocus on a solution-oriented approach to clarifying roles MARKET
N S
and responsibilities OVERFLOW
LINEAR PARK W/
GATEWAY FARMERS' MARKET
PLAZA MARKET/
BODEGA INFRASTRUCTURE
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
• N ew development is mid-rise, primarily multifamily AMPHITHEATER
Open Space
RETAIL Residential
• A ddition of cultural attractions draws visitors to Lake Anne businesses Cultural / Civic Uses
MIXED-INCOME
• Focus on a cohesive merchants organization, consistent retail hours, Retail HOUSING
(MULTIFAMILY
storefront/infrastructure improvement, and a marketing strategy Parking APARTMENTS)
PLUS AMENITIES
Closed Parking Entry AMPHITHEATER & PARKING
PARKING
VI
New Parking Entry
LL
AG
• A ddition of a parking structure where the west public surface lot
E
Signage
RD
E
currently is supports new cultural destination uses ON
AV
MER
• Addition of new infrastructure for the farmers’ market frees up RO
N
CA
BA
existing surface parking PARK/
SHARED
REDESIGNED GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE SURFACE SPACE
R
E D
PARKING/
CULTURALFARMERS'
HOR
• F
ocus on a solution-oriented approach to clarifying roles
ANCHOR MARKET
N S
and responsibilities OVERFLOW
GATEWAY
PLAZA MARKET/
BODEGA
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
• N ew development is mid-rise, primarily multifamily
• Centralized green space serves as a public amenity and connects the
Crescent site to the Plaza via the new linear Farmers’ Market Park MULTIFAMILY
APARTMENTS
PLUS PARKING IMPROVED
ACCESSIBILITY PARK W/ WATERFRONT
FARMERS' MARKET ACCESS &
INFRASTRUCTURE AMENITIES
• C onnect the existing Reston trail network to Lake Anne
• Restore the tunnel on the east side of the CRA to a well-lit and
visible connection
• Create safe crossings from Lake Anne House and the Crescent to the
Plaza, and add ample bicycle racks in highly visible locations LAKE ANNE
Destination:
Landmark
DIRECTION 2 — SUMMARY
Destination:
Landmark
PROS CONS
• Creating a cultural destination would bring people • W
ould require more upkeep of the existing
and drive new revenues to retail tenants and infrastructure and increased maintenance costs
potentially create a revenue source for infrastructure than Direction 1.
improvements.
• N
ew programming and venues could impact the
• A vibrant destination with programmed events could amount of open space and the design of public
increase property values, make the district desirable spaces around the commercial center.
to new residents and retail tenants, and make Lake
Anne a year-round destination. • A
n outside organization may be needed to help
market and manage activities.
• Utilizing a more intensive residential product than
Direction 1 would free up more land for public
amenities and cultural uses.
Original Destination:
Village Landmark
IT POSITIONS LAKE ANNE AS IT POSITIONS LAKE ANNE AS
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WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS
TO STAY IN
THE LOOP AS
THE PROJECT
VISION VISION PROGRESSES,
PRESENTATION 1
Tonight!
PRESENTATION 2
June 8, 2023 VISIT
7–8:30pm
www.fcrevite.org/
lake-anne/economic-
visioning-study
DC
NYC
641 S ST NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
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