The 15-story condominium named Heron House towered over Lake Anne in Reston for over 50 years. The residential high-rise has begun a multi-year restoration project to prevent water leaks and make repairs.
Heron House Restoration
The Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association (LARCA) states the Heron House will be restored to prevent water leaks. LARCA community manager Vanessa Lazo stated the restoration was needed because water was intruding into owner units. Part of the construction project includes caulking, repairing concrete spalling, and addressing concrete degradation on a few balconies. It also consists of some standard maintenance.
In fall 2023, the LARCA board of directors announced its restoration plans. They said it would cost $700,000 and include improvements around the plaza. However, LARCA later stated in a press release that the construction would be a “multimillion-dollar” restoration.
LARCA announced the beginning of construction on Thursday, June 27, 2024. It expects to finish the first phase in early fall, but there is no set timeline for the next phases. Osprey Contracting, the company implementing the project, will focus on the building’s elements over individual units.
According to Lazo, subsequent phases will be scheduled based on scope, permitting, and financing. They expect to complete the project over the next few years. However, the project is very dependent on temperature and weather.
The History of Heron House
Heron House has 66 condo units and was the first condominium in Reston in 1966. The condominium featured mid-century modern architecture designed by Conklin & Rossant. It was distinguished by a unique roof with concrete spires, which created a distinct silhouette on the Reston skyline.
Heron House was plagued with various issues for over a decade because of the aging infrastructure. Issues included a malfunctioning fountain and a lack of hot water. Fairfax County hired an architectural firm in 2021 to identify the repairs the village center needed. The cost of repairs would amount to more than $37 million.
At Heron House, the issues included cracks in the mortar and bricks that allowed water intrusion. Moreover, the condominium’s balcony railings and elevators were not up to code. It also had a “catastrophically failed” air handler.
LARCA’s board hired an engineering firm named Wiss, Janney, and Elster Associates (WJE) to evaluate the building. Based on their recommendations, the current restoration is being undertaken. WJE selected Osprey to oversee the project and serve as the contractor.
Fairfax County’s Plans
Meanwhile, Fairfax County has been developing an economic vision for the Lake Anne Commercial Revitalization Area. Staff recommended adding a program that provides financial incentives to developers to encourage activity. Furthermore, they are updating the design guidelines for all historic overlay areas, including Lake Anne Plaza. Lazo states the revisions shouldn’t affect the restoration since they do not include design modifications.
Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development will host an information session about the proposed guidelines at the Reston Community Center’s Lake Anne facility at 1609-A Washington Plaza on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 7 p.m.
