Boston Properties May Put Athletic Field On Top Of RTC Garage

RESTON, VA -- Boston Properties may put a new athletic field on top of a parking garage as part of a 4.8-million-square-foot expansion to Reston Town Center.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the Reston Gateway development on July 31, and it would be the first major new development on the north side of the upcoming Reston Town Center Metro station. The 33-acre site would include 7.23 acres of park space, including a large central park and, possibly, a turf field on top of a parking garage.

It's part of a range of possibilities for BXP, which has an obligation to the county to provide an athletic field in order to go forward with the development, the county says.

"[Boston Properties] could build a full-sized, synthetic turf field offsite at property that would be dedicated to the Fairfax County Park Authority," Fairfax County said in a statement. "Or, it could build a new field on top of the Purple Garage at Reston Town Center. Or, the developer could contribute money to build a new field. As a final option, Boston Properties could dedicate 50,000 square at Reston Gateway for a performing arts center in lieu of the field."

The Reston Town Center Metro station is scheduled to open in 2020. Reston Gateway is the property located directly between Reston Town Center and the station.

Reston Gateway has already secured its first major office tenant in Fannie Mae, which will lease 850,000 square feet. The property will include four office buildings, three residential buildings, two hotels, and 162,300 square feet in retail and restaurants.

It wouldn't be the first time an athletic facility has been placed on top of a parking garage in Northern Virginia. MedStar Capitals Iceplex, located on the top floor of an eight-story parking garage in Arlington, is the official practice facility of the Washington Capitals.

Image of RTC Purple Garage, where athletic field may go, via Google Maps