Month: March 2021

March 16 Update: Tysons Partnership President and CEO Sol Glasner submitted a letter to the WMATA Board of Directors.

---

March 8 Update: Metro has asked for public comment on its proposed budget for FY 22. The proposed budget includes Silver Line station closures and other doomsday cuts. The budget was drawn up before this weekend’s passage of the covid relief bill through the Senate. The covid relief bill includes some $30 billion in federal funding for transit that will keep WMATA (and other major city transit system operators) running in 2022. Metro and other U.S. transit systems are dealing with a sharp drop in their revenues caused by COVID-19’s impact on ridership and the economy.

Once these federal funds are on their way, it is very likely that WMATA will amend the budget. The funds will be sufficient to prevent station closures.

However, WMATA’s financial issues may still delay the opening of Silver Phase 2 stations to riders. Expanding Metrorail to serve riders along Silver Line Phase 2 requires additional staffing and resources.

Please contact WMATA to urge them to open Silver Line Phase Two as soon as possible with service to all stations.  

Please submit written comment or upload comment document. 

Below are some recommended talking points:

• Metro is critical to the economy of the National Capital Region, Tysons and the entire Silver Line corridor.
• The impacts of COVID-19 on Metro revenue and ridership have been severe.
• Transit is existential to the Tysons envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan. Much has been accomplished in the decade since Fairfax County adopted the Plan, and transit remains key to continued progress.
• Ever increasing vaccination will result in increased activity and reopening. Employees and customers will need more trains and buses to get to work and entertainment.
• While it is understood that there may be mechanical or construction issues that may delay opening Silver Phase 2, no delays should occur due to financial constraints.

---

As baby boomers continue to age, the senior population (those above 65 years of age) is increasing at a rapid rate. Given this shift in demographics and as baby boomers look to downsize, the demand for senior housing is at an all-time high with many looking for senior housing communities focused on active and engaging lifestyles. As Tysons continues its steadfast efforts to grow and thrive as an urban epicenter where all ages can live, work and play, developing and innovating senior housing is a priority. Tysons is an optimal location for future senior housing developments due to its location at the gateway to the nation’s capital and because of its expansive amenities in the retail and entertainment arenas. The Mather, a new “life plan” community and Silverstone Senior Living complexes in Tysons each provide the lifestyle active seniors are looking for. Mary Leary, President and CEO of The Mather stated, “We are excited about our plan to build a forward-thinking Life Plan Community in Tysons and are thrilled by the interest from leading-edge boomers. Future residents are engaged in their local communities and want to stay connected. They are looking for an urban, walkable lifestyle in a location they love, with culture, sports, arts, and entertainment options that are easily accessible.”

These two unique senior housing developments in Tysons are well underway and illustrate a modern take on senior housing and why Tysons is an ideal location for each development.

The Mather markets itself as providing opportunity for those 62 or older to better protect their lifestyle, their assets, and their peace of mind. The Mather is working to change the conversation around aging to one of “aging well” and is encouraging people who are proactive planners to recognize that even in uncertain times, there is value in making a plan for the future. The Mather provides what is self-described as “an elegant option.”

Throughout the pandemic, The Mather has continued to make steady progress in leasing, ending 2020 at over 75% pre-sold of Phase 1 – a goal reached ahead of schedule. Further, priority reservations are currently being accepted for Phase 2 of The Mather, with more than 150 reservations in hand. Kristina Pare, Director of Sales at The Mather said, “we’re hearing that people are starved for a sense of community and being engaged with others, and they see that The Mather is this opportunity.”  These solid metrics are a true testament to the need for distinctive senior housing in Tysons.

The Mather’s non-profit parent company, Mather (celebrating its 80^thanniversary this year) selected to build in Tysons because it sought an urban, infill development, creating an opportunity for clientele to maintain an engaged, purposeful, sophisticated, lifestyle with easy access to Washington, DC. Moreover, The Mather found that the Tysons’ transformation, with its commitment to creating a ‘live, work, play’ community, really spoke to the needs and desires of leading-edge boomers. The Mather saw that with easy access to grocery stores, airports, culture, restaurants, shopping, etc., Tysons was the perfect location to develop its Life Plan Community. In support of the location, a future resident at The Mather, Lynn Pivik, who currently resides in Bethesda, MD, commented, “the location is great, and it’s an area I feel comfortable in, where I’ll be closer to my daughter. I like that The Mather will be brand new! It’s appealing to have all those choices, the size of the units, some of the interior finishes — like a heated bathroom floor.”

As COVID-19 will surely impact future development details, The Mather is already incorporating new design elements:

• Enhanced HVAC systems with in-duct germicidal ultraviolet (UV) treatments. That is, 100% of return air will be exhausted to the exterior of the building and none will be recirculated internally, while special lamps in the air ducts will kill airborne microbes. Negative pressurization capability will also be in place.
• Doors, faucets, and other elements within the community which will incorporate touch-free design. This includes elevators having alternative methods for call and control such as with the use of an app or foot pedal.
• Motion-activated doors and touch free plumbing fixtures in staff and amenity restrooms and kitchens are being incorporated; and in lieu of hand dryers, freshly laundered hand towels and/or motion activated paper towel dispensers will be provided.

While the pandemic has been a challenging time for many organizations in preparing for the future, Mary Leary ruminated on her own professional experience by saying, “I think that we were able to be a bit ahead of the curve because we were already looking at next generation design for The Mather in Tysons.”

Silverstone Senior Living

Silverstone Senior Living “SSL” is another senior housing project coming to Tysons and is currently in pre-development. SSL has filed an FDP application with Fairfax County and is well into the approval process.

SSL typically locates in communities in vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods, such as The Boro (located in Tysons), that offer residents and community associates welcoming, walkable environments with a range of housing options, articulate streetscapes, open spaces, access to multiple modes of transportation and close proximity to shopping, restaurants and entertainment – everything Tysons offers. Additionally, SSL ensures that its communities are located in a desirable destination allowing residents to remain in their community with familiar surroundings. “We chose to develop our next community at The Boro so our residents can enjoy its vibrancy and energy along with unparalleled convenience,” said Bobby Zeiller, chief development officer for Silverstone. “We look forward to delivering high-caliber senior living with flexibility and innovative, attentive. and responsive care to Tysons and the surrounding areas of McLean, Falls Church, and Vienna.”

Beyond its Tysons location, SSL has three communities currently under construction in the D.C. metropolitan area:

• The Providence, located in the emerging MetroWest neighborhood in Fairfax, Virginia. (Opening early 2021)
• The Seneca, situated next to the celebrated King Farm neighborhood in Rockville, Maryland. (Opening summer 2021)
• The Landing, part of National Landing’s dynamic Potomac Yard neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia. (Opening early 2022)

Similar to The Mather, and even before COVID-19, SSL was forward thinking with its design strategy. SSL is implementing new resident safety measures and design features in the event of a “shelter in place” situation. Also, using the “small house” notion, SSL purposefully designed floors and common areas that can be broken down into two or three neighborhoods or subsections. The small house notion allows more intimate access to dining, amenities and programming in an otherwise larger community. The design feature also allows more specific zoned air filtration systems which enhances the management of air quality and circulation within a large community. A community like the Tysons property that has multiple stories and 200 units can be broken down into smaller neighborhoods on individual floors, allowing residents in a particular section to continue to have access to dining and amenities but be separated from others, effectively reducing the risk of spread within a community. Also, Silverstone utilizes HVAC systems that rely mainly on fresh, outdoor air.

Silverstone uses enhanced filtration and other air treatment systems such as ultraviolet light in the duct work. This system eliminates the majority of particulate matter that may be harmful, including the pathogens associated with COVID-19. Silverstone has most recently deployed handheld infrared devices that can treat packages, mail, and other delivered supplies as well and treat high-touch surface areas such as elevators, bathroom faucets, tables, and chairs by scanning the surfaces, thereby killing viruses. To allow for safe visitation, Silverstone has incorporated visitation rooms that allow family and friends to visit residents in a socially distant and safely separated environment. The company is also embracing a higher level of touch-less technology for doors, elevators, and faucets. Recognizing the stress of the pandemic on staff, the company has created enhanced areas for caregivers to change clothes, shower, unwind and decompress in a safe and comfortable space at work.

While the demand will continue to increase for senior housing, its future is certainly bright in Tysons—these two communities will be innovative, active, and vibrant and are paving the way for future senior housing developments in Tysons.

---

Recently, we had the pleasure of connecting with Jamey Hines who is both a Tysons resident and also the General Manager of the soon to open and greatly anticipated performing arts center, Capital One Hall. We discussed his professional background, his favorite thing about Tysons, and all details relating to Capital One Hall — its unique features, the timeline for the grand opening and more.

Tell us about your background in the performing arts industry.
I have always been involved in the arts and music in some way. I have both a Bachelor of Music degree in K-12 Music Education and a Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music in Classical Horn Performance. I played professionally for over 12 years in the Philadelphia freelance scene performing with Opera Philadelphia, The Philly Pops, The Philadelphia Orchestra, national Broadway tours and studio recording for NFL Films.

Subsequently, I started gravitating to the administration side of the business where I worked at the Mann Center Performing Arts, a 13,000 seat amphitheater in Philadelphia, where I starting working with popular commercial artists and also producing unique orchestral concerts for ensembles like Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, The Russian National Orchestra, The Philly Pops, and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Next, I had the opportunity to relaunch theaters, worked with a Performing Arts Center consulting firm and content producer who created orchestral crossover content and then I took over leadership of the Sands Event Center and Nightclub, a casino room in Pennsylvania.

I then joined the live entertainment division of ASM Global, where I booked and promoted concerts and oversaw the financial deals of our company’s North American network of about 150 stadiums, arenas and theaters.  My corporate role brought me to be part of the Capital One Hall staff.

Now, I am a Tysons resident and have the opportunity to walk to work, something I haven’t got to do in a long time!  I am looking forward to becoming a more integral part of the arts landscape of Fairfax County and hope I can bring some original ideas and perspective to the arts & entertainment community.

Tell us about Capital One Hall — what will this performing arts center look like and offer to the Tysons community?
Capital One Hall is a world-class performing arts center, opening in Tysons this fall. Our state-of the art facility contains multiple mixed-use function spaces, including a 1,600 seat theater for corporate and live entertainment with an attached lobby — The Atrium — capable of hosting catered events and plated dinners for 600 plus.

Additionally, the black box theater and lounge — The Vault — can host smaller, intimate performances and social events. Other smaller meeting areas include a gallery, two classrooms, and a boardroom. Capital One Hall is able to host multiple events at the same time, or rent out the entire facility for special events.

On the roof of Capital One Hall is our 1.2 acre sky park — The Perch — with a biergarten, outdoor amphitheater, food trucks, dog park, interactive art sculptures, and additional entertainment options. The Perch will open in Summer 2021.

Capital One Hall is in the heart of Capital One Center, a 24.5 acre mixed-use urban development with a multitude of activities and choices for 18-hour entertainment. We’ll offer unique community experiences with curated retail, public art, performances, special events and a boutique hotel.

What was the inspiration for this venue?
Capital One Hall was conceived first and foremost to be a corporate events center for the +10k Capital One associates working in Tysons, providing large-format meeting spaces in a state-of-the-art facility. This capability lends itself well for also hosting a wide array of community and public events programming when not in use by Capital One. From the design standpoint, the venue blends design cues of the classic theaters built in the early to mid-twentieth century with a modern take, highlighted by its recognizable ‘folding’ facade of Italian marble. Inside, elements of the building and its several event spaces draw their inspiration and function from many of the great theaters around the United States and beyond.

What types of performances and events will Capital One Hall host?
Capital One Hall will offer diverse entertainment options for our international community, and a full range of both private and public entertainment events. We currently are booking weddings and corporate meetings and parties, while programming Broadway, concerts, comedy, film, orchestral, dance and local nonprofit organizations through our partnership with ArtsFaixfax. We are looking to be an inclusive and diverse destination for entertainment in Fairfax County.

Tell us more about your relationship with Fairfax County and ArtsFairfax
Capital One Hall’s partnership with ArtsFairfax allows Fairfax County-based nonprofit arts organizations, arts-related programming by Fairfax County agencies, and Fairfax County public schools access to a state-of-the-art performance hall at special pre-negotiated rates. This partnership not only helps support an organization’s fiscal goals, but they also have the support of Capital One Hall’s operational and marketing staff to help foster their growth as a performance organization. Of note, we are hosting a Community Information Session for arts organizations interested in applying for Season Two Acts on February 25th at noon, with more details here.

From a design and use perspective, how is this theater unique from others?
Capital One Hall’s unique design offers different levels of intimacy. Visitors can enjoy soaring windows, an open terrace and awe-inspiring views with our Grand Stair, but also cozy confines in The Vault’s Foyer and Board Rooms. Vertically-designed connections allow the audience to feel much closer to the stage than is typical, offering patrons a more intimate proximity to the performance. The meticulously engineered acoustics provide optimal sound quality and an enhanced experience.

We are particularly proud of our #CommitmentToGreen with this LEED Gold Certified project. The highest standards in sustainability were achieved with the design, thanks in collaboration to our architects, HGA. Environmentally-efficient designs include water-efficient landscaping, stormwater quality and quantity controls, and prioritization of recycled materials for the building’s construction materials and finishes.

Central to Capital One Hall’s design perspective is the pedestrian experience. Working with the larger Capital One Center team, we have designed a venue where pedestrians, cyclists and Metro riders can enjoy the convenience of a centrally-located, vibrant cultural destination.

The most unique aspect of Capital One Hall from a use perspective is that the main tenant will be Capital One. Since that usage is focused during the workday and week it allows us to open the rest of the building for nonprofits, special events, and commercial usage. Essentially, we will be active from morning through night.

Is there a high demand for performance venues in Tysons?
The demand is really for a new, larger and unique venue to hold meetings and entertainment experiences. We can offer that new space and appeal to the performing arts and the private event / corporate community and allow them to have access to state-of-the-art equipment and premier food and beverage services within the facility.

Have plans been altered because of Covid and if they have, how so?
Since Capital One Hall and Capital One Center’s construction is currently ongoing, nothing has really needed to change in the pre-opening process which is focused on hiring and operational setup. What has been affected is the smoothness of programming concerts, Broadway, comedy and similar events because artists and tours are doing their best to navigate the current climate, restrictions and financial risk of putting up a production and having to potentially pull it down. In the private event and corporate world, the same is happening with businesses deciding when they will gather and return to the office. COVID is making it harder to create the perfect design in the sense of timing, but everything we are looking to do will still happen, but just in a different order than we originally planned. In the end, we will still achieve what we wanted to.

What is the timeline for your opening?
We are targeting a public opening for October of this year.

How can interested guests learn more and stay informed about performance updates?
Following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @capitalonehall and join our email list at CapitalOneHall.com

What’s your favorite thing about Tysons?
My favorite thing about Tysons is watching its growth and development. The project at Capital One Center and what it is bringing to this community is very exciting and to see its neighboring developments bringing that in their own way is a great experience to be surrounded by. It’s great to know I’ll be part of helping to develop the arts & culture landscape in Tysons along with my other local peers in the field.

---

Tysons Partnership recently had a chance to catch up with Northern Virginia influencer, Emily Hoang, on life as a food blogger and on her favorite dining options in Tysons Galleria.

Emily Hoang, aka @urnovafoodie, is a true Virginian. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, she was a picky eater at a young age but determined she would try foods at least once before actually deciding on whether she likes them or not.

We caught up with Emily to learn more about what it’s like to be a “foodie influencer” and she shared some of her favorite eateries in Tysons Galleria along the way.

When did you start blogging?
I started blogging when I was a senior in high school. The idea came to my friends and me during English class. I wanted to start one for a while because I would always get asked where I was going out to eat.

What motivated you to open up a food blog?
Creating a food blog was the perfect way to keep track of where I’ve been and what I ate. It was also my strong passion for food and exploring new places. I’m an adventurous eater now and love trying new things.

What is the best and worst part of being a foodie influencer?
The best part about being a foodie influencer in my opinion is being able to meet different business owners and collaborating with them. Additionally, it allows me to be creative with my content and I love photographing food action shots. The worst part about being a foodie influencer is being associated with the negative influencer stereotypes. One of them is that foodie influencers are just in it for the free food. Which may be true for some, but not all of them.

What are your favorite food hashtags to use?
Some of my favorite hashtags to use are #urnovafoodie, #dmvfoodiecrew, #dmvfoodie, and #vafoodie.

We’ve seen you visiting plenty of restaurants in the Tysons area, including those in Tysons Galleria, what are your favorite places to eat there?
Some of my favorite places to eat in Tysons Galleria are Lady M Cakes, Andy’s Pizza, and Donburi.

If you had to pick, what are your go-to dishes at Tysons Galleria?
My go to dishes at Tysons Galleria are the earl grey crepe cake from Lady M, sakedon from Donburi, and the sausage and pepper pizza from Andy’s Pizza. The earl grey crepe cake is perfect for tea lovers. It’s light, fluffy, and not too sweet. If you love fresh raw salmon, the sakedon is perfect for you. It also comes with rice, pickles, and wasabi. The sausage and pepper pizza is the perfect combination because the peppers add a slight crunch and sausage is one of my favorite toppings to get on pizza.

Lastly, do you have any tips for any fellow Virginians that want to be food bloggers?
For those who want to become a food blogger, have fun with it and don’t care too much about the numbers. Starting a food blog is a great creative outlet that allows you to express yourself. So, go out and add your own flare and personality to it!

---