Faced with a large empty nest in Oakton, Cathy Plymack decided she needed to downsize. She turned to BLVD | Reston Station because of its proximity to her work, the airport, and the Metro, and for the urban lifestyle it offers. “I liked the concept of a luxury apartment which included great amenities, such as a rooftop pool, chef’s kitchen, lounge, gaming and exercise rooms, and the ability to work from the BLVD office center on the ground floor,” she said. “Also, I can be at the bike path in five minutes or hop on the Metro and be at Tysons in three stops.”
Reston is all about its neighborhoods, whether it’s Lake Anne, North Reston, South Lakes, Glade, the Town Center, or its newest neighborhood, Reston Station. Although the neighborhood is still taking shape, BLVD, a 450-unit luxury apartment building that sits atop the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, provides an anchor for it and is defining what it means to live in the next wave of this visionary city.
Maggie Parker, vice president of communications for Comstock, the company behind BLVD, says the property and its surrounding neighborhood fits with Reston Founder Robert E. Simon’s vision for the next village center. Simon’s dream for his suburban downtown emphasized convenience and community instead of sprawl for a better quality of life, and BLVD firmly supports that vision.
The Neighborhood Outside
BLVD’s location over top of the Metro provides an ideal access point to the rest of the area, and as one of the tallest buildings on the Dulles corridor, its silhouette defines the neighborhood’s skyline.
Since BLVD opened its doors on March 1, “Many Restonians have been coming over to see the property,” said Parker. “They’re curious. People can be afraid of density, and it’s important for them to know that the redevelopment that is going on at Reston Station is concentrated along a swath of land right along the Dulles Toll Road.”
The new neighborhood also stays true to Reston’s original concept, with walkable access to amenities like parks and shopping. The main entrance to BLVD opens onto the Reston Station Plaza, which buzzes with activity. Monday through Friday, shoppers can browse through a rotating array of vendors in Comstock’s pop-up market, Urban Pop. These small glass kiosks house crafters and businesses trying out a small retail space while getting exposure to a vibrant market. The pop ups have included a book store; a shop selling honey; a crafter selling handmade scarves, hats, and gloves; and a vendor offering tea and tea accessories.
“It’s not just a metro station anymore, it’s a destination,” said Catherine Hughes, BLVD’s community manager. In addition to Urban Pop, the plaza offers yoga on Tuesdays, pilates on Wednesdays, a farmers market on Wednesday afternoons, children’s story time, a summer concert series, and outdoor movies.
The prospective businesses moving onto the plaza further induced Plymack to move in. “I loved the planned businesses that will be on site, such as Founding Farmers, Starbucks Evenings and perhaps a market. The urban pop ups are a lot of fun.”
Not only does BLVD offer the best Metro access in the area, it’s also right across the street from an entrance to the Washington and Old Dominion trail, making it easy for bike-to-work enthusiasts to commute, and walkers, joggers, inline skaters and recreational bikers to get some fresh air and exercise. Residents have the added convenience of bike storage at BLVD, and it will be a Capital Bikeshare station as well. Built on top of the below-grade transit center, there is also ample parking for both residents and guests.
BLVD is a member of the Reston Association, further melding it and its residents with the community. As part of the association, residents can take advantage of the programs and events it offers. Not all of the apartment buildings in Reston offer that, according to Parker.
As our world becomes more global, people need to feel like they are part of something. The buy local movement has shown us that people like to be invested in their communities. BLVD appeals to the upscale consumer’s need for the latest conveniences and amenities while simultaneously providing a strong sense of community, both in the surrounding neighborhood and among the neighbors within the building.
The Neighborhood Inside
BLVD surrounds its residents with luxury and convenience and combines personal service with the latest technology. It starts with 24-hour concierge service. When residents have packages, groceries, or dry-cleaning delivered, they receive a text message or email notification and can also see it posted on a screen near their mailbox. Another screen provides residents with the latest transit information, from how long before the next train arrives to traffic updates and bus and Uber information.
Residents who need to hold a meeting can take advantage of the first-floor conference room, perfect for those who work from home or who need to hold a meeting locally before heading to their office or out of town.
When they’re ready to take advantage of the building’s amenities beyond the first floor, touchscreen controls summon an elevator to whisk them to the 21st floor where a state-of-the-art fitness center with the best views in the area encourages residents to stay healthy. In addition to resistance and cardio equipment, the fitness center includes a spacious yoga studio with on-demand classes on the large-screen TV or instructor-led classes. “Residents don’t need to leave the building to go to a high-quality gym. It’s very convenient,” said Hughes.
“One of my favorite amenities so far is the ping pong table in the lounge area, where I challenge my friends or son to a match,” says Plymack. “This is serious playing. We even bring our personal paddles and balls.”
In addition to the ping pong table, the game area also includes a large-screen TV and a pool table as well as a private game room that one resident has already reserved to hold his fantasy football draft later this summer.
Beyond the game area, residents can relax, mingle and enjoy the breathtaking views that surround the large lounge area. A demonstration kitchen is located here, where property management plans to hold chef-led cooking demonstrations. The lounge area opens onto the rooftop pool deck, featuring fire pits with additional seating at the far end.
“I look forward to lazy Saturdays when I don’t need to leave the premises or use my car if I don’t want to, with the planned access to groceries, coffee, restaurants, and the pool, exercise, and gaming areas,” said Plymack.
A Place to Call Home
BLVD has not only attracted residents who are downsizing from larger homes but those new to the area and those familiar with the area who want a better quality of life close to DC without being in it.
Renters choose between 35 different floor plans from studios to one- two- and three-bedroom-plus-den models. All the apartments are beautifully appointed with porcelain tile, stainless steel appliances and high-quality cabinetry.
“Comstock’s origins are in home building, and you can see that in the details inside the apartments,” said Hughes, “from the quartz countertops to the tile surrounds in the bathrooms to the backsplashes in the kitchens. It feels more like a house than an apartment.” In addition, the apartments feature gas stoves, two-door ovens, and floor-to-ceiling windows for lots of light.
For those who like the patio feel of a garden apartment, the ninth floor of BLVD offers something special. The interior apartments here open onto small patios that lead to a larger green space with manicured gardens. An outdoor kitchen and large stainless steel grills allow BLVD to host events or for residents to use the space.
“I live on the ninth floor, which is the Sky Park level,” says Plymack, “and I can just walk across the lawn to grill out for dinner. Then by evening, after I watch the sun set from my terrace, if I decide to listen to jazz, I’ll hop on the Metro and be at Eddie V’s in Tysons in a matter of minutes.”
Now that’s luxury living with Reston’s unique blend of convenience and community.
To learn more about BLVD | Reston Station, visit or contact them at:
1908 Reston Metro Plaza
703-230-1110
leasing@blvdatreston.com
