With a population of around 60,000 Reston is located in the western region of Fairfax County, Virginia.   Created on April 20th, 1964, the land where Reston exists today was owned by Lord Fairfax during some time in the 1800’s. The land was later sold to C.A. Wiehle. When Mr. Wiehle passed away he put the land into the hands of his sons who sold it to A. Smith Bowman. It stayed mostly farmland although Bowman had his own bourbon distillery located on the property. Eventually the land was sold to a Mr. Robert Simon with money acquired from the sale of Carnegie Hall in New York City, and the area would eventually take its names from his initials and the word town (“R.E.S, Town”, or “Reston”).  

Reston revolutionized the concept of land use in American suburbia after World War II.   Robert Simon’s vision was to create a planned community with maximum open space, which combined residential, industry, education, recreation, and business.   By including all of these aspects of life in a single area Reston believed residents’ needs could be met with out having to leave the local community.  Reston was carefully planned as a community with wooded areas, common grounds, a few parks, as well as about twenty swimming pools, a couple of golf courses and a bike path.  Simon’s also specified that different types of housing be provided in order to accommodate all levels of socio-economic classes, making Reston to flourish as a diverse community.   

Beginning to build a community that was consistent with Simon’s vision would prove to be a daunting task where thought process and planning had to be precise. This involved many long hours of preparation and the dedication.  The first area to be built, Lake Anne Plaza, was designed by James Rossant and was to emulate the city of Portofino in Italy. The plaza’s design included modern architectural themes that give Reston a look which later would be used in towns all across America. The plazas modern architectural look was also applied to the local elementary school, the gas station, and the town’s two churches, keeping the theme the same for the town as a whole. It was important that the Lake Anne area have a local feel, so there would be no chain stores or restaurants allowed in this part of Reston.    

North point, South Lakes, and Hunters Woods were established later.  These Reston communities include wooded areas, common grounds, a few parks, as well as about twenty swimming pools, a couple of golf courses and a bike path. Reston Town Center is quickly becoming the “downtown” of the community with office buildings, apartments and condos, restaurants, a movie theatre, a hotel, and many stores.  The Reston Town Center attracts visitors from throughout Fairfax county, as well as business travelers and tourists.   

Although it is still a work in progress, many of Robert Simon’s goals for Reston have indeed been achieved.  Reston continues to this day to be a diverse community.  Open space exists throughout the community and Reston includes a vibrant collection of suburban housing, retail shops, industry, schools and cultural attractions.