Flashbacks:
The RNGC Caddyshackpocalypse
Bollards!
Confidential Restonian Operative "Joel" shared this shocking photo of what until recently was Curves' outparcel building in the Tall Oaks
The building was formerly home to Reston's first 7-11, a feat which warrants some sort of historical plaque. Although given the fact that Tall Oaks has been unable to sustain either a 7-11 or a Burger King -- two businesses pretty much mathematically incapable of failing -- perhaps it's the shopping center as a whole that should receive a plaque commemorating its role as the Graveyard of Chain Empires.
Meanwhile, how long has it been since we've heard a good rumor about what would replace the succession of international grocery stores as the shopping center's anchor tenant? At this point, it's starting to look more and more like the property owner is just holding on and waiting until it can redevelop the village center real good with some bollardy goodness. Which stinks, as a couple of your Restonian's favorite eateries are pretty much the only things left standing there.
Of course, the village center had its heyday. But mostly we still miss the original curves at Tall Oaks, the end.
Has anyone ever taken a serious look into determining WHY this strip mall is the kiss-of-death? The two remaining restaurants that seem to be able to make a go of it are both very good, but I always feel like I'm going to a grave yard for dinner. I keep expecting to see zombies roaming stiff-armed around the parking lot -- it's just spooky!
ReplyDeleteNot that it would make any difference, but what happened to the Golds Gym that was going to take over the grocery store?
I think you are correct, the property owner is simply waiting for some developer to take it down. I would think that it's close enough to the Metro to attract some interest.
It's a dump. It's in the middle of nowhere. Its signage is all but invisible. Aside from two so-so restaurants, what else is there? Any why would anyone try to navigate dark, windy, narrow streets to try to find it?
DeleteNo different than the other has-been no one talks about -- Reston International Center.
Authoritative sources indicate that the owners of the Tall Oaks property would not renew the Curves lease.
ReplyDeleteIs re-development there in the works???
We can only pray that is the case. Better late than never.
DeleteTall Oaks is the 'flyover country' of Reston, or as I call it, 'driveover country'.
ReplyDeleteFor example...
Billy Ray's nightmare came true: His Audi made an emergency stop at Tall Oaks to eat dinner one night, the capital of Reston driveover country, and his strange Reston Town Center accent got him beaten by the Tall Oaks locals
I guess those badasses in the local Geriatric Criminal Gang that has that area marked TO as their turf must not have gotten their Geritol shipment and decided to kick some Whippersnapper butt.
DeleteI feel bad for the residents of the retirement home. They used to be able to walk 200 feet to a full service grocery store. Now they have no options except for the take out restaurants.
ReplyDeleteThere's a fabulous restaurant there --- the residents don't do much cooking (or shopping) at the "fellowship" house.
DeleteI think it's time Reston got a Hooters.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what would go well in that spot and that would probably be a complete success considering Reston's Hoidy Toidy demographic? A friggin' dinner theater. They could set up an artery hardening buffet line and stage Gilbert and Sullivan musicals until the developers figure out how to suppress Reston's grass roots revolutionaries.
ReplyDeleteThere's one in Columbia (Toby's) and it's been (successful?) forever.
DeleteHa Ha, Convict...north of the toll road where all the culture that is Reston lives -- unlike us in the Gulag. On the other hand, we have RCC @ Hunters Woods and the theater there...
ReplyDeleteAnd Restonian, as I read this entry I was looking for ... wait for it ... and there it was -- the link to the sleazy Spanish food market video. You are shameless but very funny and amazingly consistent. Kudos.
Bulldoze the whole mess and redevelop it as housing--it is really a fine location for some apartments or condos. Retail is a loser at this location.
ReplyDeleteLet's build a tower for public housing!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow many nails does this coffin require? It's been dead for 30 years. Enough. Tear down the eyesore and be done with it.
ReplyDelete