Lake Anne Village Center Historic District

Lake Anne Village Center Historic District is a planned community center in Fairfax County featuring shops, restaurants, and apartments arranged around a central plaza adjacent to an artificial lake. The buildings display Brutalist architecture and create a connected public space combining commerce and residential living.

The district was constructed between 1963 and 1967 as the first village development in Reston. It gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2017.

The center draws from European plaza traditions and northeastern American townhouse styles while incorporating Brutalist architectural forms. Visitors experience a space designed to blend residential community life with urban gathering traditions.

The plaza offers shopping and dining options throughout the week and weekend, and the grounds are easily explored on foot. A farmers market operates every Saturday from April through December with fresh produce and goods from local vendors.

The district was the first designated planned unit development in the United States, setting a new standard for integrated residential projects. This model influenced planning of similar developments across the country.

Location: Fairfax County

GPS coordinates: 38.96889,-77.34083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21