The red caboose, permanently stationed in the Historic Church Street Corridor, is decked out in festive greens crafted by the Ayr Hill Garden Club. The Optimist Club of Greater Vienna maintains the caboose.
Not much in the way of earth-shattering events happens in Vienna and not much changes there every year … and that’s the way most residents like it. The top news story of 2015 is the closure of the Vienna Community Center during its 1 1/2-year renovation and expansion, Phase 1.
A close second is construction of a mixed-use building – retail and condos – on Church Street …. Don’t forget the new artificial turf at Waters Field …
- Groundbreaking for the Vienna Community Center renovation and expansion in September 2015, signaled the beginning of headaches for many Parks and Recreation programs, as well as for community groups who have traditionally used the community center for special events and functions.
Re-opening of the community center, phase 1, is scheduled for January, 2017.
Phase 1 plans call for expansion of the center by 15,000 square feet and for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
The enhanced facility will have a bright new lobby and a high school regulation-sized gym.
The renovated community center will have a new lobby and entrance as well as a new 9,000-square foot high school regulation-sized gym/court at the back of the building.
The Town of Vienna budgeted more than $10 million for the project.
Asbestos removal began in the renovation’s earliest stage.
During the closure, community center offices are at the Cedar Lane Shopping Center, 262M Cedar Lane SE, 2nd floor, units 4 and 7.
- Construction of retail space and residential units at 120 Church Street, N.W. began in fall 2015.
The vacant lot owned by Arrington Properties LLC will house a two-story, 9,000-square-foot mixed use building on the property fronting Church Street.
The ground floor will feature retails and businesses while the second floor will have condominiums.
The private/public parking garage originally proposed three years ago did not proceed.
- The artificial turf at Waters Field was replaced in late fall 2015.
Work to replace the turf at Waters Field was expected to be completed by Dec. 11.
Community athletic teams, from baseball to lacrosse and football, use the field throughout most of the year.
Fairfax County, the Town of Vienna, Vienna Youth Inc. and Greater Vienna Babe Ruth partnered to fund the new installation.
- To the disappointment of Vienna-area families – and to the Vienna Business Association [VBA] – the third annual First Night Vienna celebration was canceled for 2015. VBA, who funds the family-friendly new year’s eve party on Church Street, uses revenue it raises from Oktoberfest to host First Night Vienna. Rain during the Oktoberfest festival dampened revenue, as well as the party.