Experience

Reston Station began in 2009 as a 19.5-acre transit-oriented, mixed-use project. A public-private partnership and 99-year ground lease provide the framework for below-grade public parking and the core development of private office, residential, retail, and hotel uses at Metro’s Wiehle-Reston East station. The initial plan included 1.3 million square feet of development rights across eight buildings. Following the acquisition of adjacent parcels, the project was rezoned again in 2018, providing for a total of three million square feet. The 3000-space garage, 458-unit Blvd Apartments, Founding Farmers restaurant, and 360,000 SF Jahn-designed 1900 Reston Metro Plaza office tower delivered during the Bello principals’ tenure. The project now comprises more than 60 acres and five million square feet of development. 

Loudoun Station is entitled for more than one million square feet of mixed-use development at Metro’s Silver Line station in Ashburn. The initial phases developed during the Bello principals’ tenure comprise nearly 700 apartments, 50,000 square feet of Class-A office, and 150,000 square feet of retail, including an 11-screen movie theater. The first residential component was stabilized in under a year. Parking was developed through a public-private partnership.

Revitalization of the Columbia Heights neighborhood in Washington DC was initiated with a municipal assemblage of parcels and buildings destroyed in the riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Collectively, the 20+ acres were ultimately transformed into 600 market and affordable housing units and 650,000 square feet of retail, office, and performing arts uses. The Tivoli Theater redevelopment was named Washington Business Journal’s Best Overall Deal of 2003. The Columbia Heights revitalization was honored with Urban Land Institute’s Award for Excellence.

Herndon Downtown is a partnership with the Town of Herndon for redevelopment of 4.675 acres of Town-owned land, including 281 apartments, 17,600 square feet of retail, an arts center and parking garage.  Image: Torti Gallas + Partners via Washington Business Journal.