Renovations begin at 7900 Westpark Drive in Tysons

Published February 25, 2014 by Paula C. Squires

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT) has started renovations at 7900 Westpark Drive, a three building, 550,000-square-foot, Class A complex at Tysons.

According to Jones Lang LaSalle, the exterior renovation of the Tower building is a “reskinning” project, where construction crews will remove the existing precast concrete façade and replace it with high-performance, two-story, glass panels.

When renovations are complete, the new glass panel system will offer floor-to-ceiling glass, with enhanced views and annual energy savings of more than $100,000.

Work on the atrium also will give the building a new look. WRIT is adding glass handrails and metal clad columns to offset new terrazzo floors and wood accent walls. The atrium’s ground floor will be reconfigured to create an enlarged retail presence and more opportunities for informal gatherings.

There are four levels of structured parking, and new escalators are planned to connect the parking garage to the office building.

The on-site amenities include an updated fitness center, conference facility, cafe, daycare center, convenience store with dry cleaner drop-off and common areas with wi-fi and seating for tenants and guests. Metro’s new Silver Line Tysons Corner Station, scheduled to open this year, is about five minutes away.

“Tysons is one of the few submarkets which saw growth at the end of 2013, and, given the impending arrival of the Metro’s Silver Line and the property’s prime location and high visibility, it is an opportune time to start renovations,” Thomas L. Regnell, senior vice president and managing director for WRIT’s office division, said in a statement. Earlier published reports said the renovations are costing between $30 to $35 million.

7900 Westpark Drive is located in the heart of Tysons, with visibility from I-495 and Route 123. The complex recently received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Jones Lang LaSalle’s Northern Virginia agency leasing team is handling leasing for the complex on behalf of WRIT. The real estate investment trust owns a diversified portfolio of 51 properties totaling about 7 million square feet of commercial space.