LOCATION: Washington

YEAR: 2015

DEVELOPER: Macerich

ARCHITECT: Shalom Baranes Associates

SUPPLY DETAILS: 429 kitchens + vanities 

As the Washington, DC metro area continues to explode in population and economic opportunity, the Tysons community is evolving from a vehicular-centric suburb known primarily for a massive low-rise shopping mall into a walkable, design-focused urban center. VITA Tysons, the tallest building in the vicinity, signifies the new vision. This vibrant 30-floor luxury apartment tower is part of a complex also featuring a hotel and office tower. The 1-acre development is the first phase of a master plan developed to promote a more livable and sustainable hub in Virginia’s Fairfax County – the region’s most highly populated jurisdiction. New construction and properties adding density are uniting in an urban hybrid redevelopment scheme here, and VITA plays on adjacencies to connect the dots in a dramatic fashion. The site and its surroundings have historically been occupied by strip malls, suburban office buildings, car dealerships, and canyons of parking structures and surface lots. An important design goal was to create a building profile and image from distant views that would enhance the skyline for Metro transit riders and motorists.

The project has been recognized for setting a new tone as neighboring communities begin their own architectural transformations in response to growth along the expanding Metro Silver Line. insideVITA Designed to achieve LEED Silver certification, the high-end residences include generous indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, above and below-grade parking structures, electric-car charging stations, and a direct connection to a new Metro station. The building is comprised of 429 residential units, multiple amenity spaces, and an additional retail program totaling 13,000 sf including a street-level restaurant. VITA offers three main amenity areas - the Club Level located on the rooftop, Terrace Level on the 3rd floor, and the Plaza Level on the 2nd floor. The Club level features the highest rooftop pool in the Washington, DC metro region and offers sweeping, panoramic views of the city and beyond. Other amenities include an indoor/outdoor cantina and sky lounge with bar, grills, and outdoor seating. Amenities offered on the Terrace Level include a kitchen/server area and fireplace seating with multiple landscaped terraces, grills, fire pits, and seating for outdoor dining. The Plaza level provides Metro bridge access and includes a billiards/game room, state-of-the-art Tech Lounge equipped with a “Tech Box” computer room, fitness center, and yoga room.