Northern Virginia's Unlikely Transit-Oriented-Development Success Story

A rail line has brought hundreds of new housing units and offices to the region.

1 minute read

October 5, 2025, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


The elevated Washington DC Metro and skyline in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Alexanderstock23 / Shutterstock

In a piece in Greater Greater Washington, Brian Shi traces transit-oriented development along Northern Virginia’s Silver Line, illustrating how transit can stimulate significant economic and demographic growth. 

In Tysons Corner, where the first portion of the line opened in 2014, new high-rise offices and apartments are revitalizing the area, which was historically home to major retail centers. “By providing a direct Metrorail connection to the heart of Tysons, the station has transformed shopping trips, commutes, and daily errands, making car-free access to one of the largest retail hubs on the East Coast a reality.” At the other end of the line, the Reston station is anchored by a Google office building, a Marriott hotel, and a luxury apartment complex. For Shi, “The ongoing developments showcase how the Washington region can have desirable housing nearby reliable public transportation.”

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 in Greater Greater Washington

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