New 'Parklet' Outdoor Gathering Space Planned At Mount Vernon Plaza

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — Mount Vernon Plaza shopping center in Hybla Valley will gain an outdoor "parklet" space this summer, providing a place for shoppers to gather.

The 3,200-square-foot parklet will be located in the outdoor dining space adjacent to Moe’s Southwest Grill and Limon Pollo a la Brasa. The outdoor space will have café seating, a trellis, green space, porch swing benches, soma stones, new lighting and landscaping.

Construction on the parklet will start in May and finish later in the summer.

The parklet idea resulted from discussions between shopping center owner Federal Realty and the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation, which supports projects that stimulate economic growth in the Richmond Highway corridor.

"Federal Realty’s initiative to create a parklet is a significant contribution to our goal," said Evan Kaufman, the executive director of the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation. "We look forward to see Federal apply their placemaking expertise to create an appealing outdoor space for this community."

Federal Realty conducted a similar update at one of its other properties, Birch & Broad in Falls Church. The shopping center has seen increased presence of people enjoying the new outdoor seating.

"We are a community partner committed to investing in the communities we serve," said Deirdre Johnson, senior vice president at Federal Realty. "This is an exciting opportunity for Federal to transform an underutilized area at Mount Vernon into a space where social connection is encouraged by offering our neighbors and visitors a place to gather and relax amidst the convenience of many dining, retail and service options."