
NoVA’s latest developments include the Virginia’s new official state spirit, an indoor trampoline park in Herndon and the temporary preservation of the famous Watergate parking garage.
Virginia Gets an Official Spirit
George Washington’s Rye Whiskey, made at Mount Vernon’s distillery, is now the official spirit of Virginia after state Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-30th, sponsored a bill that was then signed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe. The rye whiskey is made in the 18th century tradition as it was during Washington’s lifetime in the restored distillery and gristmill, which was granted $21 million in funds from Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
Former Herndon Sears Site May Go to the Kids
Rapport, the owner of Franklin Farm Village Center, is seeking a zoning change to the property that used to house a Sears Hardware Store in order to allow for an indoor trampoline park. The 27,496-square-foot space is one of two vacancies in the shopping center. The county planning commission staff gave their approval on the request.
Deep Throat Garage to Stand for Now
The garage where Bob Woodward met with Watergate source Deep Throat, now known to be Mark Felt, gained a historical marker in 2011. But in recent years the space was slated to be torn down. Now, according to The Washington Business Journal, site owner Monday Properties is asking for more time before construction of over 1 million square feet of mixed-use development replaces the 1966 complex.
(May 2017)