One of America's Most Legendary Developers Dies at 101

Reston, VA, founder and commercial real estate icon Bob Simon passed away Monday morning, peacefully at his home at the age of 101. The Reston Historic Trust announced his passing, saying Bob will be "remembered for his keen intelligence, wonderful wit, and spirited involvement in all aspects of Reston’s life." Bob founded the community when he bought 6,750 acres near Dulles Airport in 1961 and watched it grow into the hub of development activity it is today. Bisnow had the privilege of knowing Bob over the years and having him speak at our events, most recently this summer. We spoke to Bob from his 13th-floor apartment looking out over Lake Anne, and he was thrilled that his initial vision for the community—dense residential surrounding large plazas, with a mix of uses and income—was finally being realized more than 50 years later. 

Bob was sharp until the very end, living with his wife, Cheryl Terio-Simon. He spoke at our Future of Reston & Herndon event earlier this summer—with 400 people hanging on every word—and said he was determined to work with the local government to formulate a 15-year plan to turn more of Reston's shopping centers into plazas on the water. The Long Island native dreamed of founding a town with big, European plazas. That was after he owned NYC's Carnegie Hall. He was forced out by his investors in 1967, but returned to live in town in the 1990s. He was a frequent site around town, getting places in his motorized scooter. He will be sorely missed. Read more about Bob, with reaction from Boston Properties VP of development, here.