History of Coleson Cluster
Coleson Cluster is a small neighborhood within the planned community of Reston, established in the mid-1960s. It was part of the original development plan for Reston, which was envisioned as a self-contained “new town” by Robert E. Simon, focusing on balanced living, nature, and community. The neighborhood was designed by Chloethiel Woodward Smith, a notable modernist architect renowned for her innovative designs. The homes in Coleson Cluster feature distinctive architectural elements like floor-to-ceiling windows, flat roofs, and a combination of brick and wood siding, reflecting Smith’s design philosophy of integrating nature with urban living.
The community initially stood at the “end of the line” of Reston’s development, nestled among lush lawns and trees, with 45 townhouses spread across four-and-a-half acres. Over the decades, it has evolved into an established community known for its proximity to landmarks like Lake Anne, Lake Anne Elementary School, and Reston Town Center.
Governance and Management
The Coleson Cluster Association is a volunteer-run HOA responsible for managing the neighborhood’s day-to-day operations, including maintenance of common areas, enforcement of community standards, and organizing community events. The association is governed by a volunteer board of directors elected by residents for three-year terms, with elections occurring annually. The board oversees matters from finances, managed by a volunteer treasurer, to community services and regulations.
Demographics
While specific demographic data for Coleson Cluster alone is not readily available, we can infer from broader Reston statistics:
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Population: Reston has a diverse population, and as part of it, Coleson Cluster likely mirrors this diversity, though on a smaller scale.
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Age Distribution: Given the townhouse nature and the community’s evolution, there could be a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees.
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Income Levels: Reston is known for its affluent residents, suggesting that Coleson Cluster residents might have above-average incomes, considering the property values and the community’s maintenance standards.
Real Estate Trends
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Property Values: Real estate in Coleson Cluster tends to be high due to its location, the architectural uniqueness of the homes, and the amenities provided by Reston. The townhouses, given their history and design, might fetch premium prices in the local market.
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Market Trends:
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Demand: There’s likely a consistent demand for properties due to the community’s reputation, proximity to amenities, and the appeal of living in a well-managed HOA.
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Selling and Buying: Selling a home in Coleson Cluster involves providing the buyer with the HOA’s resale certificate, which includes necessary documents as per Virginia law. The process is regulated, and fees for these documents are set at the maximum allowable by state law, indicating a structured real estate transaction environment.
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Maintenance and Upgrades: Given the age of the structures, there might be trends in renovations or modernization projects to update homes while preserving their architectural integrity.
Community Life and Services
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Community Engagement: The association fosters community through events, though specifics are not detailed. Board meetings are open to all residents, indicating a participatory governance model.
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Services Provided:
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Waste Management: Regular trash and recycling services, with specific guidelines for residents to follow to ensure efficiency and environmental responsibility.
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Landscaping: Professional services for maintaining common grounds, including lawn care, tree maintenance, and snow removal.
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Parking and Pets: Regulations on parking with assigned carports and guidelines for pet ownership to maintain community standards.
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Conclusion
Coleson Cluster represents a microcosm of planned community living with a rich history, unique architecture, and a strong sense of community governance. The real estate market here benefits from high demand, driven by quality of life, location, and the prestige of living within a well-managed HOA. However, prospective buyers should be prepared for the structured community life, including adherence to HOA regulations and participation in community decisions.
This analysis is based on available data and the general trends in Reston, which might not capture every nuance of Coleson Cluster’s unique community dynamics. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, direct engagement with the HOA or local real estate experts is recommended.
