Simon realized that suburban sprawl resulted in wasted space, added road networks, lack of public areas, and loss of a sense of community. His “Residential Planned Community (RPC)” zoning allowed for the elimination of side yard requirements, enabling townhouse clusters like Waterview to conserve land for use as functional open space, such as lakes, streams, swimming pools, walking paths, playgrounds and wooded areas, all in common to our cluster`s residences.
In addition, RPC zoning stressed mixed uses and reduced distances between homes and offices, shops, community facilities, and recreation. It also provided day and night use of the same areas and facilities. Waterview Cluster`s close proximity to Lake Anne Village Center embodies this concept.
Following the adoption of RPC zoning by the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County in 1962, Simon moved forward with the development of Lake Anne Village Center, Heron House, Hickory Cluster and Waterview Cluster. The first occupants arrived in 1964. Waterview was built on a hillside of 28 acres with a ratio of six homes per developable acre, resulting in 90 townhouses on 15 acres suitable for building. To create a universe within itself, Mr. Simon constructed all four projects at the same time. Certainly, this was risky, but the offering of choice, variety and amenities were judged to be worth taking a chance. In fact, fifty-six lenders had to be contacted prior to successful placement of development financing.