|
|
 |
ABOUT GREAT OAKS
|
|
Great Oaks was designed in the early 1970's by developer Lester H.
Shor, who set aside much of the site as open space. Many of the
original black oak, white oak, birch, beech and tulip poplar trees were
preserved, and earth-toned brick and rough-cut wood contemporary houses
were built beneath them. Since then, residents have planted new trees
and hundreds of shrubs along residential streets with names like Great
Oaks Drive, Hemlock Way, and Beech Tree Court.
The original plan for the site called for
clearing away the trees and building several apartment towers, but
Fairfax City officials fought to save the old trees. As a compensation
to the developer, more than the usual number of homes were allowed per
acre, but they were each angled in such a way that the houses feel
private and separate from each other.
The Fairfax City Council approved Shor's plan on September 12, 1973, after he had dedicated 21 of
the 30 acres to green space. The subdivision received awards for
excellence in home construction and land planning from the Northern
Virginia home building industry in the 1970's as well as recognition
from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine an award-winner for "Better Neighborhood Planning."
|
|
|
