Sterling Optical Tysons Corner

The Tysons area undergoing redevelopment that by the year 2050 will transform this neighborhood into a walkable, sustainable urban center that will bring up to 100,000 residents and 200,000 jobs to the area. It will be a place where people will be engaged in their surroundings and where they want to work, live, play and shop. Tysons Corner Center, “Where the Stores Are” is a shopping mall located in McLean, Virginia. It was originally constructed in 1968 as a 1.2 million square foot super-mall and was the first fully enclosed climate-controlled shopping center in the Washington, DC area.

The current owner purchased the Tysons Corner Sterling Optical Store in 2012 with its 80’s era décor and original store layout consisting of wall-mounted and freestanding display cases. This arrangement reduced floor space and restricted customer access to their limited eyewear offerings. With further planned expansions of Tysons Corner Center, the owner of the store was motivated to improve the offering of eyewear and expand its range of services. In design, the retail space also needed to accommodate an optometrist, with an office and waiting area plus a separate entry from the mall.  This created a narrow and deep retail space available for eyewear displays.

The interiors are decidedly contemporary with inviting materials and finishes to draw interest from the mall corridor into the space. Simple furniture with concealed storage increase functionality and enhance the retail experience. Glass walls and doors are used to separate the optometrist from the showroom while allowing, and full height viewing mirrors in deep set frames are used to give the illusion of a larger space. The subtle materials in layered detailing with fine woods, textured panels, and soft colored carpets creates an environment that highlights the eyewear.