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Tysons is poised for a major visual refresh, with a new logo planned for its landmark water tower and illuminated wayfinding signs approved for all four of the area’s Metro stations.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 17 to support both Tysons Community Alliance projects. Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik said the initiatives will strengthen placemaking, improve the skyline and make public transportation easier to navigate.
The water tower overlooking the Route 123 and Route 7 interchange currently displays an older Tysons logo featuring a tri-colored “O.” The alliance wants to replace it with the geometric logo and “This Way Up” tagline introduced in spring 2025 as part of a new branding campaign.
Instead of the tower’s single existing sign, the plan calls for two signs: one facing southwest and another facing northeast. Each would measure 472 square feet and sit 90 feet above the ground. A comprehensive sign plan adopted in 2015 permits both locations.
Fairfax Water, which owns the storage tank, must still approve the signs. County staff had expressed reservations about placing signage on water towers when the existing design was approved in 2015.
The alliance hopes to install the updated tower signage in April, weather permitting.
Eight markers planned near Metro stations
The Board of Supervisors also approved obelisk-style markers being coordinated with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Two will be placed at each of Tysons’ four Metro stations, with one on either side of each station.
The markers will combine the alliance’s branding with directional information for visitors. They will be internally illuminated, and county staff said a solar-panel option is available. The design does not include electronic display boards.
Renderings show markers resembling wayfinding signs installed in 2025 at Ukiyo Park on Westbranch Drive and elsewhere in Tysons. The Metro signs are expected to be in place around mid-June.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity questioned the staff’s conclusion that installation and maintenance would have no fiscal impact on Fairfax County. Although the alliance will manage and fund the work, Herrity noted that more than 90% to 95% of its funding comes from the county.
Board Chairman Jeff McKay said the projects will not require a new county appropriation because the money has already been transferred to the organization for efforts of this kind. County Executive Bryan Hill confirmed that assessment.
Fairfax County allocated $2.75 million to the alliance in its fiscal 2026 budget, and Hill has proposed providing the same amount in fiscal 2027.
Beyond marketing Tysons, the organization promotes events, advocates for transportation improvements and gathers data supporting the area’s economic development.