Programming at South County Community Center at the Original Mount Vernon High School will be relocated to nearby community centers beginning in September 2023.

The move is part of the large Original Mount Vernon High School Renovation project. The project is in the building and site permit review process, and the early scope of interior demolition and hazmat remediation to assist the design was completed in May of this year. 

In preparation of the work, the Teen/Senior Center programming and staff will be relocated to nearby centers, including Hybla Valley, Gum Springs or Lorton Senior Center and the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults.

The gymnasium will remain open and scheduled for limited programming until the construction starts in the Spring of 2024. The construction will be complete in the Spring of 2026 with a grand opening to follow, says Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Assistant Division Director Latishma Walters.

In Spring of 2024, the site will be turned over to the contractor to build new site infrastructure to include storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water lines, parking lots and installation of about 180 geothermal wells in the back of the facility under the proposed parking lot.

In addition, there will be interior construction in the Teen/Senior Center, which includes the restoration of the historic windows, installation of the sprinkler system, renovation of the entrance and building a new pedestrian bridge between the Teen/Senior Center and the new Welcome Center for easy circulation. This site and interior construction will impede the operations in the Teen/Senior Center area and the site will then be closed to the public.

The 85-year-old building, located at 8333 Richmond Hwy. in Alexandria, is listed on the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register and the National Registry of Historic Places.