The Commons Mount Vernon

The Commons is designed to provide flexibility and accommodate the programming needs of the community. The proposed programs and uses are organized in 3 groups:

• Core elements are the non-profit programs, and the Neighborhood and Community Services spaces such as the Teen and Senior Center, Gymnasium and Early Childhood education programs.
• Anchor elements are educational programs to support workforce development.
• Complementary Elements are the business incubation spaces, along with visual and performing arts programs that are in synergy with the core and anchor programs. Additionally, the new Welcome Center and the historic library, which will be converted to an event space, will be available to provide opportunities for community events.

Sustainability

In alignment with the Fairfax County Sustainable Development Policy, the project will incorporate a geothermal system to achieve LEED-Gold certification, ensuring 25% in energy efficiency. Additionally, solar panels will be provided on the flat roof areas pending approval by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The project also includes electrical vehicle charging stations. Stormwater management will be provided by Low Impact Development facilities.

Significant construction activities are ongoing. Safety fencing, and erosion and sediment controls are installed and routinely monitored. The construction is scheduled for completion in late 2026.

Background

The original Mount Vernon High School, a classic example of Colonial Revival architecture, was built in 1939. The county-owned facility is located at 8333 Richmond Highway on a 22-acre property that was once part of George Washington’s estate.

In 1987, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) determined that the high school property was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The school was listed on the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register in December 2017, and in the National Registry of Historic Places in May 2018. The County is working with the VDHR to retain most of the historic fabric of the original high school building.

Planning Efforts

In fall 2016, following vacation of the long-term lease in the Original Mount Vernon High School, Fairfax County began to plan for adaptive reuse of the building and the site. Several interim and permanent occupancies were implemented including the gymnasium, and the relocation of the teen/senior center from the Gerry Hyland Center. Parallel to these efforts, in early 2018, the county worked with a development team to explore concepts for the long-term redevelopment of the overall OMVHS site combined with George Washington RECenter and park.

The OMVHS master planning process was concluded in fall 2019 and included a mix of renovation, new residential development, and additional public facilities. The County determined to focus on a phased approach to redevelopment that would align with the EMBARK and Bus Rapid Transit project along the Richmond Highway Corridor. The priority was placed on the renovations and adaptive reuse of the historic high school and related site work as Phase I of the overall redevelopment. Phase I work includes ADA accessibility; renovation of the exterior masonry, trim, windows, and roof; new energy efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; and upgraded utilities. The restoration work will stabilize the building and prevent further deterioration. The renovated high school will be suitable for educational, childcare and childhood education programs; art, recreational, and life skill training programs; and innovation and business incubation spaces.

Presentations to the Community

• Teen/Senior Center Presentation - September 27 2024
• Branding Community Meeting Presentation - June 18, 2024
• Public Hearing Presentation - September 2023
• Original Mount Vernon High School Redevelopment Community Meeting June 1, 2022
• Original Mount Vernon High School Redevelopment Community Meeting June 24, 2021
• Original Mount Vernon High School Redevelopment Community Meeting on June 29, 2020

Supervisor Storck discusses the redevelopment vision and goals and the project managers present a virtual tour of the existing building.