Project Background

The Mount Vernon Master Plan is part of a broader Fairfax County initiative to:

• Collocate and modernize aging public facilities that no longer meet operational needs.
• Provide consolidated facilities for services.
• Free up valuable land for alternative uses, such as public space or other facilities based on County and community priorities derived from the stakeholder engagement process.

The county’s Comprehensive Plan plays a critical role in guiding this effort. The site of the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, Fire Station, Police Station and Library at Sherwood Hall and Parkers Lane together with surrounding area will be studied to explore options for improved public facilities and community amenities including collocated facility opportunities that will shape the long-term development, and guide future design, services, and amenities of the Mount Vernon Governmental Center.

Project Description

The Mount Vernon Master Plan study explores the revitalization opportunities for the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, Fire Station, Police Station and Library at Sherwood Hall and Parkers Lane, two Fairfax County owned properties. The study will explore re-envisioning opportunities for the future redevelopment across a broader study area, with improved facilities and added community amenities, including potential facility collocation, that will shape the future design, services, and amenities of the Mount Vernon Governmental Center and its broader context. The goal is to create a vision and framework for incremental future development that is responsive to the County and community priorities, optimizes land use and results in a sustainable and vibrant public space.

The plan provides a coordinated, long-term framework to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders and synthesizes opportunities across several public programs including but not limited to options for public art and a farmers’ market. The ultimate goal of the study is to develop a masterplan and design guidelines that support placemaking through the comprehensive planning approach. Design strategies will be developed through multiple steering committee meetings and community engagements efforts focused on visioning, site analysis, and concept framework design. The design of collocated facilities will be following through the masterplan to achieve the placemaking goal. Design elements such as architecture, landscape, pedestrian paths, bike routes and open spaces will be thoughtfully incorporated to support the Comprehensive Plan and the vision for the Mount Vernon District Campus to be a highly pedestrian friendly and multifunctional hub for the community.

The MVMP study will explore and discuss planning approaches and concepts which promote the following Planning Principles derived from an ongoing stakeholder engagement process which to date has included steering committee meetings, a community meeting and a community survey:

• CIVIC HEART – Site to serve as the civic heart of the community - an inclusive and supportive hub, that provides integrated civic connections and services, exemplifying the community’s and county’s commitment to social responsibility.
• CONNECTED COMMUNITY - Foster community, social interaction, and connectivity through its programming and uses, with a strong emphasis on creating a place that is welcoming and inviting to all.
• INTEGRATED LAYOUT - Improving integration with the surrounding neighborhood and enhancing access to and through the site are key priorities for respondents. Intuitive, clear wayfinding was identified as a critical factor influencing how people experience the project area, as well as their willingness to engage with it.
• COMMUNITY GATHERING – Provide welcoming spaces available for community gatherings, including indoor meeting rooms and flexible outdoor areas that can accommodate a range of activities - from intimate events to large-scale fairs and festivals celebrating local culture and initiatives.
• OPEN SPACE - Outdoor space and a signature park that offers shade, natural open areas, and sustainability elements that respect the surrounding context.

Project Location

The project is located at the intersection of Sherwood Hall Lane and Parkers Lane in Alexandria, Virginia. Currently the site houses the existing Mount Vernon Governmental Center, Mount Vernon District Station Police Department, Mount Vernon Fire Station and Sherwood Hall Regional Library. The two county owned properties are located adjacent to the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Walt Whitman Middle School to the South.

Project Phase

Master Planning Study

Timeline

The Master Plan Phase of the design is currently on-going. Prioritized individual facilities’ construction completion anticipated early 2030’s-final date TBD based on final designs and funding.

What to Expect

The vision statement and planning principles will create a framework to guide the development of the Mount Vernon Master Plan. The key takeaways from the survey analysis will directly inform recommendations that form the basis for the next phases of the site organization and project concept. Stakeholder engagement will continue throughout all phases of the project.

Project Cost and Funding Source

• Mount Vernon Fire Station – $16M approved as part of the 2018 Public Safety Bond Referendum*
• Sherwood Regional Library – $18M approved as part of the 2020 Library Bond Referendum*
• Mount Vernon Collocation Opportunity, including the Mount Vernon Police Station at $62M EDA Bonds*
• *Final cost is TBD based upon final concept and design.

Presentations to the Community

• Mount Vernon Master Plan Collocation Feasibility Steering Committee Meeting – November 18, 2024
• Steering Committee Meeting- Visioning Workshop - April 14, 2025
• Steering Committee Meeting – Visioning Recap – June 2, 2025
• Community Meeting – June 24, 2025
• Steering Committee Meeting- Survey Result – December 3, 2025

Contact

For more information, please email Jun Li, or call 703-324-2434.