The site of the Original Mount Vernon High School campus at 8333 Richmond Highway.
The Board of Supervisors approved on Tuesday, Feb. 6, a $399,000 agreement with Alexander Company and Elm Street Development to work with county staff and the Mount Vernon community to create a master plan to redevelop the Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS) campus. Sited at 8333 Richmond Highway, the approximately 42-acre historic 1939 school campus and park site had been leased by the Islamic Saudi Academy for 31 years. The site became available for redevelopment when the academy ended its lease in October 2016.
Alexander and Elm Street will have nine months to create a master plan to create shared multi-generational, community spaces with public and private, residential, educational, recreational and non-profit uses, as well as pedestrian connections to the nearby future bus rapid transit station. This location along Richmond Highway is next to one of nine future bus rapid transit stations that will run along the highway from Huntington Metro Station to Fort Belvoir.
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck stated, “Our goal for the redevelopment of this innovative community campus is to reflect the unique tapestry of the Fairfax County community; create shared, multi-generational community spaces; and serve as an incubator for nonprofits and businesses alike, while being self-sustaining and contributing to the economy of the region.”
“This is a major milestone for residents in the Route 1 Corridor and another step forward in our efforts to repurpose the building,” said Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay. “I look forward to working with Alexander and Elm Street, as well as the community, to jointly plan for the future of Original Mount Vernon High School. There is no doubt in my mind that a revitalized OMVHS will benefit all of the Route 1 Corridor and continue our positive momentum.”