Building a New Community on an Old Prison Ground

For over 100 years Lorton was an area that most residents of Northern Virginia went out of their way to avoid. As a prison complex the 3,200 acre site was huge and when the facility was ordered closed in 1998, Fairfax County began planning in earnest with what to do with the land and buildings that made up the infamous prison. In 2002 Fairfax County officials received title to 2400 acres and the re-development of the property began.

Besides the Lorton Workhouse Arts Foundation which is in the process of refurbishing a number of the old prison buildings as studio and gallery space for local artists, the area is now full of new neighborhoods, schools, and shopping centers.

The largest of the neighborhoods, Laurel Hill has 700 homes built by Pulte or Centex Homes. Prices in the area rose quickly when the homes were first built and current home prices for townhouses run in the high $400’s and single family homes can range from the low $600’s to over $1M.

In addition to Laurel Hill, other neighborhoods that have grown out of the redevelopment of the old prison land include Laurel Crest and Laurel Highlands just off of Silverbrook Rd. In 2006 the new South County Secondary School opened and a proposed new elementary school is scheduled for 2009.

This year the Laurel Hill golf course operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority opened and with an 18 hole championship course and 9000 square foot club house which has become a terrific place for Lorton residents to gather. Bike paths and walking trails connect different sections of the community and also connect with the Fairfax County Cross County Trail. Located 10 minutes from Burke Lake Park owners who are looking for more outdoor activities can either ride their bikes or hop in the car for a quick trip to the park.

Laurel Hill is one of the new neighborhoods that have grown popular with military families moving to the Northern Virginia. Only a few miles from the main gate of Ft. Belvoir and with easy access to the VRE or HOV lanes a trip to the Military District of Washington, Pentagon or Navy Yard is quick as well.

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