Lorton VA neighborhoods have been around a long time. In fact the Lorton area has plenty of history that goes all the way back to our early famous neighbors, George Washington and George Mason. There are older neighborhoods which are just as popular today as they were when they were built in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Over the last 15 years a "new" Lorton has emerged which has brought a renewal to southern Fairfax County.
Most of the "new" Lorton growth came about when the DC Correctional Complex in Lorton was ordered closed in 1998. With just over 3200 acres the prison complex gave Fairfax County developers an opportunity to create an entire new vision for the land and its usage. With a Virginia Rail Express Station already in place in Lorton (1994) the area was poised for growth.
On the west side of I-95 multiple neighborhoods were carved out of the prison grounds, along with parks, schools, golf course and arts center. The largest of the neighborhoods, Laurel Hill has 700 homes built by Pulte or Centex Homes. In addition to Laurel Hill, other neighborhoods that have grown out of the redevelopment of the old prison land include Laurel Crest, Laurel Highlands and the over 55 community of Spring Hill.
The next phase for the redevelopment for 78 acres of former DC Correctional Facility property is now under discussion. The Alexander Company has proposed a mixed used development which will include re-purposing the old Chapel, Dining Halls and additional prison building as apartments. Also included in the plan are new townhouses and villas. The plan requires rezoning of part of the property currently in Fairfax County Historic overlay.
The developer would like to start converting the current empty prision dormitories to apartments as early as 2013 and the new development of townhouses and retail to follow and be ready in 2015. Below is a rendering from the Alexander Company on their proposed plan. The plan includes saving the old grandstand currently seen from Route 123 as you drive past the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.
With it's convenience to Fort Belvoir, easy access to I-95, community VRE station and community amenities it is easy to see why the "new" Lorton has become a re-development success in Fairfax County. Now this phase of development will add even more reasons for Lorton to be a popular place to live.
If you are interested in learning more about relocating to the Lorton area give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213. We can meet up for coffee in Lorton Station and talk about about whether this is the right time for you to make a move. No hassle, no pressure, just straight talk about the home buying process property in today's market.
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