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Lorton Workhouse Arts Center-Have You checked it Out Yet?

By
Real Estate Agent with Integrity Real Estate Group

If not then you are missing your chance to be impressed by the transformation of the former prison site in Lorton VA.   For over 100 years Lorton was an area that most residents of Northern Virginia went out of their way to avoid, especially at night.  The prison site was eerie and the two lane road past the prison was dark.    

Now on Friday nights you can stop in for a flame working demonstration by renowned artist, dance a little cha-cha-cha with a Latin band or enjoy an art show while sipping a glass of wine.  Want to learn how to fuse glass?  Looking to expand your digital photographer skills?  Then you can sign up for weekend courses geared towards your current skill levels

The winter 2009 course catalog has 32 pages of courses you can take!   

The old prison buildings have been transformed into artist's studios, workshops space and exhibit halls.   The Gallery building is also available for special events and can be rented by the public.  More buildings including the barn left from the days when the prison was a working farm are still to be renovated and will make the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center even more impressive than it already is.

From the Women Suffragists imprisoned in 1917, Nike Missile Base in the 1950's and some famous prisoners including Norman Mailer, the prison has seen its share of changes.  This last change is the one that has made this former prison the jewel of the Lorton area and one that is welcomed by everyone.

Posted by

                                   Real People*Real Lives*Real Estate

If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones and Integrity Real Estate Group a call at 703-346-2213.

Military Relocation Specialist serving military families relocating to and from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico MCB and all of the Military District of Washington installations. 

Military Relocation Professional


Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.

Integrity Real Estate Group
 
Real People*Real Life*Real Estate

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia



 

 

Comments (10)

Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Cindy, I keep meaning to check this place out.  I remember when Marion Barry was one of the residents!

Jan 26, 2009 01:32 PM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

Very nice post!  You come up with the most interesting localism material and I like your slide show presentation.

Jan 26, 2009 06:51 PM
Anonymous
Peggy James-Erick and Company-Woodbridge VA

Hi Cindy,

It's just amazing for all of us who pass by there for decades to see the transformation. Awesome post!

Jan 26, 2009 10:08 PM
#3
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Patricia-yes there were a few "famous" residents at Lorton.  We won't go into Marion Barry's famous words will we?

Jan 27, 2009 12:55 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Margaret-I learned it watching you! 

Jan 27, 2009 12:56 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Peggy-I'm fortunate to be a volunteer at the center and have attended a number of the Friday night events.  The flameworking demo last friday night was amazing and the studios are such a fantastic reuse of the old jail cell buildings.

Jan 27, 2009 12:58 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Cindy  I am very "impressed by the transformation of the former prison site in Lorton VA" This might make a good Active Rain gathering site.

Jan 27, 2009 11:50 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Margaret-it would.  The upper gallery with it's old hardwood floors and high ceilings is a really nice place.

Jan 27, 2009 12:15 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Cindy:  You give a great description of what it felt like to drive by that prison at night.  Heck, as a teenager I was so creeped out by the place that I begged off of a field trip to the prison.  It was for Psychology class.  No way was I going in there.  Amazing the difference between then and now.

Jan 28, 2009 02:00 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Quite a change. Thanks for sharing.

 Blooming for home buyers this summer.

Jul 21, 2010 01:49 AM