Probably for the first time ever, the former Lorton prison has become a place to live by choice.
People have already moved into 11 of the 165 apartments in the historically preserved prison dorms. On Thursday, these new residents joined Fairfax County officials, developers and others to celebrate the near completion of these apartments in the coming weeks.
Now called Liberty, the old prison complex is being redeveloped into a vibrant urban village with apartments, 157 townhouses, 24 single-family homes, and more than 110,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and offices. The county entered into a public-private partnership to redevelop the old prison complex that we continue to own.
“Liberty promises to be a community hub where neighbors can walk over to meet up for coffee or dinner,” said Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck . “Perhaps, watch beer being distilled at the local brewery. Read books on the central lawn. Pick up groceries on the way home or stroll over with their toddlers for playtime.”
The New Apartments: An Inside Look
The one and two bedroom apartments feature:
- Polished concrete floors
- Exposed brick
- Granite countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Lots of natural light from the original windows that have been preserved
Some units also offer private patios. The amenities include a fitness center with views of the quad and a community room located in the reformatory’s former dining hall. This club room will provide a place to host parties or gather. What was once the prison’s shower facility is now a swimming pool with 25-yard lanes, water features and an expansive deck.
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This article was originally published on the Fairfax County website.
