In a significant redevelopment project, the former Lorton Reformatory in Lorton, Virginia, has been transformed into Liberty Crest Apartments, providing 165 residential units, including affordable housing options. This large-scale historical conversion is a testament to the potential of adaptive reuse. Equally impressive is the Ark’s deep commitment to honoring the site’s complex history.
The Lorton Reformatory served as the primary prison for Washington, D.C. inmates, from 1910 until its shuttering in 2001. After its closure, Fairfax County bought the sprawling grounds—once home to a working farm—for $4.2 million in 2002. The visionary renovation project moved forward after joining with the historic preservationists with the Alexander Company. This Wisconsin developer has become famous for his focus on historic preservation and adaptive reuse. The partnership, which began in 2008, sought to reinvigorate the aging buildings, while honoring their historic legacy.
David Vos, a representative from the Alexander Company, noted that the Lorton Reformatory was well-suited for conversion into residential units. He explained, “The Lorton Reformatory was a good set of buildings to be converted into residential because it was a reform-era prison.” Unlike most prisons, which are known for foreboding, decaying structures, the reformatory flourished with windows and architectural meticulousness. This combination of factors created the perfect storm for converting to apartments.
After a decade-long advocacy effort, the Liberty Crest Apartments officially opened their doors in June 2017. The development features a total of 165 units. Of these, 44 are currently classified as affordable housing to provide for the city’s low-income residents. The monthly rent for these new apartments is $1,372–$2,700. Each unit features beautiful finishes and amenities, including the luxury of an in-unit washer and dryer.
Here’s why Community reception to the Liberty project has been overwhelmingly positive. Vos remarked, “The community has very warmly embraced the Liberty project. Everyone’s very proud of what we did here and were very pleased with the results.” He continued, “The response to the history the site carries has been complicated.” “The reaction from the community varied quite a bit. A lot of people really felt it was important to preserve that history,” he noted. Resident opposition grew in the prison’s later years, especially after reports of inmate mistreatment came to light.
“In light of these actionable criticisms, Vos made an effort to highlight the need to protect historic sites for educational opportunities. “From our standpoint, we really felt that it’s important to preserve history so you can learn from the past so that you don’t make those mistakes again in the future,” he stated.
The property, Liberty Crest, has blossomed into a vibrant community with homes, gardens, and cafes. It now serves this important role with community features such as a preschool, dental office, restaurants, and retail shops. These advancements create an amazing quality of life for residents and strengthen community involvement.
In keeping with honoring the site’s legacy, Vos detailed the meaning behind choosing the name “Liberty Crest.” He stated, “The reason we chose Liberty for the name was we really felt that we were liberating these buildings from its more recent dark past.”
Walking around the campus today, it’s hard not to notice clues to its former existence as a reformatory. Vos mentioned, “There’s a number of reminders as you walk around the campus that remind you of the fact that this used to be a reformatory or prison.” These unexpected reminders serve as a reminder of the site’s extensive historic legacy. They promote productive national dialogue about both progress and the need for change.
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