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Revitalizing History: The Transformation of the Liberty Crest Apartments
From 1910 until its closure in 2001, the Liberty Crest Apartments were formerly known as the Lorton Reformatory, a correctional facility located in Lorton, Virginia, primarily housing inmates from Washington, D.C.
This site gained notoriety as the detention place for many suffragists who were imprisoned following the Silent Sentinels’ protests at the White House in 1917. Notably, the Library of Congress designates November 14 of that year as the “Night of Terror,” highlighting the brutal treatment endured by these women during their incarceration.
The facility, sprawling over a vast 2,324 acres that once included a working farm, was ultimately shut down in 2001. In a significant shift, the following year, Fairfax County purchased the land for $4.2 million, transforming the former prison and its surroundings into community-oriented spaces, including parks, a golf course, schools, and an arts center.
In 2008, Fairfax County partnered with the Alexander Company, a developer from Wisconsin recognized for its commitment to historic preservation and sustainable redevelopment. Their mission was to convert the decommissioned prison into residential apartments, resulting in the creation of 165 living units.
David Vos, a project manager with the Alexander Company, stated, “The Lorton Reformatory presented a unique opportunity for redevelopment due to its architectural features.” He elaborated that, unlike many prisons characterized by oppressive designs with limited natural light, the buildings in Lorton were filled with light and possessed a distinctive charm, making them suitable for residential conversion.
The rental rates at Liberty Crest Apartments vary between $1,372 and $2,700, offering a range of options for prospective tenants. The complex comprises a mixture of unit types, including 84 one-bedroom and 81 two-bedroom apartments, with 44 designated as affordable low-income housing.
The renovation process spanned nearly two years and required an investment of approximately $64 million. Funding sources primarily included historic tax credits, bond financing, and low-income housing tax credits, with Virginia Housing providing the initial mortgage, which carries monthly payments of around $125,000.
When the apartments opened in June 2017, all units were quickly leased, with the complex maintaining full occupancy ever since. Vos noted, “The community’s response to the redevelopment has been mixed. Many appreciate the preservation of history, while others are more reflective of the darker aspects of the prison’s past.”
Despite those mixed feelings, Vos and his team believe that retaining historical elements serves as a pivotal reminder, “It’s crucial to preserve history so we can learn from it and avoid repeating past mistakes.” The Liberty Crest Apartments aim to blend modern living with the historical significance of the site.
Throughout the campus, signs and artifacts from the prison era serve as poignant reminders of its history. “There’s a number of reminders as you walk around the campus that acknowledge its past as a correctional facility,” Vos added.
The name “Liberty Crest Apartments” was intentionally chosen to signify a new beginning for the property. Vos explained that the name reflects a commitment to liberating the buildings from their troubled history.
Notably, the cafeteria of the former prison has been transformed into a communal space for residents, while the campus also features amenities like a yoga studio, fitness center, pool, and playgrounds. A field on the property, where a grandstand built by inmates exists, is now used for various resident activities.
Additionally, Liberty Crest hosts a preschool, dental services, various restaurants, and retail shops, fostering a vibrant community environment. As the apartments have now been open for nearly nine years, the redevelopment is largely complete, but Vos and the Alexander Company are planning further projects, including the renovation of a power plant and former guard quarters into additional residential units.
“The community has truly embraced the Liberty project, and there’s a palpable pride in the transformation of this site,” Vos concluded, reflecting the positive reception of the project.
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