December 10, 2013 Press Release Contact: Shelley Castle 703-568-0188 Save Woodlawn Stables Disappointed with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Choice to Pursue Restaurateur and Arcadia Founder’s Vision for Woodlawn Plantation Historic District rather Than Preserve Woodlawn’s Equestrian Heritage Save Woodlawn Stables (SWS) is greatly saddened by the National
Trust for Historic Preservation‘s (NTHP) announcement that it has decided to
proceed in the development of Woodlawn Plantation’s historic property rather
than preserving the Plantation’s century long history as a livestock and
equestrian farm. As stated in their press release, NTHP
will start developing the property with Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and
Agriculture, founded by entrepreneur and owner of the Neighborhood Restaurant
Group (NRG), Michael Babin. Arcadia’s
plans to take over the stewardship of Woodlawn are outlined in its proposal
presented to Mt. Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland which can be seen
here. As a grassroots organization, thousands of SWS supporters came together and tirelessly advocated not only for the love of the Woodlawn Stables, the horses, all the owners through the generations and the many lives that have been changed by the stables, but also for our love of Woodlawn Plantation and our part of its history. We will not forget Woodlawn even if the NTHP chooses a new direction for this property. A direction that chooses not to recognize its equestrian heritage, or the good stewardship of those who have maintained and cared for the historic barns and fields for over fifty years. Rather, we as founders of SWS will continue to watch carefully the changes that will be proposed to the Woodlawn Historic District. We will stay very involved and monitor the impact of Arcadia’s proposal and the presented commercial development has on Woodlawn’s historic integrity. We hope our followers and supporters will continue to do the same as we help preserve what is left after such losses. Additional updates on how you can support preserving a community equestrian farm and having the FHWA relocate the construction of the new barn facility to Laurel Hill Park will follow. Download a copy of the press release at the bottom of the page. Arcadia and Neighborhood Restaurant Group's proposal to develop the Woodlawn Historic District can be downloaded below. Press Releases: December 12, 2012 Press Release Save Woodlawn Stables Signs Route 1 Widening Project Programmatic Agreement That Includes Design of New Barn Facility on Woodlawn Plantation Property Links to news stories about Woodlawn Stables and the Route 1 Expansion: July 23, 2012 The Channel 9 story over the debate to widen in place, build the bypass or go back to the drawing board. July 17, 2012 Flanagan proposes county review of transit options affecting Woodlawn Historical District. June 24, 2012 Delegate Scott Surovell's position on the Route 1 Improvements project as well as his concern on whether the bypass option actually preserves character of the Woodlawn property as well as the intent and application of the laws surrounding the project. June 15, 2012 An article in the Baltimore Post Examiner about The background of the Rt. 1 widening situation and the resistance against the bypass option. May 18, 2012 A Letter to the Editor in the Fairfax County Times. May 17, 2012 May 16, 2012 Video and story at the above link. Note, no amount of moving historic buildings will ever restore the integrity and view of this National Historic Landmark after they build a monstrous elevated 8 lane eyesore and gigantic storm management pond through the meadow that has been gateway to Mount Vernon since George Washington’s time. Needless to say, we disagree that the stables can be relocated, all local land that could accommodate a 50 -horse teaching facility has already been paved over. The location for the Public Hearing has been changed since this piece aired to the Hayfield High School Cafeteria. It is still on June 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. May 13, 2012 May 9, 2012 The Washington Post (on-line) is running the story from the Fairfax Times, we encourage you to share your thoughts with the Post by commenting on the story or writing the editor. Thank you May 4, 2012 While we feel the article touches lightly on the important points of our position, we hope to get an opportunity to respond to the statements made by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the article. We find it interesting that the NTHP has determined already that the historic properties are impacted less by the bypass, before the FHWA has completed all the impact studies on the property required by NEPA and Section 106 of the NHPA. May 3, 2012 April 28, 2012 April 27, 2012 April 26, 2012 April 25, 2012
April 25, 2012 Help our equestrian friends at Meadowood - sign their petition to keep their barn open during repairs. simple click and sign - you know how it works! ![]() |
About >