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. 

Thousands of citizens have publicly advocated for the preservation and retention of equestrian facilities at Woodlawn. The community has made it exceedingly clear that it would like to see the meadows and pastures of Woodlawn remain as symbols of its equestrian heritage. While understanding the need for changes due to the challenges of running a self-sustaining museum property and the construction of the Route 1 Bypass, SWS and other equestrian consultants have presented mixed-used proposals that would include both an equestrian facility and Arcadia. Supporters are greatly disappointed that the NTHP and Arcadia have chosen not to support a promising and all-encompassing multi-use facility on the property that could have honored both the equestrian and the agricultural history of the Plantation.