The American Horticultural Society's River Farm property will be going up for sale this fall, despite strong protests from local residents and AHS membership.
However, AHS leadership says they are listening to residents and local leaders and are trying to find a way to sell the property but still leave it open for public access.
In early September, AHS announced plans to sell its 25-acre River Farm historic property for upwards of $15 million. The listing information is not yet available to the public.
AHS, a membership-based organization that focuses on American horticulture, said financial troubles were forcing it to sell the property, possibly as part of a merger with a professional association.
Local residents who cherish the open space in an increasingly dense region expressed extreme displeasure with the plan, fearing development.
In a statement this week, AHS Interim Executive Director Bob Brackman said:
"The American Horticultural Society (AHS) board has been heartened by the community’s interest in AHS and River Farm especially at this challenging time for everyone.
While River Farm will remain on the market to meet the financial needs of AHS, we are now focused on working with local and state leaders and community members and organizations to find a way that will allow River Farm to have open, public access.
Our discussions with local elected leaders have been very encouraging, and we are appreciative of all they are doing to help us find a way to meet the public’s desire for River Farm to remain largely as open, public space and at the same time meet our fiduciary responsibilities to ensure the financial sustainability of AHS.
We continue to be mindful that we have always served a national audience and that continues to be our plan for the future. AHS will continue to explore partnerships with like-minded, national organizations to promote innovative, sustainable gardening practices throughout America.
We are confident that the board will find a path forward that will continue the AHS legacy, promote the best contemporary gardening practices, and meet our financial challenges.”
According to tax documents on its website, AHS had revenue of $3.063 million in its 2019 fiscal year and expenses of $3.024 million. In the five prior years, revenue has fluctuated between $2.39 million and $4.44 million, in part depending on grants, program revenue and investment income.
Since 2013, the organization has been operating in the black. AHS blames the coronavirus pandemic for its sudden financial predicament.
AHS was based in Old Town Alexandria until the 1970s. After the owner of what is now River Farm almost sold the property to the Soviets, prominent local philanthropist Enid A. Haupt helped AHS purchase the property. She did so with no endowment to maintain the historic building (parts of which date to the 1750s), but AHS "[agreed] to keep the property open for the enjoyment of the American people," according to the organization's website.
