Stephen Bob Photography for Visit Alexandria
This 1750s historic home at River Farm serves as the headquarters for the American Horticultural Society.
Fairfax County's Planning Commission last week unanimously approved a proposal to establish the Wellington at River Farm Historic Overlay District (WHOD). The Board of Supervisors will review the proposal at a public hearing scheduled for April 13.
The process was first initiated at a November 2020 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, who authorized consideration of a Historic Overlay District at River Farm. This was in response to actions of the property owner, the American Horticultural Society (AHS), which announced in September that it would list the property for sale, citing financial difficulties. AHS listed the property for $32.9 million dollars in November.
According to a staff presentation on the proposed WHOD, it would serve a zoning tool that would promote “the general welfare... through the identifications, preservation, and enhancement of those buildings, structures, neighborhoods, landscapes, places and areas that have historical, cultural, architectural and archaeological significance.”
Residents in the area are concerned that the historic structure and property will be developed with new homes, even though AHS has stated they would prefer the owner to keep the property mostly as it is now. The new district would not completely prevent redevelopment, but it would put significant limitations on it.
River Farm remains on the market, listed at $32.9 million. AHS in February declined a purchase offer from NOVA Parks and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.
The Planning Commission's staff report referenced the site’s rich history, including eight existing structures and the property’s view of the Potomac River as reasons for the creation of the WHOD. Archaeological work on the site indicates that the area was occupied by Native Americans for centuries before the property was acquired by Giles Brent in the 1650s. Perhaps most significant is the purchase of the land by George Washington in 1760; it remained in his family until 1859.
The 27.58-acre property at 7931 East Boulevard Drive in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County has served as AHS headquarters since the 1970s. Local philanthropist Enid A. Haupt donated $1 million to AHS to help them purchase the property. She was motivated after the property was nearly sold to the Russians for use as a retreat center. In a New York Times article, dated March 11, 1973, Haupt was quoted as saying, “We could never let the Russians have it. We had to preserve this property for the citizens of the United States. This is part of George Washington's estate; part of my country's heritage.” Haupt said she wanted the property to be open to the public to enjoy.
It is the desire to keep River Farm open to the public and preserve it’s unique cultural, historical and natural significance that has inspired many local elected officials, community members, civic and historical associations, conservation organizations and others to start a movement to "save River Farm." This includes a petition with over 4,000 signatures and the proposal to create the WHOD.
Seventeen of these elected officials, community members and other interested parties spoke in support of the creation of the WHOD at the Planning Commission meeting. Many of them referenced their own personal connections to the site and highlighted the site’s importance as a place for education, weddings and simply a place to enjoy the outdoors. They expressed their disappointment in AHS’s decision to sell the property and questioned the organization’s motives and commitment despite past promises by AHS to maintain public access to River Farm.
One of the public sparkers in favor of the WHOD was Keister Evans, who served as the executive director of AHS from 1970-76, and was an instrumental part of the purchase of River Farm. He reinforced Haubt’s desire to preserve the site for public use. “She was extremely interested in the Wellington estate, particularly for the historical importance as a part of George Washington’s River Farm and for it to remain open to the public as a showplace for horticulture and gardens,” he said.
Delegate Paul Krizek and Senator Scott Surovell also spoke during the meeting to offer their support for the HOD. They revealed that the preservation of River Farm has support from numerous elected officials from Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Governor Ralph Northam. Virginia Senate Bill 1457, which is expected to be signed by Northam soon, would require any subdivision of the HOD be overseen by the Architectural Review Board and would also allow Fairfax County to pass an ordinance requiring public use as part of any HOD at River Farm.
The establishment of the WHOD and the passing of SB1457 will not prevent the sale of River Farm to a developer or the subdivision and future development of the property that are not part of an easement. It would, however limit the type of development that could take place and prevent the destruction of historic buildings on the property. Draft design guidelines for the proposed HOD stipulate that any development is required to “maintain, strengthen, and enhance the historic and architectural character of the district.”
Allowable uses of the property would be single-family detached homes and public use. The proposal would also allow special exceptions for the potential reuse of existing structures as antique shops, art and craft galleries or a bed & breakfast. No structures could exceed 35 feet in height.
AHS has said in multiple statements that it would like to see River Farm remain open to the public in some capacity, despite rejecting an offer from NOVA Parks and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust earlier this month.
AHS decided not to re-open the site to the public this spring, after closing in November in response to COVID-19.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously, and with little discussion, to recommend to the Board of Supervisors the adoption of the WHOD.
