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Manassas council signals no appetite to preserve Old Dean; asks for archaeological review before public forum
Summary
Council members told the school board they do not support preserving the Old Dean building in its current condition and urged staff to complete an archaeological survey before holding a public forum; a 2024 special‑use‑permit (SUP) discussion was cited that contemplates removal within 18 months of the new school opening.
City of Manassas council members and the Manassas School Board discussed the future of the historic Old Dean school building during a joint work session on March 26, with council leaders urging caution and an archaeological survey before any public forum and signaling little support for preserving the structure in its present condition.
Council members repeatedly told the school board they do not want the division to hold a public forum on April 22 regarding Old Dean until city staff completes an archaeological review. Councilmember Tom O'Cena (Ocina) summarized an SUP amendment he sponsored and said the existing special‑use permit contemplated that Old Dean would be removed within 18 months of opening the new Dean facility unless a specific, council‑approved plan to preserve portions was presented. O'Cena said: “Within 18 months of the opening of new Dean, Old Dean will be taken down. No ifs, no ands, no buts with the exception of any of the historic items that are identified.”
Mayor Davis Young and other council members endorsed a cautious approach, saying the city and school staff should complete technical reviews before convening a public meeting. Council leadership told the school board there was “zero interest from any member of this council about preserving that building anywhere near its current state,” and asked staff to return with archaeological findings and recommendations likely in May or June.
Why it matters: The Old Dean site is school property and has been part of a broader conversation about school facilities, historical preservation and future park or site planning. Council members said early public meetings could create false expectations if archaeological and engineering reviews were not complete.
Staff and board next steps School and city staff agreed to sequence work so the archaeological survey and other technical reviews precede broader public outreach. Council members said they expect any remaining historically significant fabric identified by the survey to be considered for preservation in consultation between the city and school staff, but that the overall consensus on the council was that the building itself would not remain in place long term. The school board and city agreed to coordinate timing so public input is gathered after technical work is complete.
No formal votes were recorded on Old Dean during the session; council members framed their remarks as guidance and an expression of the council’s current policy position.
