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ARB approves interim repairs at Workhouse Arts Center with 10-year temporary limit and annual reporting requirement
Summary
The ARB approved interim stabilization and weatherproofing work at the Workhouse Arts Center (Buildings W1, W12, W17, W18 and WB01) and attached conditions asking the county to include an annual monitoring and maintenance plan, provide annual ARB reports, and limit temporary replacements to 10 years.
The Fairfax County Architectural Review Board on June 11 approved a county proposal to perform interim repairs and mothballing work on several vacant buildings at the Workhouse Arts Center (8941 Workhouse Road) but attached conditions aimed at ensuring ongoing oversight.
Candace Hoskins of HGA Architects and Frank Roberts, the county project manager, presented ARB 2026 MV000024, which the county characterized as targeted, safety-driven work: removal of collapsing infill porticos, filling interior open wells, selective brick and mortar repairs guided by 2025 material testing, slate roof repair, temporary window coverings and louvers for ventilation, and temporary doors to allow safe access while preserving and storing historic fabric.
Board members read comments from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) that accepted the proposal provided several conditions are met: temporary measures should not exceed 10 years; off-the-shelf terracotta coping replacements must be compared with and documented against originals (cut sheets and photographs); mortar analysis must be submitted; and any historic entry doors removed should be inventoried and stored for later reuse. Several board members and public commenters urged that the county pair interim repairs with a clear maintenance and monitoring program so the campus does not slip back into long-term neglect.
In the motion the board approved the submitted scope but added three conditions: that the county include or consider an annual monitoring and maintenance plan (with an option for a contractor’s brief report), that the county report annually to the ARB on the condition of the buildings, and that temporary measures be defined to last no more than 10 years. Mr. Daniel moved approval and Mr. Pompy seconded; the motion carried.
County staff said the work is intended as phase one—stabilization to prevent further deterioration—and that additional, more permanent rehabilitation would be scoped in future phases. Board members recommended including preservation experts and mock-ups in reviews of copings, mortar mixes and other visible repairs to preserve the site’s character.
The approval allows the county to proceed with temporary repairs, subject to the agreed monitoring, reporting and 10-year temporary limit.
