Kimley Horn presents Veil/Trail House master plan with event spaces, trails and phased build-out

Kimley Horn landscape architect Catherine (Speaker 5) presented the Veil/Trail House master plan to the Midlothian Community Development Corporation, outlining a concept that would convert roughly four acres into a mix of event venues, trails and public amenities. She told the board the north-end “ceremony venue space” is designed to take advantage of creek views and existing trees and estimated capacity at about 200 guests. “So I'm Catherine with Kimley Horn, and I'm here to present the Veil House master plan that we've come up with,” she said during the presentation.

The plan calls for ADA‑compliant 8‑foot pedestrian concrete trails, expanded parking (approximately 70 spaces), a multipurpose stage replacing a dilapidated red barn, and permanent restroom locations including a two‑stall restroom near the trailhead and another north of an art structure. Catherine described amenities intended for photo opportunities, a gravel lot for food trucks and a flexible lawn with string lights. She emphasized the concept is not final and staff will collect feedback and return with revisions.

Board members and staff focused questions on operations and phasing. Staff described the proposal as intentionally phased to reduce up-front cost, noting a full build-out could reach the multimillion-dollar range while early phases — for example a bridge and restroom — could be completed earlier to activate trails. The board directed staff to gather further cost details and return with options for lease, sale or city-operated management.