A group of local developers is looking to transform the long-unused barn at Mount Vernon’s Grist Mill Park into a restaurant and live music venue.
The unsolicited proposal was submitted by Long & Foster realtors Mark and Michael White, Tech24 Construction CEO and President Victor Bonomi, and First Washington Realty senior construction director Daniel Wiechert.
All four members of the leadership team are Mount Vernon residents, and they’ve led several D.C.-area projects, including Atlas Brew Works, Bronson Bierhall, Nighthawk Pizza, Supreme Core, and One Eight Distilling, according to the proposal.
Because the proposal was submitted under Virginia’s Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA), state law requires Fairfax County to open a competitive bidding process before moving forward.
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), which owns the property at 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, announced last week that it’s accepting alternative proposals for the barn’s redevelopment through April 25. Interested developers can submit plans via the county’s Department of Procurement and Material Management website.
The developers have proposed renovating the two-level, approximately 7,000-square-foot barn into a full-service restaurant with an outdoor dining area and a permanent stage to support the park’s summer concert series and other events.
According to the proposal, the restaurant would serve “family friendly food” as well as locally brewed craft beer, wine and spirits, possibly from George Washington’s Grist Mill. It also shows a walk-up window that would serve coffee and ice cream independently of the restaurant, similar to Custard Shack in Belle View.
The group has also proposed a separate restroom building for park visitors, expanded parking and a bicycle rest station along the recently completed Mount Vernon bike path between Richmond Highway and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
“The Grist Mill barn has been a negative asset to the Fairfax County Park Authority for many decades as it is in constant need of maintenance and currently has limited positive usage for the surrounding park,” the proposal says.
The developer group argues that a restaurant and event space would provide a new community gathering spot while generating revenue for the county.
The developers say they have discussed their plans with the leadership of the Gunston Soccer Club, which regularly uses the 75-acre park. The club has expressed support for the addition of restrooms and concessions, which its members have identified as ongoing needs.
The future of the barn has been a topic of discussion for years.
The FCPA held a public meeting in 2019 as part of a master plan revision for Grist Mill Park. Residents at the meeting suggested using the barn for indoor sports, a nature center, or storage for gardening and recreational equipment, among other ideas. Some raised concerns about parking, lighting and stormwater runoff.
The new unsolicited proposal contains three renovation options for the barn, but they’ve been redacted and labeled “confidential,” leaving the specific design and layout a mystery. A potential funding plan is also redacted.
The FCPA will evaluate proposals based on feasibility, community impact, and alignment with the park’s long-term vision. A timeline for selecting a final plan has not been announced.
Photo via Google Maps
