A proposed expansion of the private Green Hedges School in Vienna (415 Windover Avenue NW) will return to the town’s planning commission for review tonight (Wednesday).
After three years of discussions, the school filed an updated application for a conditional use permit earlier this month that includes some notable changes from its original proposal, which emerged in May 2022.
“This application has considered the best use of existing buildings, building codes, educational needs, the size and location of open space, landscaping and screening, zoning requirements, the appropriate size and scale of campus buildings, vehicular and pedestrian safety, the Green Hedges design aesthetic, neighborhood feedback, and phasing,” Sara Mariska, a land use attorney representing the school, said in a statement of justification.
Founded in 1942, Green Hedges has undergone previous expansions in 1997, 2007 and 2017. However, with parts of the main building — known as Kilmer Hall — now around 50 years old, school leaders determined that new upgrades are needed, then-head of school Jennifer Bohnen told FFXnow back in 2022.
The overall expansion concept remains intact. Like before, the plan would involve extensive interior renovations to Kilmer Hall, nearly doubling its size from 15,495 square feet to 38,860 square feet.
Green Hedges is also proposing a three-story, 35-foot-tall academic building to replace the one-story Grace Hecker Rice Arts Center, a new athletic field, the first substantial playground updates in 20 years, improved vehicle circulation, and more.
An athletic field was approved as part of the 2007 plans but was never constructed.
At the same time, a number of revisions were made to the proposed development plan “in response to issues identified by the Town and community,” according to the statement of justification.
“The proposed modifications have been carefully designed and planned to meet School needs, allow the School to serve as a community resource, while also being sensitive of neighbors,” Mariska wrote.
Among other changes from the initial proposal, the school now hopes to keep Kilmer Hall as a single-story building, rather than adding a second level. Plans for a standalone gym have been scrapped, and a two-story house on the property at 227 Nutley Street will no longer be demolished.
The school will also construct sidewalks on Windover Avenue and Lewis Street, add fencing and avoid the need for temporary trailers under the updated application.
If the project is approved, construction will occur in two phases instead of the previously suggested three:
Phase 1
- Demolish Rice Arts Building and construct New Academic Building.
- Construct new parking areas.
- Construct new grass field.
- Install bike parking.
- Landscaping enhancements.
- Construct new fences.
- Construct sidewalk on Lewis Street and Windover Avenue.
Phase 2
- Renovate and expand Kilmer Hall.
- Construct new playgrounds.
- Enhance landscaping within playground areas
As part of the expansion, Green Hedges is seeking to raise a cap on the size of its student body from 190 students to 225 students — the first increase since the 1980s.
According to the application, the increase is “critically important for the School to maintain long-term financial viability” and continue serving its community.
The school would also expand its workforce from 42 full-time employees to 50.
The Vienna Planning Commission will discuss the latest application during a work session scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., prior to its regular meeting.
