Business & Tech

National Trust Will Not Renew Woodlawn Stables Lease

The current lease is set to expire in 2016.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Friday that it would not renew current lease.

The Federal Highway Administration is . Both options would have an impact on Woodlawn Stables and historic land. Woodlawn Stables' lease is set to expire in 2016; its owners and grassroots group Save Woodlawn Stables have asked the Trust to extend the current lease beyond 2016.

“The National Trust’s primary focus is to preserve the National Historic Landmark and to support the long-term sustainability of our historic sites, including Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House," said David J. Brown, executive vice president and chief preservation officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in a statement released Friday.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

"As such, the National Trust must consider the best use of its property at the Woodlawn historic site in order to meet our obligations as stewards of the property and our buildings housed on the site," he said. "As a responsible organization, we are focused on Woodlawn’s future as a vibrant historic site, which includes consideration of all options for this land. Therefore, we will not renew Scanlin Farms’ current lease that expires in 2016. The lease is not sustainable and extending it would not be a prudent business decision. Once the effects of the highway project on Woodlawn are better understood, the National Trust will consider all options for the property, including proposals from public or private parties.

“The decision we ultimately make with this property will be consistent with the highest preservation standards, the public’s interests and the protection of the historic resources. The National Trust wants to work with the local community and county, state and federal government agencies to ensure the protection of the valuable historic resources in the Woodlawn Historic District and maximize the best potential uses of the Woodlawn property and buildings.”

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

What do you think about the National Trust's decision not to renew the lease? Tell us in the comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Mount Vernon