BOS authorizes public hearing on potential microbrewery at Lorton’s Workhouse Campus

The Workhouse Campus in Lorton, home to the Workhouse Arts Center, is one step closer to having on-site food and beverage services.

At the Nov. 1 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, the Supervisors unanimously authorized a public hearing next month on the potential lease of building W-13 to Bunnyman Brewing, a Fairfax, Virginia-based business that operates a microbrewery in the Burke community.

According to Scott Sizer with the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives, the lease of W-13, if approved, would be for food and beverage retail sales, including the sale of beers brewed at both Bunnyman’s Burke and Workhouse locations. The county’s real estate broker, JLL, selected Bunnyman as the prospective tenant for W-13 following a request for expressions of interest process.

A Bunnyman Brewing truck at the Workhouse Campus

Building W-13, which together with building W-15 is currently undergoing renovation and restoration work, is expected to be substantially complete by early 2023 and ready for occupancy next fall. Fairfax County officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking this past June for the construction project, which includes a shared courtyard and landscape and streetscape improvements along Ox Road to help enhance the public space and support the Workhouse Arts Foundation’s vision.

“I am pleased with the great partnership between the Workhouse Arts Foundation and Fairfax County,” said Leon Scioscia, president and CEO of the Workhouse Arts Foundation. “Their efforts in regard to W-13 and W-15, which I hope will result in having a brewery and a restaurant/coffee shop on campus, will be a win-win situation for all involved!”

According to the revised BOS board package, the county is continuing to work with JLL to find a tenant for building W-15, with a preference for food and beverage uses.

The Workhouse Arts Center is one of several southeast Fairfax County attractions being marketed to tourists under the “Potomac Banks” brand. According to Visit Fairfax President and CEO Barry Biggar, the addition of an on-site brewery and restaurant would give visitors “more reasons to stay and explore the Workhouse longer, while enjoying locally poured craft beer, food and an ongoing slate of classes, events and other programming.”

The BOS’ public hearing on the prospective lease of building W-13 will take place on Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m.