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Arts Herndon plans to remain at 750 Center Street after the collapse of a long-awaited downtown redevelopment project removed the immediate threat of demolition.
Michael L. O’Reilly, chairman of the nonprofit’s board, said March 14 that Arts Herndon had informed town officials it would not relocate to an alternative space. He described downtown as the best location for the community arts center, which has operated at Center Street since 2008.
The decision raises questions about a sublicense signed by Vice Mayor Clark A. Hedrick and O’Reilly. That agreement gave Arts Herndon use of the 6,000-square-foot building and surrounding premises beginning Nov. 12, 2024, but set an expiration date of March 31, 2025. It also required the organization to restore the property to its original condition before leaving.
Arts Herndon argues that the circumstances underlying the agreement have changed dramatically. The town no longer holds the property, the redevelopment has been delayed indefinitely, and Comstock Herndon Ventures LC has not completed the planned transfer back to Herndon. The organization contends those changes make the original expiration date invalid and unenforceable.
The arts center sits within 4.675 acres deeded to Comstock for downtown redevelopment. Comstock notified the town in December 2024 that it would not proceed with the project, citing multiple factors.
Herndon then exercised its contractual right in January 2025 to reclaim the property. Town officials said Comstock was expected to sign documents returning it but had not done so.
On Feb. 28, the town filed a declaration terminating Comstock’s interest in the property. Herndon said the declaration was recorded with the Land Records Division of the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Mediation over the title remains underway.
The uncertainty fueled an emotional March 11 Town Council meeting. Teen and young adult members of the LGBTQIA+ music community joined other speakers in urging officials to keep the arts center open. Several mistakenly described the March 31 deadline as an eviction.
Residents spoke of sadness, anger and confusion while calling for greater transparency. One woman said she did not want to see another vacant building in town.
Mayor Keven LeBlanc reaffirmed his support for downtown redevelopment and a thriving arts district but said the unresolved legal dispute prevented the town from entering a formal agreement for continued use of 750 Center Street. He also said the aging building is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Herndon renovated an alternative location at 397 Herndon Parkway at town expense. LeBlanc said it is ADA-compliant and includes two large areas for events, galleries and studio work, as well as an office and two sinks. Arts Herndon would also remain able to reserve the Town Green, Town Lawn and Community Center for programs.
The Herndon Parkway building houses the Herndon Police Department, NextStop Theatre, Fairfax County Public Schools and offices for Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, state Sen. Jennifer Boysko and Del. Irene Shin. The proposed arts space is at the far left side of the building.
Councilmember Cesar del Aguila said other nonprofits would likely be interested in the space if Arts Herndon does not become its tenant. He noted that the town needs facilities for services including soup kitchens, food distribution and assistance for day laborers.