This prison was turned into posh apartments

Prison may seem like the last place anyone would want to live, but a renovated lockup in Virginia boasts a waiting list.

After sitting vacant and crumbling for years, the Lorton Reformatory prison complex underwent an HGTV-worthy makeover into Liberty Crest Apartments, with 165 one- and two-bedroom units renting for $1,372–$2,700 per month. Although bars remain on the windows to preserve this penitentiary’s dark past, the interiors are light-filled and loft-like, surrounded by lush courtyards, a pristine swimming pool, plus a commercial area nearby full of restaurants, retail shops, a yoga studio, and even a preschool and playground.

This remarkable transformation comes courtesy of the Alexander Company, which specializes in urban development and historic preservation, and is a prime example of “adaptive reuse,” the practice of breathing new life into old buildings by giving them a new purpose. Here’s how development project manager David Vos tackled this unique renovation, and why it could be the key to solving America’s housing shortage.

How did this prison end up getting turned into apartments? “The idea of adaptively reusing the Lorton Reformatory was shaped by a citizen task force working with Fairfax County to explore potential reuses for the campus. Housing emerged as a priority. Transforming a former prison into housing is symbolic. It reflects a broader societal shift away from mass incarceration and toward reinvestment in communities.”

What changes did you make to the building? “Working within the framework of historic buildings meant that many elements, including window sizes and bars on windows, had to remain intact. The guard towers remain as visual landmarks, and we retained original signage where we could. Rather than altering the historic fabric, we focused on transforming the interiors into warm, livable spaces, investing in high-quality finishes for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms—the everyday spaces that matter most to residents. We also prioritized community gathering spaces, like shared courtyards, green spaces, and lounge areas. We struck a balance: honoring the site’s history while concentrating on the human element and creating a place where people truly want to live.”

Did you face any challenges convincing lenders, investors, and tenants that this was a good idea? “It required creativity and persistence to give lenders and investors confidence in the vision. We approached the project with full awareness of the site’s difficult history. This was a place of hardship for many, and we didn’t try to erase that. We had quite a few conversations with our development partners about whether to embrace the former use in the branding, such as street and building names, but ultimately, we decided to liberate the campus from its former purpose and chose the Liberty name in the branding, while preserving its historical character. In our marketing, we’ve been transparent about the building’s past, but we’ve also focused on what it represents now: renewal, resilience, and an opportunity to live in a unique space. And clearly, the community agrees—Liberty Crest consistently has a waiting list.”

The US clearly needs more housing. What else can be upcycled into residences? “We’ve been preserving historic buildings through adaptive reuse for over 40 years. We’ve converted everything from textile mills and shoe factories to train stations, theaters, power plants, and schools. And as office vacancies rise nationally, and our existing buildings continue to age, we believe more adaptive reuse into housing is not only possible but necessary. With the right mix of vision, creativity, and perseverance, nearly any historic building can receive a second chance at life. As for prisons, they’re certainly among the most challenging, but also the most powerful, symbolically.”

Do you hope to turn more prisons into nice apartments? “Not all prisons make great candidates for adaptive reuse. Lorton was unique because of its design. The Lorton Reformatory was commissioned in the early 20th century under President Theodore Roosevelt, who believed that natural light, fresh air, and a humane environment could play a key role in rehabilitation. As a result, the campus was designed with thoughtfully arranged buildings, open green spaces, and abundant daylight—qualities that translate well into residential use. This made the site an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse. Rather than demolishing the historic structures, we were able to preserve and repurpose them. At the same time, we created much-needed housing in a high-opportunity area, brought life to a previously sterile area, and eliminated Fairfax County’s financial burden of maintaining an underutilized asset.”

For a closer look at life behind bars, check out more before-and-after photos of Liberty Crest below.

Before photos:

After photos: