Politics & Government

Lorton's Workhouse Arts Center "Challenged By Financial Model" says President and CEO John Mason

What will it take to make the Workhouse a success? Tell us in the comments.

The business plan at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton is deeply flawed, according to its President and CEO John Mason. 

"Clearly we remain challenged by our financial model, which I've said time and again doesn't work," said Mason to Patch. "We are in the process with the bank and the county of addressing the business model question."

Are you following us on Facebook and Twitter? You should. 

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hopes of a restaurant and other amenities on campus are dashed because of the Workhouse's nonprofit status, and renovation can be costly and time consuming given the paperwork and approvals required to develop on the historic former home of the Lorton Prison. 

The Lorton Arts Foundation, the nonprofit that operates the Workhouse, is asking the county for its annual allocation of $685,000, according to its fiscal year 2014 budget proposal. They are also asking for $2.8 million in debt service support for approximately $40 million in bonds.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last year, the Workhouse took in over $800,000 with a historic tax credit and the return of tax escrow - funds that are not in the FY2014 budget. The arts center is currently contending with $89,388 in its projected fund balance - versus $650,846 that was included in the FY2013 budget.   

Lorton Arts Foundation Budget

FY2013 LAF Budget Fy2014 LAF Projected Budget Operating Revenue $537,372 $664,942 County Debt Support $2,318,343 $2,521,824 County Operating Support $685,000 $685,000 Direct Costs $1,579,879

$1,609,214

Administrative Costs $2,125,506 $2,173,164 Debt Service $2,665,000 $2,835,000 Historic Tax Credit $726,904 NA Return of Tax Escrow $88,612 NA Total Fund Balance $650,846 $89,388

Mason is also proposing that LAF increase direct costs (education, community relations and visual and performing arts) from $1.58 million to $1.61 million. 

  • See Workhouse Arts Center Challenges
  • See Lorton Arts Foundation Sets Sights on Self-Sustainment

A financial team from Wells Fargo is expected to report back to Mason over the next several months on short and long-term cost savings and revenue enhancements.

The LAF Board will pass its budget in June - nearly a month after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passes its own budget. 

"We need to know what we can do by-right with the authority we have to determine the right mix on campus," said Mason, who publicly remains uncommitted on renewing his contract, which expires next summer. 

The Workhouse is set on 55 acres and features more than 150 artists with studios, live theater performances, classes, art shows, dinners and movie nights. 

What advice do you have for the Lorton Arts Foundation? Tell us in the comments section below.


 


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