Sept. 15 hearing concerns one accessory structure at the historic Fairview Avenue property, not Tillett Hall itself
2-Minute Brief
WHAT: The Manassas Architectural Review Board will consider a request to demolish a one-story accessory structure at Tillett Hall, 9522 Fairview Avenue.
WHEN: The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Manassas City Hall.
WHAT IS NOT BEING DEMOLISHED: Tillett Hall itself and a separate two-story accessory building are not part of the demolition request. The City says all other structures will remain unaltered and intact.
WHY IT MATTERS: Tillett Hall is a contributing historic property within the City’s Historic Overlay District and is associated with John R. Tillett, a prominent Manassas bridge builder and stone contractor.
HOW TO COMMENT: Residents may email comments to ARB@manassasva.gov. Reference ARB #2026-0026, Tillett Hall, 9522 Fairview Avenue.
The Manassas Architectural Review Board will consider a request Tuesday to demolish a one-story accessory structure at the historic Tillett Hall property, 9522 Fairview Avenue.
The application, ARB #2026-0026, seeks a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of the accessory structure.
The request does not include demolition or alteration of Tillett Hall itself or the separate two-story accessory building.
The City’s public-hearing notice states that “all other structures will remain unaltered and intact.”
The hearing begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Manassas City Hall.
What the Board Will Consider
The City agenda identifies the case as “Tillett Hall (Demolition of Accessory Structure).”
Tillett Hall is listed in the City’s historic-property survey as a contributing resource within the Historic Overlay District.
The one-story accessory structure is built of local red sandstone, a material found in historic construction throughout Manassas. Its age, original use and relationship to the larger Tillett Hall property remain important parts of the historical record surrounding the request.
The City’s published hearing notice does not state why the owner is seeking demolition or what would replace the structure. The property has been part of broader redevelopment discussions, but the current application does not connect this demolition request to a specific future project.
Why the ARB Decides
Because the property is within the City’s Historic Overlay District, demolition of a historic structure requires review by the Architectural Review Board and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness.
The board considers factors including a structure’s age, architectural and historical significance, construction and materials, and its relationship to the historic property.
The ARB may approve, deny, modify or defer the request. Its decision may be appealed to the Manassas City Council.
Broader Redevelopment Has Been Proposed
The Tillett Hall property has previously been included in a broader redevelopment concept involving the adjacent property at 8812 Wesley Avenue.
City planning records describe a townhouse redevelopment concept that would retain Tillett Hall while adding new residential development nearby. The proposal included townhouse buildings arranged around an existing apartment building, with some units facing the Tillett Hall property.
A separate special-use-permit application for 9522 Fairview Avenue proposed an educational facility and day care, but City records list that application as on hold.
The current demolition request does not state that the accessory structure is being removed for either of those projects. The Manassas Journal has not yet confirmed what, if anything, is planned for the space after demolition.
A Link to Early Manassas
The Tillett Hall property carries the name of John R. Tillett, a Manassas businessman, mason, bridge builder and stone contractor whose work extended beyond the city.
Virginia transportation records show that Tillett received an 1881 contract to construct stonework for a bridge across the Rapidan River at Germanna, between Culpeper and Orange counties. Records also show him pursuing other bridge work in the region.
The legacy Manassas Journal later described Tillett as one of Manassas’ leading businessmen and a bridge contractor.
Historical records also document Tillett’s Civil War service and later association with Mosby’s men.
Additional local history associated with Tillett, including reported connections to downtown buildings and church property in Manassas, is still being verified through archival and land records.
What Happens Next
The Architectural Review Board will hear the application and public comment Tuesday before deciding whether to approve, deny, place conditions on or defer the demolition request.
Residents who want to comment before the board acts may email ARB@manassasva.gov and reference ARB #2026-0026, Tillett Hall, 9522 Fairview Avenue. Written comments will be provided to the board as part of the public-hearing process.
The Manassas Journal will report the board’s decision and any additional information established through the hearing record.
Sources: City of Manassas Architectural Review Board public-hearing notice for ARB #2026-0026; Sept. 15 Architectural Review Board agenda and project materials; City of Manassas historic-property records and Historic Overlay District regulations; City planning records related to 8812 Wesley Avenue and 9522 Fairview Avenue; Virginia transportation historical records; archival records relating to John R. Tillett and the legacy Manassas Journal.
