18 COURT St is NOT FOR SALE!

The Warrenton residents own 18 Court Street; not the County Board of Supervisors and even not the Town officials. As an emerging destination town for the arts; 18 Court Street is emerging as as our Art hub for community-wide purposes such as art workshops, temporary Senior Center, nonprofit engagements, and eventually a performance hall for all sorts of events. The additional foot traffic around the Courthouse will provide increased business for the existing restaurants and retail shops…and ultimately Town revenue. This will offset any maintenance costs of this Town asset. WPAC suggests that the buyers look at other properties, along Culpeper Street perhaps, for their additional building/restaurant/bar needs. There are plenty of options in that locality that could use a makeover. 18 Court St is a Town treasure that belongs to the Town’s people. The building turned 100 years old this past year and has been under the custodial watch of the Town for more than half of those years. It’s Classical Revival style was built by our Fauquier County forefathers to stand majestically for our generation and generations to come. Wisely, the Town brought this treasure into our town as an asset and took care of it as such.

To the County: The Town of Warrenton residents and shopkeepers are surprised that you have “appointed” a buyer for the Warren Green building. Do you realize this gives the appearance of an insider deal? Where is the fair, open, American-spirited competition regarding commercial assets in this deal? Shouldn’t it go out to bid? There are likely several interested firms that can restore the hotel to its historical glory. How did you come to this decision?

To the Town: Please decline the offer to bundle 18 Court Street in this prearranged deal that the CBOS has implemented as you are stewards of Warrenton residents, retailers and the Town guests both near and far who visit us over and over again. Please step aside from the context of making a “business transaction” and look at 18 Court St as a vessel of possibility for the immediate future and for the new generations to come. PROTECT this historic asset and help the Town’s people maximize it’s potential as beckoning attraction for multiple events where people with a variety of interests will enter and then take in the magnificence of our Old Town as they meander down Main St. What an excellent way to boost prosperity for your businesses and give people an experience they treasure. LOVE OLD TOWN WARRENTON VIRGINIA starts at the top of the hill in the court-yard block then opens up and spills out onto Main Street, ultimately circling back to support the Town endeavors. Show your LOVE for the Town’s people, businesses and beloved guests; DECLINE the request from the CBOS. People will perpetually CHOOSE Warrenton because it IS the Virginia ART TOWN that everyone wants to visit and everyone loves.

18 COURT St is NOT FOR SALE!