Henrico County officials and representatives from Henrico County Public Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 29 for the Living Building at Wilton Farm, located on a 1,200-acre site in Varina near the intersection of interstates 95 and 895.
Superintendent Amy E. Cashwell described the upcoming 15,000-square-foot facility as one that will prioritize environmental sustainability and conservation. “It will ‘give back more than it takes, protecting the local ecosystem, generating its own energy and creating an environment that revitalizes itself,’” she said.
The Living Building at Wilton Farm is scheduled to open in late 2026. The $16.3 million project will serve students enrolled in the Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Officials highlighted features such as solar power generation, rainwater conversion to potable water, and other sustainable practices. The project aims to transform land that previously hosted enslaved workers into a modern learning center focused on environmental stewardship.
County Manager John A. Vithoulkas stated, “The structure will be an example for the state and the nation, and beyond that, a lasting, positive impact for those who follow us.”
The building will seek formal recognition as a living building from the International Living Future Institute. Currently, more than 30 buildings have achieved this certification status.
The selection of Wilton Farm’s 62 acres for this project marked a significant change from earlier plans for the land. In 2005, developers had zoning approval to build thousands of homes on the property. This changed when Henrico County purchased the land in 2019 with preservation in mind. Funding for the new facility was approved by county voters through the 2022 bond referendum.
Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson reflected on early discussions about establishing an environmentally focused specialty center at Varina High School and later purchasing Wilton Farm. He commented on “thoughtful use of this property,” saying: “The living building will demonstrate innovation and harmony with nature.”
Nelson expressed gratitude to his colleagues for supporting the project and thanked Cashwell for introducing the concept to county officials. In acknowledgment of their efforts, Cashwell presented plaques to both Nelson and Vithoulkas.
Vithoulkas added that “this place will be forever known as the house that Nelson and Cashwell built,” referencing features such as nearby lakes, wetlands, farmland, and open spaces along the James River.
Henrico County Public Schools is the only school district serving Henrico County and had an enrollment of over 50,000 students during the 2023-24 school year according to state data (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). Black students represented about 36% of total enrollment during that period (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home), while white students made up nearly 32%. The district saw stable overall numbers compared to previous years (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home).
