It’s Official!
Footers are in for the new Rappahannock Food Pantry!
We welcome your ideas!
Please reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have about the project.
We believe in full transparency. Please ask us anything!
The Land
A nine-acre site has been purchased and is envisioned to be a community resource called the Rush River Commons.
The History
More than half a century ago, the Black Kettle Motel and Restaurant welcomed visitors to Rappahannock.
The Vision
A new community space surrounding protected wetlands and fostering Rappahannock-grown programs and services.
Childhood Memories of Washington
Virginia-Drucilla (Cil) Davis Knutsen (in red) and Normie Davis Dickerson (in orange), reminisce about growing up in Washington during the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. Interview conducted by Jimmie Debergh at the Rush River Commons Open House on March 25, 2023.
RUSH RIVER COMMONS: a Rappahannock County resource for residents and destination for visitors.
Rush River Commons also envisions a community center, office space for non-profits, and affordable rental housing – all linked by walkways over the property’s wetlands and streams.
The Rappahannock Food Pantry will anchor the project in a new modern facility, centrally-located with convenient access. The location will be provided at essentially no cost to the Food Pantry.
“Our goal is to create a facility for the community, but not at the community’s expense.” – Chuck Akre
Other potential uses may include an entertainment center, amphitheater, outdoor eating and gathering areas, educational facilities such as a “maker space”* and space for pop-up activities.
*A maker space is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools.
Concept aerial view of Rush River Commons
Concept / preliminary illustrations of walkways
Concept / preliminary illustration of outdoor amphitheater
The proposed plan is comprised of a commercial “community cluster” at the intersection of Warren Avenue and Leggett Lane, and a “residential cluster” to the south, along Leggett Lane. The commercial cluster includes office space with a small retail component and the new home of the Rappahannock Food Pantry. A plaza area connects the two. Parking for the two buildings will be shared and an appropriate number of handicap parking spaces will be provided.
In the residential cluster three structures are planned around a central green park space. Units will be a combination of townhome style structures and stacked flats.
Site plan – housing
Community cluster perspective illustration