In the seat of history, town still stays young

As the county seat of fast-growing Loudoun County, the town of Leesburg has seen its share of population

growth and the accompanying increase in retail sites, housing development and employment centers.

Between 1980 and 1990, Loudoun County’s population increased by 50 percent, which is significant, but Leesburg’s population jumped from 8,357 to 16,202, an increase of 94 percent, according to the Town of Leesburg Economic Development Department (www.leesburgva.gov).

The Leesburg population climbed another 75 percent between 1990 and 2000, up to 28,311, and is estimated in 2005 at 35,713. The number represents a 23 percent increase during the past five years, town economic development officials report.

The population in both Loudoun County and Leesburg is significantly skewed to those 44 and younger. In Leesburg, 44 percent of the population is between 20 and 44, and 31 percent of the population is younger than 19. Only 6 percent of Leesburg residents are older than 65.

Despite the youthful trend of the population in Leesburg, the community evokes a continued reverence for the historic importance of the town during Colonial days and the Civil War.

Leesburg’s Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, which cited the community as one of the best preserved and most picturesque downtowns in Virginia. In addition to historic architecture, downtown Leesburg includes specialty shops, antiques stores and a variety of restaurants.

The Loudoun Museum exhibits provide a complete historical perspective on the area.

Founded in 1758, the 12 square miles of Leesburg originally became known as George Town in honor of King George II of England. Leesburg was later renamed to honor the influential Lee family of Virginia.

Some 35 miles northwest of Washington, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Leesburg functioned as the temporary capital of the United States during the War of 1812, when the most important papers of the young nation, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were brought to the town for safekeeping, the Leesburg Web site reports.

During the Civil War, Leesburg’s location on the border of the Union and the Confederacy meant the area was the scene of constant turmoil. The largest Civil War battle in Loudoun County, the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, took place near Leesburg and was a major Confederate victory.

Attractions in Leesburg include the 71,000-square -foot Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, which has aquatics, fitness and recreation equipment.

Cultural events continue year-round, including the First Friday series of the Loudoun Arts Council, outdoor concerts in the summer and steeplechase races at Morven Park. Local vineyards draw wine connoisseurs and amateur tasters alike.

The largest employers in Leesburg include the Loudoun County Public School System; the Loudoun County government and the town of Leesburg government; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the Heritage Hall Nursing Center; Rehau, a research and development company; and Barker and Ross, a manufacturing company. Retail stores also provide employment at Food Lion, Giant Food, Home Depot and Wal-Mart.

On the outskirts of town are the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets.

One new home development near Leesburg is the upscale golf course community of Raspberry Falls, where Marquis Custom Homes is building estate properties on 1-acre sites. At Raspberry Falls homes surround a Gary Player Signature golf course, and the community includes a Southern-mansion-inspired clubhouse with a pool and a restaurant.

Just south of Leesburg is River Creek, a guarded, gated community on the banks of the Potomac River and Goose Creek, with 70-foot bluffs. An Ault Clark and Associates-designed golf course winds through the development.

The luxury homes within River Creek have views of the 18-hole golf course, the woods, lakes and the river. River Creek’s main clubhouse features restaurants, balconies and decks with panoramic views.

The Swim and Tennis Club has a pro shop, exercise facility and traditional grill room in addition to the pools and tennis courts. Town homes and single-family homes are available from Mitchell & Best Homebuilders LLC, Michael Harris Development Inc., NVHomes and WCI Renaissance Housing Corp.

Edgemoore Homes is building two new upscale communities near Leesburg. At Selma, off Route 15 within three miles of the Dulles Greenway and Leesburg, a traditional stone gatehouse will set the tone for the development, which will include walking trails and tennis courts. A variety of homes will be available on homesites ranging from one-half acre to conservancy estates of up to 10 acres.

At nearby Grenata, estate homes will be built by Edgemoore Homes on 3- to 5-acre sites in a community with two lakes, wooded areas and a grand entrance with a landscaped divided boulevard. Homes in this development will include four sides of brick, circular staircases, keeping rooms off the kitchen and breakfast area, coffered ceilings in the family room, and master suites with sitting rooms.

Centex Homes is building upscale homes at the Reserve at Rokeby Farm in a rural setting on homesites of one-fourth acre to 1 acre. Five homes will be built on 10-acre conservancy lots.

WCI/Renaissance is offering five home styles at Long Acres, where 15 homes will be built on homesites averaging 3 acres three miles from Leesburg. The homes include a brick front and sides, a three-car garage and elegant interior features such as oak stairs, moldings, hardwood flooring, a masonry fireplace, and tray, barrel and coffered ceilings.

At Potomia at Elysian Heights, a community adjacent to 1,000 acres of conservancy land along the Potomac River near Leesburg, Beazer Homes Inc. is building single-family homes with four bedrooms, two to four full baths and a two- or three-car garage. Luxury town homes are also available, with three finished levels, three bedrooms, two full baths, a powder room, a study and a two-car detached garage.