The number of incarcerated people nationwide has dropped significantly, and nearly 200 correctional facilities have closed over the past two decades. But what happens to these abandoned spaces? They’re being given a second life as trendy apartments, community hubs, and more.

One prime example is the Liberty Crest Apartments in Fairfax County, Virginia. What was once the Lorton Reformatory, a prison built in 1910, is now a thriving residential complex. Diamon Pearson, a 32-year-old employee at Fairfax County Schools, stumbled upon the apartments during her search for a new home. She was drawn to the industrial vibe — the exposed brick, concrete floors, and unique layouts. But it wasn’t until she was signing her lease that she learned the building’s history.

“At first, it was a little spooky,” Pearson admitted. But the charm of the place quickly won her over. She’s been living there with her son and dog since 2022, enjoying amenities like a swimming pool, gym, and yoga room.

The transformation of Lorton Reformatory, which closed in 2001, is part of a larger trend. Fairfax County purchased the 2,400-acre site for $4.2 million in 2002 and gradually turned it into a mixed-use community. Partnering with the Alexander Company, known for historic preservation projects, the county converted cellblocks and other buildings into 165 apartments, 157 townhomes, and 24 single-family homes.

The site also includes commercial spaces and a museum honoring its past. Once a place of hardship, where suffragists were imprisoned under brutal conditions, it’s now a vibrant neighborhood blending history with modern living.

This creative reuse of old prisons isn’t just about solving housing shortages — it’s about preserving history while giving communities something fresh and functional. Who knew a former cellblock could feel so much like home?