The Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) is asking the Mount Vernon and Lee communities to nominate business along the Richmond Highway corridor who go above and beyond enhancing the appearance of their property through innovative landscape design and building improvements.

The annual Mary Thonen Beautification award program is presented by SFDC to recognize local businesses for their outstanding contributions to Richmond Highway beautification in the form of landscape improvements.  The program is rooted in the belief the beautification of their property through the addition of attractive landscaping and improved building enhances the image of local businesses and Richmond Highway as a whole.

Businesses along the Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1) corridor from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Tulley Gate at Fort Belvoir will be considered for the program. Citizens can nominate large retail or shopping centers; hotels; large apartment complexes; office buildings and complexes; and small, independently-owned businesses.  Pictures of the property must be submitted with the nomination form in electronic format. Photos will not be returned.  All information must be submitted no later than September 30, 2011 to SFDC.  To download the nomination form and full list of criteria, visit www.sfdc.org.   

Presented by the SFDC Community Appearance, Planning and Transportation (CAPT) committee on behalf of the Board of Directors, the Mary Thonen Beautification Award program was named to honor a long-serving board member, the late Mary Thonen, as a memorial to her life, hard work and dedication she showed in her service to the Mount Vernon and Lee communities. 

Read More: Route One Businesses Honored for Beautification, Hybla Valley Patch (12/2010)