Your next business location could be part of Richmond Highway’s next chapter. The Commons Mount Vernon is inviting interest from entrepreneurs and established operators ready to bring something people will come back for—a favorite café, a creative studio, a wellness destination, or another business that complements a growing community campus.
Two distinctive spaces offer an opportunity to put a proven concept in a place with character, visibility, and a new purpose. Businesses expanding or opening a second location are especially encouraged.
Explore the spaces, photos, floor plans, and full leasing details →
A historic landmark with a new purpose
At 8333 Richmond Highway, the original Mount Vernon High School is being transformed into The Commons Mount Vernon. The 149,000-square-foot project combines historic renovation and new construction, creating a setting for education, workforce development, arts, recreation, and community life.
For a compatible business, that mix offers the potential to become part of people’s routines: a stop before a class, a place to gather after an event, or a destination worth making a special trip to.
Two spaces. Different possibilities.
The Annex / Building #4 — approximately 4,000 square feet. High ceilings, tall windows, abundant natural light, and dedicated access give this space a distinctive feel. Planned delivery is a warm-lit shell, ready for tenant fit-out. Potential uses include boutique fitness, wellness, creative retail, studios, or a café or gathering-place concept, subject to feasibility and approvals.
Building #2 lower level — approximately 9,100 square feet. This larger space offers concrete floors, exposed ceilings, and room to shape an operation around a substantial footprint. Creative production, maker/showroom businesses, education, and other compatible uses are possibilities.
Indicative monthly base rent is approximately $7,500–$8,500, depending on the space. The starting figures are $25 per square foot annually for the Annex and $10 for the lower level. Rent can be negotiated based on plans and upfit costs; utilities, operating expenses, improvements, and working capital are additional considerations.
Have a concept that needs a different footprint? Some spaces may be divisible into smaller leasable areas. Discuss your requirements through the interest form. Food-service concepts should account for utility capacity, buildout needs, and required approvals.
A campus designed to bring people together
Planned campus amenities listed in the leasing brochure include a community theater, gym and fitness activities, early childhood education, outdoor courtyards, and event and meeting spaces. The brochure also identifies a secure bike room with shower facilities, 24/7 access control and monitoring, and nine EV charging stations, along with shared parking.
The campus sits close to the Gerry Hyland Government Center, George Washington Recreation Center, and Mount Vernon Community Park. The aerial below shows its position along Richmond Highway and the nearby planned Hyland Center bus rapid transit station.
Be part of what is next on Richmond Highway
EMBARK, planned bus rapid transit, and redevelopment are changing the corridor’s future. The Commons offers a chance to establish a business in a distinctive setting as that investment takes shape.
SFDC’s ONE Richmond Hwy initiative is also introducing more people to the corridor’s businesses and experiences. Together, these efforts are helping tell a new story about where Richmond Highway is headed—and the people who will help shape it.
Bring the experience, plan, and resources to make it happen
We are seeking operators ready to open and sustain a business. Strong candidates will have relevant operating or management experience, a credible business or expansion plan, a realistic opening schedule, and funding for rent, buildout, and working capital. Applicants should also be prepared for credit and financial review.
New concepts may be considered when supported by experienced leadership, a complete plan, and verifiable financing. This opportunity is intended for businesses with the capacity to execute.
Tell us what you would bring to The Commons
Submit the business interest form with your business background, preferred space, proposed use, opening timeframe, and funding information. A business plan and financing summary can help explain your readiness; supporting documents may be requested during review.
Ready to grow? Let’s see whether The Commons is the right fit for your next location.
Questions? Contact [email protected]. The interest form is a preliminary inquiry; availability, lease terms, permitted use, and tenant opening dates remain subject to review.
Featured image: campus concept rendering by VMDO Architects. Read more about the campus redevelopment.