Holmes Run Acres

Holmes Run Acres began in 1945. Mr. Herman Schmidt, a Washington investor and the owner of a 122-acre tract, filed a Deed of Declaration naming the tract Holmes Run Acres. Among other restrictions was one that no dwelling selling for less than $3,000 was to be built.

The community was developed and houses constructed by three builders: the Luria brothers, (Gerald and Eli), Gaddy Construction Company and Andre Bodor. The Luria brothers built approximately 160 units west of Executive Avenue, Gaddy built approximately 127 units east of Executive Avenue and Bodor built the last 13 units at the connection of Surrey Lane and Gallows road.

Development began in 1950. The Luria project of approximately 160 homes featured lots ranging in size from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet and a choice of either a one level house of 902 square feet or a two level house of approximately twice the area. Carports were an option available for those models without a garage. The price for a one level house was $13,750. Prices for the two level homes were $16,900 or $17,450, depending on the model.

Construction of all the Gaddy houses east of Executive Avenue was complete in 1955. Surrey Lane, Sherwood Court and Little John Court were filling up then but Surrey was not finished through to Gallows Road. In 1957 there were 326 homes in Holmes Run Acres.

Andre Bodor purchased the remaining 13 lots from Gaddy to build homes on upper Surrey. He was to complete Surrey lane through to Gallows.

The Holmes Run Acres Civic Association (HRACA) was founded in 1952. The Holmes Run Acres swimming pool opened in the summer of 1954.

Construction of the first phase of Luria Park was completed in 1955. The Park is the hub of the two spokes of Holmes Run Acres, connecting the area east of Executive Avenue developed and built by the Luria brothers through to Hartwell Court on the west side developed by Gaddy Construction Company and Andre Bodor.

In 1953 Woodburn School was built and in 1961 the Fairfax Hospital opened.

In 1969, there were 542 children living in Holmes Run Acres.

In 1976, 1991 and 2001, versions of “Holmes Run Acres: The Story of a Community” were written. These interesting publications are the source for this article. They discuss in detail the history of Holmes Run Acres, its activities and significant events and some of the people who have lived here, past and present.

"Gallows road was only two lanes wide and when we turned from Rt 50 onto gallows the temperature would drop many degrees. The trees met overhead and it was cool and quiet (of course everything was cool and peaceful then, except for the frogs at night.) I remember that there were wild azaleas growing along the edge of the road and I was always sorry I never dug some up before they widened the road. I think Mary Lou Cooper did. I remember building the Beltway--I remember especially how they diverted Gallows road so they could build the bridge as they were digging out the Beltway. My son and a friend would ride their bikes on the Beltway after it was paved but before it was opened. The official opening ceremonies were held here at Gallows and Governor Holton was there."
—Dena Leep

Spring, 1963