Manassas Ice and Fuel Company Property Purchase Approved By Council

MANASSAS, VA — Manassas City Council approved an agreement to buy a downtown property from the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company at its Jan. 13 meeting.

The sales agreement named $3.1 million as the price for the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company (MIFCO) properties at 9003, 9005, 9007, 9007A, 9009 and 9011A Center Street. According to Interim City Manager Doug Keen, the settlement would not occur until September 2026, and funds would be considered in the upcoming fiscal year 2026 city budget process. There is a 120-day due diligence period, when the city can decide to move forward with a Sept. 10 closing.

"We believe it is vital to the future development of the downtown area," Interim City Manager Doug Keen told City Council.

The city said in a news release that the property could potentially become a new downtown parking garage or city hall annex. Keen, who will return to his police chief duties when Steve Burke becomes city manager on Feb. 3, said City Council could discuss property uses at its retreat. Under the current I-2 heavy industrial zoning, the maximum building height is 75 feet.

"We are looking ahead to the future with this land purchase," said Mayor Michelle Davis-
Younger. "We are helping to ensure that we have space for our community’s needs and that we can maintain the unique character of our Downtown."

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe noted that the property was expected to sell, so the city government buying it gives city officials and residents a say in its use. He pointed to an earlier discussion by Councilmember Ralph Smith on how the property could become a by-right U-Haul facility, which the public may not want to happen.

"I think it's a great step for the community and something we have been working on and [other] councils have been working on frankly for years and years and years," said Wolfe.

Theresa Coates Ellis agreed with Wolfe's concern about the property selling. She said the city has needed a new parking garage and has been looking for a new location.

"I'm trusting that this council will do the right thing with that land, to use it that would be the best for our community," said Ellis.

The Manassas Ice and Fuel Company's history in Manassas dates back to 1922, when it was known as the Davis Ice and Fuel Company. Edgar G. Parrish became an owner in 1923, followed by his son, former Mayor and State Delegate Harry J. Parrish, and grandson, former Mayor Harry J. “Hal” Parrish II.

The city has made several other notable real estate transactions in the last year, including the acquisition of the Manassas Shopping Center for potential future redevelopment and the Marsteller property for a fire station, community center and park.