The History Behind Maplewood Manor
Villanova
On this site stood one of Fairfax County’s most elegant mansions. The mansion, originally known as “Villanova,” was built in 1874 by John Shipman, a prominent general contractor in Northern Virginia.
Shipman bought the 268 acres of land for Villanova in 1865, and lived in an older home on the property while it was being built. Shipman’s 20-room “palace” was designed in the distinctive French Second Empire style.
Shipman also built a large barn to the rear of the mansion overlooking the steep hill leading down to Scotts Run (the stream you see now behind you). The barn was also designed in the style of the Second Empire and was known regionally for its opulent design and modern appliances.
In addition to being the Shipman family residence, Villanova was also used as a school, not surprisingly called, “Villanova Academy” for a period starting around 1879.
From Villanova to Maplewood
John Shipman lived on the estate for 10 years before selling it in 1884 for $38,000 (equivalent to roughly $1.26 million today) to Brigadier General William McKee Dunn. General Dunn and his wife Elizabeth, chose to rename the mansion "Maplewood.”
The Dunn family lived in Washington D.C. and used the newly acquired Maplewood estate as their summer home.
Ownership of Maplewood changed hands several times between 1910 and 1950. From 1950-1961 the lands around Maplewood supported a dairy farm operated by the Ulfelder family.
Evolution to Today
In 1960 a total of 190 acres of Maplewood estate land was condemned for the creation of the Capital Beltway, the Dulles Airport Access Road and the expansion of Route 123.
In 1962, the Ulfelder family entered into a development partnership called the West Gate Corporation, and the remaining Maplewood land became part of West Gate office park.
The Maplewood Mansion house served as West Gate’s headquarters until it was demolished one night in 1970, much to the chagrin of many who wanted to see the mansion on the national register of historic places.
Maplewood site in 1970
About Capital One Center
Capital One Center is a 35 acre mixed-use development in the heart of Tysons, VA. Anchored by the headquarters of Capital One, Washington DC's hometown bank, and home to its over 12,000 associates in the region, Capital One Center is quickly transforming the skyline and the cultural landscape of Fairfax County. This 3 million sq. ft. development is a vibrant arts & entertainment destination which includes a large skypark, The Perch—complete with Starr Hill Biergarten, food trucks, and an 18-hole miniature golf course—and a 300-all-suite hotel, The Watermark Hotel, numerous retail and dining options, and most notably a world-class corporate events and performing arts center, Capital One Hall. In 2023 Capital One Park opened doors to a baseball stadium which hosts college, high school, and tournament games.
