[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6307810,"mediaKeyId","2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61","parentId",2427980,"title","Developers present revised concept for 218 West Market hotel; BAR pushes for richer materials and stronger pedestrian connections","audioSeconds",4876,"startMs",12345000,"endMs",17221000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61&start=12345&end=17221","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61/thumbnail_12345000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6307810/Charlottesville/Albemarle-County/Virginia/Developers-present-revised-concept-for-218-West-Market-hotel-BAR-pushes-for-richer-materials-and-stronger-pedestrian-connections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307810-3a7d5dacf0dd3a35c04dc7a8147d9499/orig.mp4?Expires=1770818431&Signature=h04F-5BvGjVrOLV~BMCROnXq5WN7Su-wUmNtM8WDiILH49MM01dJ4Nfjp2~Dp8Azi7plK03nRHUnW9G8s7wwp8pXwXAcrthovwlXhK5g~N4fNpQx7DgfpF3prqQrQbymw0lb2QiJC~JmOlkI3v5LPrh7GWI0VWdd9qavecIkhxEc5KDBEIqEuNMvNX2IAX943hp3ZonvVOdTcYJa5mEDyamuYbpuNU9fvo6HikFyQ1U97VhVCgU0KWFYzQ12soeiBWnUw768ATBB~~c6R~Aka58-Xmp~VfbmrJ73w1bCi49Ieb~uWavZsx-JpHciBBZvXPYQSZ8BfjQtL1x9AAQcsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Charlottesville City","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","Developers of a proposed multi‑story hotel at 218 West Market Street presented a considerably reworked concept to the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review on March 1. The BAR praised changes that improve pedestrian activation and circulation but asked for stronger materiality and refinements to massing and streetscape details before a formal Certificate of Appropriateness application.

Why it matters: The 218 West Market site sits at a complex transition between the Downtown Mall, the Omni hotel parcel and the Old Preston Avenue corridor. The project’s scale and visibility make its design and materials a focal point for the mall’s western terminus and for several adjacent viewpoints.

Project team principals — including Bob Peneo of Design Develop Architects and the project architect (Patel) — said the updated design focuses on three objectives: (1) restore a clear pedestrian connection from West Market/Old Preston into the mall via a ceremonial entry and stair; (2) push parking and service zones to the west/lower elevations to reduce the development’s impact on the mall; and (3) refine facades and rooftop composition so each elevation responds to its distinct context.

Peneo told the BAR the team used 3‑D point‑cloud scans of the context to test sightlines and pedestrian views. He said the building’s design will make the retail edge an extension of the mall, add terraces and a second‑floor restaurant/amenity that overlooks the mall, and use step‑backs and verticality so the mass does not overwhelm adjacent historic buildings.

Bar members offered a mix of encouragement and pointed feedback. Several board members welcomed the move to segregate and conceal vehicular circulation and to create terraces and a stepped retail edge that will activate the street. But many members — including longtime reviewers — said the upper stories feel visually generic in the current renderings and urged more durable, tactile materials (brick, stone, metal) rather than broad expanses of stucco or fibercement.

Board members also pushed the applicant to make the Old Preston ceremonial stair feel truly civic and public rather than back‑of‑house. One member suggested widening the stair so it reads as a direct, formal link from Old Preston to the hotel lobby and the mall.

Several BAR members said that while some upper‑level massing and glazing is acceptable where views are limited, the retail and ground‑floor elevation should read as a continuation of the historic storefront rhythm. They encouraged the team to study how cornice and storefront datum lines on the adjacent blocks could be echoed in the new building to preserve a consistent pedestrian scale.

Next steps: The BAR asked the team to return with refined materials and details, a more developed pedestrian‑stair section and enlarged street‑level elevations that better show storefront rhythm, canopies and landscape sections. The team indicated it will continue to refine materials and to test adjustments to the stair/pedestrian sequence and return for a subsequent review.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Architectural Review, 2/26/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Developers presented a reworked proposal for a multistory hotel at 218 West Market Street; the Board of Architectural Review supported moves to improve pedestrian activation but asked for richer, more durable materials and a more prominent ceremonial stair linking Old Preston Avenue to the Downtown Mall.","taxTitle","Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia","taxId",4418,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307815,"Owner seeks preliminary feedback for second‑floor addition at 300 Ridge Street",994,11439000,12433000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61&start=11439&end=12433","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61/thumbnail_11439000.jpg","/articles/6307815/Charlottesville/Albemarle-County/Virginia/Owner-seeks-preliminary-feedback-for-secondfloor-addition-at-300-Ridge-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307815-66c1e52e71fbcead4c2b297928044b95/orig.mp4?Expires=1770818431&Signature=O9qWHLhI-3jjMnuXdRIj6qc3dU8pwQfyQjIWIJilTNSKMPkPcWW7lOOv0Kh5CAnoblVFHzkQGX~WFPRNG6bsjq-mDMsptuW6Zw2MW359JQWxxkhOh0sd8BCG57hYxcij9JY7gFcCyOynq7uPDAJdOKOi1InFR5a3v4q9r0h0dI~fMXSXYf9CJX73oRzdDDkZAM4z-f4ledp8NunL6QRHtWW~SnmxcO2O~FZoOn9pO7A1uAsNvQUFc3hIeG2~Lpb-hHUvI8gsli6EyRPdnfblQGSpdW1vklv2cR9yPi9VBJGGsgZDWHqdHp2DczbL3XaBNivcAwBXZUcZkJe2zCFiaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The owner of a small commercial property at 300 Ridge Street asked the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review for early feedback on a preliminary plan to add a second story to the existing building.

Why it matters: The proposal is a relatively modest, site‑specific change in a residential/commercial block. The BAR provides early, advisory guidance at the preliminary stage so applicants can refine massing, materials and tree/landscape plans ahead of a formal application.

Owner Carla Shiflow said she prefers a lightweight, vertical second floor (roughly 1,000 square feet per floor) rather than a 1,500‑square‑foot side addition because building up preserves more on‑site parking. Shiflow said the roof could be configured to allow future rooftop access and a usable amenity area if structurally feasible.

Board members generally supported the vertical option as the least disruptive to the site’s parking and neighborhood context. Members recommended early coordination with zoning staff about required floor heights, building code and whether the project would require a structural upgrade. Several members suggested the owner design a logical stair and mechanical screen that could accommodate a future rooftop terrace while respecting adjacent properties.

Members also encouraged the applicant to preserve the street trees where possible; if removal is unavoidable, they advised submitting a replacement tree plan in the formal application.

What’s next: The applicant will continue design work and coordinate with zoning and planning staff on technical requirements (clearances, first‑floor heights and mechanical screening) before filing a formal COA application.","Owner Carla Shiflow presented a preliminary plan to add a second floor to a small commercial building at 300 Ridge Street. BAR members voiced general support for the up‑and‑over approach rather than a large side addition, and encouraged the applicant to preserve or replace street trees and to plan roof access and screening for mechanicals.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307820,"BAR approves demolition of 200 West Main (Violet Crown site) with documentation conditions",2923,8195000,11118000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61&start=8195&end=11118","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61/thumbnail_8195000.jpg","/articles/6307820/Charlottesville/Albemarle-County/Virginia/BAR-approves-demolition-of-200-West-Main-Violet-Crown-site-with-documentation-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307820-1ef23493b69f57d236dd591c3ae5986b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770818431&Signature=ba30bXF3pgmhHxRzY8Icw0~Kt~SORPzxdl6O~ZNYKzeF0cB2gIy6N3al4WWNWrPQRsgAIUtNYL7~ijFdXL8-4cmwvikTZkR0XzmOcol~ydz9Ti9YroEj6sG9TxiLYcDwsZtlf2X4s9yKvSz1Fg8kSMnzKV4Kc6Q4bohoemx4QbkJ3k~wpS7hbiniVSITCr3W5i6cWeLwUHtLO3Sja53dO~fPNN5AkJjeQ71pztxJIHopj2c6B8rDfgPAueFiaXzASUNo3RhdolTseciXfb9-56YY3klq-qX8jS2-pkJ4raLFba4gs7uHQ0aKNGa4HyvtAZ7~Yv05ZrLOBFSpsrv-1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review voted to approve demolition of the contributing structure at 200 West Main Street — the parcel currently occupied by the Violet Crown Theater — but attached conditions requiring detailed documentation and assurances about replacement construction.

Why it matters: 200 West Main is listed as a contributing resource in the Downtown ADC historic district and is within the municipal review area for demolitions. The BAR’s decision balances preserving historic record and permitting redevelopment of a site several speakers described as altered by previous facade changes.

The demolition application drew public comment from preservation advocates. Genevieve Keller, president of Preservation Piedmont, told the BAR her group was “not necessarily opposed to the project, but we’re very concerned about demolition,” and urged thorough documentation and interpretation of the site’s history, including possible archaeological investigation.

Staff described the existing structure as a late‑19th/early‑20th‑century brick commercial block whose primary historic facades had been substantially altered over time; the most recent notable changes were a 1996 rehabilitation of the Water Street side and earlier mid‑20th‑century storefront renovations. The staff report noted the building is a contributing element in the downtown district but that much of the visible street‑front character‑defining fabric had been removed in previous alterations.

Applicant representative Michael Levine (applicant name per staff and public comment) and the design team said the narrative and supporting materials explain the redevelopment rationale and that the project team is prepared to provide documentation of the existing building.

Action: After discussion, a member moved to approve demolition with conditions; the motion passed. The BAR’s conditions require the applicant to submit to the record either a 3‑D point‑cloud scan or existing construction drawings that document the current condition, to provide comprehensive photographic documentation, and to secure BAR approval for the COA of a replacement and an approved building permit for that replacement before demolition can proceed. The BAR also recommended consultation with a local archaeologist to assess whether any subsurface investigation is warranted.

A roll‑call voice vote was recorded in favor. Board members voiced support for requiring documentation measures — including modern point‑cloud capture — so future researchers and the public retain a record of the structure and the site.

What’s next: The applicant may submit required documentation and pursue design and permitting for the replacement building. Any aggrieved party may appeal the BAR decision to City Council within the municipal appeal period; staff noted that appeal rights apply to approvals as well as denials.

","Charlottesville’s BAR voted to allow demolition of the structure that currently houses the Violet Crown Theater, conditioning the Certificate of Appropriateness on documentation (point‑cloud or existing drawings, photographs), and requiring an approved COA and building permit for a replacement before demolition may proceed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307824,"Board defers review of 6‑story affordable housing project at 1000 Wortland Street",5251,2433000,7684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61&start=2433&end=7684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2427980-9738854e8c1b2cdba1f9ed4895ff0a61/thumbnail_2433000.jpg","/articles/6307824/Charlottesville/Albemarle-County/Virginia/Board-defers-review-of-6story-affordable-housing-project-at-1000-Wortland-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307824-bee59aed7beb8833cd349d75af121d1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770818431&Signature=lh3CODwYwnUzR3VZB7otrdI5cA0ZdoVv4-7yF7-Lq0vZQnK-RclAIX~ZUR05qm1hi5TIxntCi~jirrULHuGMgCj9uCJ1SlAY2~xlq-K-HOBY7p5peV~A5oO~mtHMe1C~k~F60Wl5DrGnngAojidWwPBroKsPYoTU20cEMMQvlC-tlXiQ5cK-gsL992SyaY5mUcUE~XDGWeP3P2xuF1cqyumsp7E1iQs7daI1xluu~K3jKde5npMPdY8OCudf0fNf65ibu0gIyAK9GOSPPrJXDx9ApumWRhVuTi-6GM5yNPjvKuPhgL1-R5~wbfpFcvTc3JfYUzht7H7~EbDBiTNqDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review on March 1 accepted a request from the project team to defer final action on a Certificate of Appropriateness for a proposed six‑story, 180‑unit affordable housing building at 1000 Wortland Street.

The decision gives the developer time to refine the Wortland (Wirtland) Street façade, street trees and landscaping, and to clarify financing constraints related to a “twin” Virginia Housing structure required by tax‑credit underwriting.

Why it matters: The project is one of a small number of large, publicly subsidized affordable housing projects proposed in Charlottesville this cycle. The BAR’s review focuses on how the building’s massing, materials and streetscape treatments will meet the city’s design guidelines while the developer pursues tax‑credit and Virginia Housing approvals required to close financing.

City planning staff and the development team described the proposal as a six‑story, passive‑house‑targeted residential building with ground‑floor retail and a child‑care space. JT Englehart of the National Housing Trust, part of the development team, said, “this is a proposed affordable housing. We’re at the beginning of our financing path,” and that the project is one of two parcels UVA has committed for affordable housing development.

Architect Liz Chapman of Grama Parker Architects presented streetscape and landscape concepts and said the team had reduced the height from a possible 11 stories to the proposed six to match funding and parking constraints. Chapman said the team plans “a combination of colored concrete and concrete pavers” and retail bays with covered canopies. She also said the project is targeting PHIUS (Passivhaus) performance and will use high‑performance windows.

Board members pressed the team on several details. Members asked for clearer design responses where the zoning administrator and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) have granted exceptions — in particular, a long, relatively blank Wortland Street wall where the BZA allowed a deviation from code‑required entrances. Members also pressed for more robust street trees along Tenth Street, noting Virginia Housing’s clearance requirements may limit species choice.

The team said construction will be financed as a two‑part “twin” deal required by Virginia Housing underwriting; that structure forces two separate construction contracts even though the developer intends to operate the buildings as one. The team told the BAR that while the twin structure complicates design and construction, it was necessary to assemble enough financing, including 9% Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit allocations, to make the project feasible.

Action: The applicant requested a deferral to return with revised facade and landscape details and additional documentation about financing constraints. The BAR accepted the deferral request; the motion to delay formal action was seconded and the BAR voted in favor.

What’s next: The applicant will revise plans and return to a future BAR meeting. Staff advised the applicant to coordinate closely with city planners and Virginia Housing on allowable materials, tree species, and the implications of the twin financing structure.

","Charlottesville’s Board of Architectural Review accepted the applicant’s request to defer formal action on a six‑story, 180‑unit affordable housing proposal at Tenth and Wortland while developers revise facade and landscape details and coordinate finance constraints with Virginia Housing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developers present revised concept for 218 West Market hotel; BAR pushes for richer materials and stronger pedestrian connections

Owner seeks preliminary feedback for second‑floor addition at 300 Ridge Street

BAR approves demolition of 200 West Main (Violet Crown site) with documentation conditions

Board defers review of 6‑story affordable housing project at 1000 Wortland Street