The Planning Commission Work Session held on October 7, 2025, in Winchester City, Frederick County, Virginia, focused on a proposal for the conversion of a nonresidential property into a residential unit. The primary discussion centered around the property located at 214 South Braddock Street, situated within the Central Business District and the historic Winchester District overlay.

Mr. Benson presented the case, noting that the property has been vacant for some time after previously serving as a psychiatry center. The owner is now seeking to transform the space into a single-family rental unit. Historically, the building dates back to the 1850s and has functioned as both residential and nonresidential over the years. The other half of the duplex has maintained residential use for most of its existence.

The property is positioned in a transitional area between commercial and residential zones, with a mix of both types of ground floor uses on the same block. Mr. Benson emphasized that the proposed residential use aligns with the comprehensive plan for the area. The planned unit would consist of four bedrooms and would benefit from ample parking space available at the rear of the building.

Discussions also touched on the potential for adding green space, although space constraints were noted due to a 10-foot easement that allows access for neighboring properties. The commission acknowledged the mixed-use nature of the area and the historical context of the building as they considered the proposal.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for further evaluation of the proposal, particularly regarding the integration of green space and the overall impact on the neighborhood. The commission plans to revisit the topic in future sessions as they continue to assess the balance between residential and commercial development in the area.