City council authorizes purchase of 2000 Holiday Drive to pursue low‑barrier shelter

Charlottesville City Council on Oct. 6 authorized the city manager to enter a contract to buy 2000 Holiday Drive for $6.2 million to pursue a year‑round low‑barrier shelter and related services.

City Manager Sam Sanders said the purchase would give the city control of a 27,000‑square‑foot office building and an adjacent vacant parcel totaling about 3.8 acres, and allow the city to plan for a shelter and supportive services on site. The council voted 5‑0 to approve the purchase agreement and the $100,000 deposit to hold the property while the city completes due diligence.

The city placed a 30‑day study period in the purchase and sale agreement; staff said third‑party property‑condition inspections and life‑safety assessments are already under way and will inform renovation costs and timelines. Chris Engel, director of economic development, told council the building was constructed in 1964, was vacated about two years…