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