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Commission approves 3-story, 22-unit mixed‑use building at 715 Mosby Street with design conditions
Summary
The Richmond Commission of Architectural Review approved a three‑story, 22‑unit mixed‑use building at 715 Mosby Street in the Union Hill historic district, subject to design conditions including cornice and material approvals and refined corner detailing.
The Commission of Architectural Review voted to approve a three‑story, 22‑unit mixed‑use development at 715 Mosby Street in the Union Hill Historic District, with conditions on final materials and certain facade details.
Staff told the commission the applicant revised plans after an April conceptual review to add projecting bays, a cornice band between floors and a full‑width commercial storefront on the ground floor. The commission’s approval requires the applicant to provide final material selections for lap siding and storefront assemblies and to revise the corner wrapping where the second floor terminates along projecting base elements.
The project designer and applicant, Lisa Clark, said the team “really tried to meaningfully address all of this feedback,” adding that the revisions include projecting bays “that break up the mass into smaller vertical volumes” and a cornice and banding that define a base, middle and top.
Commissioners who spoke during deliberations largely praised the changes as a clear improvement from the April submission while offering additional suggestions. One commissioner said masonry at commercial corners is typical and could enhance the design even if the guidelines do not require it. Another commissioner urged more detail on rear entrances that face the alley. Commissioner Hill made the motion to approve with staff recommendations; Commissioner Strickler seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously among members present. The vote was recorded as in favor: Goodson; Easterling; Greer; Hill; Nutt; Strickler. The commission’s approval carries conditions: applicant to (1) modify the corner wrapping detail so the architectural expression is continuous across the facade, (2) submit final material samples (lap siding, storefront assembly, cornice details) for staff review, and (3) make any minor alley‑facing entrance adjustments as recommended by staff.
The commission treated the item as new construction in a local historic district and tied its recommendations to how the building will relate visually to adjacent commercial storefronts and residential blocks in Union Hill. The project team will return with final materials and any minor plan changes required to satisfy the conditions.
