Leesburg BAR defers review of L‑shaped mixed‑use proposal at 211 S. King and 4–6 S. Street SW after height, parking and easement concerns

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review voted 7‑0 to defer consideration of TLHPDR2025‑0030211, a proposed L‑shaped mixed‑use building at 211 South King Street and 4–6 South Street SW, after extended discussion about height, massing, parking integration and a recorded rear easement.

Lauren, a planning/historic staff presenter, told the board that the application has undergone multiple revisions but that “staff is still concerned about the overall height and scale of this project,” and that Building 2 — the South Street face of the L‑shape — “remains the top concern.” She urged the board to seek additional cross‑sections and virtual walkarounds to illustrate impacts to the full block, including Wirt and Royal Streets.

Why it matters: The site sits in the Old and Historic (H1) district where BAR review must weigh compatibility with the district guidelines as well as zoning allowances. Lauren noted that although the zoning ordinance permits up to 65 feet in some circumstances, the BAR “has the absolute authority to reduce height, scale, mass, change materials, and make other design changes to less than what is allowed in the zoning ordinance.” That means the BAR’s findings about compatibility can require a lower or differently composed building than the zoning maximum would suggest.

Key debate…