Charlottesville presenters propose 80‑bed low‑barrier shelter at 2000 Holiday Drive; council presses on costs and transit

Charlottesville City Council on March 25 heard a detailed proposal to transform 2000 Holiday Drive into a low‑barrier, housing‑focused shelter and service hub that would house about 80 single adults and colocate multiple service providers.

The Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless and partner agencies presented a conceptual design, program model and cost estimate. "Our capital costs have reduced roughly 11% from 9,700,000 to 8,600,000," said Shayla Washington, executive director of the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless, summarizing the current estimate and saying the project would support day shelter services, coordinated entry, case management and links to health care and workforce supports.

Architect Aaron Hannigan of Mitchell Matthews Architects and Planners described a test‑fit that places most overnight shelter areas on the second floor with pods and 8‑person bedrooms. "In conclusion, we currently have 80 beds, requested to be in the project now," Hannigan said, adding the design includes isolation rooms, gender‑neutral rooms and space for case management and support staff.

The proposal calls for renovating roughly 26,000 square feet with just under 4,000 square feet of new construction. Hannigan said the entitlements and site plan process could take about 12–18 months, with construction another roughly 12 months, and…