Council approves rezoning to let Liberty University convert nearby hotel into student housing

Lynchburg City Council voted unanimously on June 9 to amend the future land-use map and rezone 1410 University Boulevard so a former hotel can be repurposed as student housing for Liberty University.

City planner Rachel Fresh Eisen summarized the request, saying the 2.75-acre site contains a three-story building with 102 guest rooms built in 2002 and is surrounded by the university campus. The petition would change the future land-use designation from community commercial to institution and change zoning to IN2 institutional district, which would permit dormitory use without new buildings or added parking, Eisen said.

Dan Deer, speaking for Liberty University, described the project as the “North Suites Dorm” and said the rooms include small kitchenettes and would increase on-campus housing. He said the building would accommodate a maximum of about 204 beds and be incorporated into campus parking, with students using campus parking passes rather than guaranteed, dedicated spaces.

Council members asked about parking and cited the Planning Commission’s prior recommendation of approval. With no members of the public speaking in opposition, council closed the public hearing and moved to approve the ordinance and map amendment. The motion passed on a roll call of 7–0.

The approval allows Liberty University to convert the hotel into campus housing; no building additions or new parking areas were authorized by the zoning change. The council record indicates the Planning Commission had recommended approval at its March 13 public hearing.

Next steps: The rezoning is now effective as adopted; any building- or occupancy-specific permitting will proceed through regular land-development and building-permit channels.