Taylor Pavilion expansion in Old Town approved with EDA support and $75,000 state grant

Friends of Old Town received board approval to expand the Taylor Pavilion in Old Town, a project its presenter said is funded by an Economic Development Administration award and a $75,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

“My name is Katie Mooney Busby. I’m on the board of Princeville Old Town,” Busby said, outlining a plan to enlarge the existing concrete stage, install a permanent timber pavilion with mortise-and-tenon joinery, and add shielded warm-white overhead lighting to increase year-round usability and support live music and community programming.

Pat Hopkins, who described construction details for the project, said the new timber structure will mirror the existing pavilion’s appearance while stepping back from the rear wall to respect the five-foot property-line buffer and limit light spill to nearby apartments. “It is mostly very similar to the existing Taylor Pavilion,” Hopkins said, describing the metal roof, half-round gutters and timber framing.

Board members cited the Old Town 2045 master plan and local business and arts stakeholders in supporting the project. Committee member moved to approve BAR25-305 as presented; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The approved design keeps materials and finishes compatible with the pavilion’s existing character and requires staff follow-up on final colors and any future signage or lighting details that fall outside today’s approval. The project proponents said the goal is increased activation of the corridor and more consistent pedestrian traffic for nearby businesses.

Next steps: the applicant will proceed to detailed design and coordinate any follow-up administrative approvals the board delegated to staff.