Commission clears Jean MacArthur Research & Education Center development certificate, ARB supports design with EIFS/stucco and archival protections

The Norfolk City Planning Commission recommended approval July 20 of a development certificate and associated setback waivers for the Jean MacArthur Research & Education Center project in downtown Norfolk.

Faith, who presented the architectural review board materials, described a two‑story addition to the 1964 archive building, the proposed exterior insulated stucco (EIFS) wall system, and the minimal fenestration needed for archival storage to protect materials from light damage. The ARB had requested material samples and reviewed proposed EIFS details; by a 7–0 vote with one abstention the ARB issued a certificate of appropriateness with conditions. Major General Renes, executive director of the MacArthur Foundation, emphasized the urgency of improved archival storage and said the foundation and city own the collection of more than 140,000 artifacts. He announced a planned groundbreaking on Sept. 2 and described multi‑year conservation goals.

Staff recommended approval of the development certificate with required waivers for building placement along Plume Street and Court Street in the Downtown Business Center district. Commissioners asked about resurfacing the existing first‑story building and were told the project is likely to gut and reconstruct most of the first building’s interior to meet archival standards; the commission voted to recommend the waivers and the development certificate to City Council.