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Developers present concept for 871 East Main; board urges smaller-scale details and stronger storefront rhythm
Summary
At a conceptual review, the board urged the developer of 871 East Main to break up massing, increase storefront depth and punched second‑floor windows, and consider more historically sympathetic details so the building better transitions into Purcellville owntown.
Planning staff introduced a conceptual presentation for 871 East Main and emphasized that comments were nonbinding early feedback. The applicant and architect presented quick SketchUp renderings showing a pavilion‑style mixed‑use building with first‑floor retail bays and upper‑floor offices, some access shared with the Ace Hardware parking lot.
Board members gave detailed critiques of scale and proportion: multiple members said the current massing reads too modern and repetitive for a prominent town entry and urged breaking the elevation into smaller parts with hip cuts or dormers to establish a clearer rhythm. One member recommended "punching the doors back" or deepening canopies and soffits to create shadow lines; another suggested adding more punched windows on the second floor to better match historical vernacular proportions. Planning staff noted that the site is within the historic Main Street corridor and reminded the applicant that demolition of the existing Butler building would require BAR review if pursued.
The applicant said he welcomed high‑end treatment and asked for guidance about prominence versus compatibility; several board members encouraged exploring options that make the building a statement piece while still fitting the town context. Staff advised that a site plan submission before final BAR approval will be useful to ensure that drainage or placement changes do not later require returning to the board.
