The City Board of Architectural Review heard a preliminary outline Tuesday for a project to convert vacant buildings in the Downtown Mall into living quarters, the Daily Progress reported yesterday.
Developer Keith Woodard has put forth plans to build between 29 and 34 apartments or condominiums in three buildings currently boarded-up on the Downtown Mall.
Woodard also proposed building a seven to 10-story tower for a vacant sight on the Downtown Mall.
The preliminary design calls for the retention of at least the facades and possibly the entire buildings at 101, 105 and 111 E. Main St. The building at 107 might be torn down, according to Woodard's plans.
Planning Commission Member Cheri Lewis said the proposal is within the scope of Board regulations.
"It's exactly what our zoning ordinance and what the City of Charlottesville wants, to build up and not take up additional space," she said.
Lewis added that Woodard is respectful of the historic nature of the property.
"He wants to work within the historic fabric of the buildings, so I think it's a great idea," she said.
According to the Daily Progress, the buildings have been vacant for years, and several attempts to have them demolished were made in the last six years.
"It's just been a pity because it's kind of been a dead space in a thriving area," Lewis said. "It will reinvigorate some life into that block."
--Comp. by Lauren Todd Pappa
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