The Charlottesville City Council passed an ordinance Jan. 17 designating the Rugby Road-University Circle-Venable Neighborhood area as a local historical district.
According to the Local Historical District Study commissioned by the City of Charlottesville, this district consists of over 250 structures dating from the period 1890-1930, including numerous fraternity houses, sorority houses and apartment buildings.
Any changes made to these structures, such as exterior alterations, new construction or demolition will now have to receive approval from the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review, Charlottesville Mayor David Brown said.
According to Brown, there had been no procedure for construction or demolition of buildings in this area, apart from zoning regulations.
"Now there are standards and processes people have to follow," he said.
According to History of Architecture Prof. Daniel Bluestone, much of the controversy surrounding this project stemmed from the conflict between developers who wished to create high density housing and Charlottesville community members who wanted to preserve the charm of this historic neighborhood.
"I'm really pleased that the historic districting passed," Bluestone said.
He explained that high-density housing still can be built on empty lots, alleys, and backyards in this area.
Meanwhile, the examples of late 19th and early 20th century architecture in the district will be preserved.
"It is a great move for the neighborhood," Bluestone said, stressing the importance of preserving the area. "People are living there because they value the character and fabric of the neighborhood."
According to both Brown and Bluestone, the ordinance received strong support from Charlottesville residents, students and faculty.
A petition was sent to the Charlottesville City Council and Planning Commission with hundreds of signatures from the community supporting the move, said Bluestone.
"The history of the neighborhood is bound up with the students and faculty and staff," Bluestone said. "These are buildings that people have come to value."
Read More
U.Va. loses over $60 million in federal research cuts
By Bertie Azqueta | 14 hours agoThe impacted grants include three from the NIH, seven from the NEH, one from the United States Agency for International Development and four from the State Department.
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 3 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 4 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
