Real Estate Weekly | 5.15.2024

Main Level Living Homes Available with or without Basement!

Annie Gould Gallery

A unique art gallery located in the heart of historic Gordonsville.

109 S. Main Street, Gordonsville, VA • (540) 832-6352 anniegouldgallery

Neighborhood remodel?

Plans filed to convert dentist’s office to four-story mixed-use building

By Sean Tubbs

Twenty-three years ago this week, Albemarle Supervisors officially adopted a policy called the Neighborhood Model to encourage construction of a more urban fabric in the county’s designated growth areas.

“We were proud of the tremendous efforts put into developing the Neighborhood Model by a committee of local residents and staff,” says Sally Thomas, who represented the Samuel Miller District at the time. “It was ‘smart growth’ before that was a common moniker.”

Since that time, developers have gotten approval from the Board of Supervisors by demonstrating how their projects satisfy twelve principles intended to avoid suburban sprawl by using land more efficiently. Albemarle also created master plans for each area to signal to property owners what the local government would like to see happen.

Dr. Jay Knight operates his dental practice on a one-acre parcel on Woodbrook Drive near the intersection with Berkmar Drive in a building constructed in 1996.

“Our building pretty much needs to be updated at this point,” Knight says. “I have been thinking for some time about redesigning the office and the building and thought it would be a great idea to also be able to have some residential components with the property.”

According to the plans drawn up by the firm Line and Grade, the one-story building would be demolished to make way for a four-story structure with a footprint of 6,698 square feet.

“Currently the plan is for ground-level dental office space with three stories residential above, at up to 15 units,” reads the narrative for the application written by Line and Grade.

Knight is a native of the area who says he appreciates Albemarle’s work to limit development into the rural area to attain

what he described as a “great harmony.” This property is designated in the Places29 Master Plan as “urban density residential.”

However, comprehensive plans are advisory and landowners must comply with zoning. The current classification for this property is commercial (C-1) so a special use permit is required for residential use. Two special exceptions to building placement rules are also requested to allow the site to be reused.

The property is adjacent to Agnor-Hurt Elementary School, and plans show an easement for a future pathway to the school should the county decide to build one. Knight said that came at the suggestion of planners in Albemarle’s Community Development during a preliminary meeting before the application was filed.

Albemarle has amended its Comprehensive Plan several times since 2001, including the addition of the Housing Albemarle plan. This plan has a clear goal for developers: More places to live are required for the county to support anticipated population growth. The Places29 Master Plan, adopted in 2007, called for an extension of Berkmar Drive north, and VDOT has plans to connect that roadway to Airport Road where it joins the UVA Discovery Park.

Another principle in the neighborhood model is to provide residential density in places where there are sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and public transit. People who live in the space would have access to at least one Charlottesville Area Transit route. Knight said residents could walk to the Rio Hill Shopping Center for groceries and could easily make their way to jobs.

“I think a concept like what we’re talking about would really fit in,” Knight says. The permit and the special exceptions will need to go through the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Knight hopes to be able to move to construction between two and five years.

The single-story office structure within the yellow boundaries will be redeveloped as a four-story mixed-use building with up to 15 apartments.

1384 Singleton Ln | Charlottesville

Nestled in the serene MOSBY MOUNTAIN

$1,998,000 | montaguemillercom/651760 Yates Nobles | 434.996.0888

1704 Old Brook Rd | Charlottesville

Two older homes on this lot. Property is DEVELOPABLE. 7.96 acres zoned R-2 Residential. Beautiful, flat to sloping terrain, mostly wooded with some steep slopes. A Builder & Developer will create something special here. $795,000 | montaguemiller.com/651866

Gaffney Saadut Team | 434.760.2160

NEWLISTING

FIELDS OF BOAZ

A country French estate on 24 acres 6 miles from the University of Virginia. Timeless charm and modern luxury with soaring ceilings, spacious primary suite, home office, wine cellar, guest quarters, and private pond. MLS#652608

$3,995,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

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BELLAIR

Recently renovated contemporary home in soughtafter Bellair neighborhood! With 4-BR, 3.5-BA, and a vaulted great room, this residence offers superb construction. Enjoy stunning views from the screened porch. MLS#652438 $2,875,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

CRAIGS STORE ROAD

76 acre parcel in western Albemarle with compelling views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, diverse terrain, and multiple estate-caliber building sites. 2 miles from Batesville Market, 15 miles from Charlottesville, not under conservation easement. MLS#652337 $1,150,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

MACLIN BUILDING CONDO

North of Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, 2-BR, 2-BA Maclin Building condo offers modern amenities: 1,400 sf., gas FP, gourmet kitchen, glass window DR, urban, Blue Ridge views, parking, high-speed internet. MLS#651029 $749,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.007 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

SWANNANOA COUNTRY CLUB

This legendary Blue Ridge Mountain golf course is on the market for the first time. The 236 acres offers sweeping views and huge opportunities for multiple uses. 20 minutes west of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. MLS#649416

$3,500,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

MILL HOUSE

Former house of noted local architect Floyd E. Johnson, on the banks of Totier Creek. Thoughtfully renovated and expanded, 5-BR, 3 full and 2 half BA. Guest house, 2-bay garage, pool, equipment shed plus 130 acres of open & wooded land. MLS#639196 $2,245,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

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HYLAND RIDGE

Rare opportunity: 21-acre lot in coveted Hyland Ridge, perfect for dream home near Charlottesville. Minutes from Downtown Mall, Martha Jefferson Hospital, UVA. Elevated, wooded parcel with Blue Ridge Mountain views potential. MLS#652242 $975,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

MONTICELLO AVENUE

1-BR, 1-BA condo located just steps away from the Downtown Mall. Featuring a gourmet eat-in kitchen, private balcony and more! Exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Downtown living! MLS#651308 $520,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

MEADOW FARM

436+ acres in Southern Albemarle! 4 division rights; complete privacy; lush, gently rolling terrain; long road frontage; stream; 3-acre lake; 125-135 acres of open land; mature hardwood forests. Under conservation easement. MLS#651411

$2,985,000 Charlotte Dammann, 433.981.1250

GIBSON’S HOLLOW

Ivy area! 160+ acre hidden, private Arcadia at the entrance to its own little valley. Multiple parcels and subdivision rights make it a conservation easement candidate. Backs up to Bundoran Farm. MLS#652577 $1,990,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

NEWLISTING

LOFTLANDS GLEN

Four bedroom, five full bath home built in 1996. Main level with primary bedroom suite, open kitchen, living room with fireplace, home office. Sunroom and deck to private backyard with swimming pool. Terrace level family room, plenty of storage. MLS#652617 $750,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

KESWICK ESTATE

Discover Keswick Estate, a gated community near Keswick Hall, offering a 2.10± acre building site harmonizing country life and resort living in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Create your dream home close to golf, dining, tennis, and more. MLS#650785 $515,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700