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Fifth Street sale
Undeveloped land on major highway into Charlottesville up for grabs
By Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville’s new zoning code, which went into effect in February, opens up potential for a much more urban landscape with higher buildings and increased residential density. The updated rules provide a new lens to speculate what might happen with some of the last undeveloped parcels across the city.
Earlier this month, signs were placed at the edge of several wooded plots of land on Fifth Street in Charlottesville just to the north of the Beacon on North residential community.
“This prime piece of real estate offers convenient access to public water and sewer, making it an ideal choice for your dream home or investment project,” reads the listing offered by Sherri White of the Hogan Group.
In all, White represents four lots, with three owned by the same family. The parcels were the property of Ammon and Shirley Brown since at least 1994. Both have since died and the land is now split between six of their surviving children.
Two of the Brown lots measure 0.33 acres and a third is 0.23 acres. Each is listed at $180,000. Carroll Gibson, the owner of the fourth lot, decided to sell at the same time.
“I think their hope for these properties [is for them] to be purchased at the same time,” White says. “This could actually provide the city with a great opportunity to provide more affordable housing.”
The topography of the land illustrates some of the real-world obstacles that perhaps explain why the land is not yet devel-
oped. For instance, there is a 25-foot decline from Fifth Street to a relatively flat portion on which structures could be built.
However, whatever land is available to be developed is in the new Residential Mixed Use 5 district which allows unlimited density. The old zoning would have limited the parcel to a certain number of units before the City Council would need to grant a special use permit.
The new rules converted all legislative approvals to technical ones, which now would require a developer to work with the city to develop a way to get in and out of the site.
Another consideration is Lodge Creek, a tributary of Moores Creek. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality considers the waterway impaired for bacterial health, but property owners along its run have added buffers to help prevent sedimentation.
“The zoning doesn’t have anything on small streams,” says James Freas, Deputy City Manager for Operations. “Depending on the specifics of a given site, other state and local laws might apply.”
Elsewhere on Fifth Street, there are other undeveloped parcels which may one day yield more apartments or businesses. One of them is a 5.89-acre property owned by an entity called Renaissance Place between the multifamily Blue Ridge Commons community and the highway.
The City of Charlottesville and the Virginia Department of Transportation are also in the early stages of identifying projects to solve safety issues on Fifth Street. Council agreed to lower the speed limit on the road to 40 miles per hour in 2021 after a series of well-publicized fatal crashes.
The four lots for sale form part of a triangle of undeveloped land along Fifth Street, a four-lane highway in between I-64 and downtown Charlottesville.
EDGEMONT
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 15 miles south of Charlottesville, is this rare 572-acre historic estate whose design is reputed to be the only remaining private residence attributed to Thomas Jefferson. $15,000,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700 www.HistoricEdgemont.com
FARM
436+ acre parcel of land 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
HISTORIC STAUNTON
Meticulously renovated National Historic Register home, blending modern amenities with remarkable charm. Five-bedroom with tall ceilings, hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and trim. Quartz kitchen, magnificent primary suite, terrace apartment. MLS#653080 $1,295,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
CARRSBROOK
This family friendly home has been thoughtfully updated with a blend of style and comfort for modern living. Spacious with 5 bedrooms, dual purpose main floor bed or office with adjacent full bath, 3 full baths, living room and den, plus 3 season sunroom. MLS#654829 $699,000 Jeremy Fields, 434.270.1220
BENTIVAR MANOR
Exquisite brick home on 88 acres less than 5 miles from city limits. Residence is in excellent condition, 7-BR & 11,000+ sf. Property is a mix of pastures & woods with long frontage on the Rivanna River, & miles of trails. MLS#652353 $4,875,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
BELLAIR
Recently renovated contemporary home in soughtafter neighborhood on 5.46 acres! 4-BR, 3.5 BA, this residence offers superb construction and materials. Enjoy stunning views from the screened porch. MLS#652438 $2,675,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
CRAIGS STORE RD
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of western Albemarle, this 76 acre parcel offers 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 $$975,000 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 $470,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
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
VIEW PROPERTY
Scenic 42-acre farm 10 miles from Charlottesville. Features pastures, woodlands, serene creek, antique farmhouse, updated kitchen, 3-BA, 4-BR, and panoramic Blue Ridge Mtn. vistas, and substantial barn. MLS#651245 $1,695,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
BUCK MOUNTAIN RD
Contemporary home on 13+ acres in Earlysville. Features include a 1.5-story main house with firstfloor suite, open living room with fireplace and deck, galley kitchen, dining room, upstairs Jack and Jill bath, cozy studio/bedroom with bath and loft, plus a detached two-car garage. MLS#654758 $750,000 Mark Mascotte, 434.825.8610
COUNTRY GREEN RD
Modern living at a great value! Open-concept living on first floor w/bright great room, oversized kitchen, dining area and half bath. Upstairs, enjoy a primary BR with en suite, 2 additional BRs, full bath, and stackable washer/dryer. 2 off-street parking spots. Easy access to local amenities. MLS#654818 $434,900 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250
MEADOW
