Annie Gould Gallery
It takes two
Two apartment complexes planned for either side of Albemarle/ Charlottesville border
By Sean Tubbs
Experience Matters
What happens when you build a pair of apartment buildings with hundreds of residents each on the busiest highway in the Charlottesville area? The community will find out in a couple of years if two proposed developments make their way through the process.
On July 16, the Albemarle Planning Commission held a public hearing on a rezoning for up to 165 units and two retail buildings at 1193 Seminole Trail. The site is currently home to the C’ville Oriental grocery store and two former automotive repair businesses that have recently closed.
Meanwhile, Charlottesville planners continue to review a proposal to redevelop 1185 Seminole Trail, the site of Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet. Keane Enterprises of Ashburn, Virginia, has submitted a site plan for 250 apartment units on a four-acre lot.
The projects’ proximity provides a unique test of the cooperation called for in the Comprehensive Plans for both jurisdictions. It is not often two parcels across the border redevelop simultaneously.
“The City and County coordinate on planning efforts, both at the staff level and through decision-making bodies,” reads the city’s plan.
Yet the Albemarle and Charlottesville planning commissions have not held a joint meeting for more than five years, a period in which both localities have been updating their respective development rules.
Albemarle Supervisors last updated their plan in 2015, and it makes several references to cooperation with the city, such as “affordable housing that is connected to community amenities, parks, trails, and services in the City,” as reads one strategy in the document.
Both projects are proceeding under older requirements to restrict rents for a certain percentage of units to make sure they are affordable to households with lower incomes. Thesis Living, the developer of the Albemarle parcel, filed their plans before Albemarle increased the number of units from 15 percent to 20 percent.
The Keane site plan was turned in to Charlottesville’s Department of Neighborhood Services before the effective date of the city’s new zoning. Those rules require 10 percent of units to be made available to households with less than 60 percent of the area median income.
The two buildings would be four storiestall and would be sited on either side of the border between the two localities, with driveways extending onto a 10-lane section of U.S. 29. Neither application acknowledges the role the other might play in addressing mutual issues such as transportation or stormwater management.
Children living in the Thesis Living complex would go to Albemarle schools and those in the Keane property would go to city schools, requiring two different sets of buses. Residents of 1185 Seminole Trail would be amid an island of commercial uses but might soon have new neighbors if one anticipated major redevelopment happens. Great Eastern Management Company, a local company with residential complexes such as Barclay Place and commercial shopping centers, has filed a site plan to redevelop the vacant Giant grocery store in Seminole Square Shopping Center with 350 units.
In one sign of the benefits of mutual planning, a pedestrian bridge across U.S. 29 at Zan Road will be finished in fall of 2025. This was one of several projects called for in a joint master plan for the overall area.
A 3D rendering of the latest version of a redevelopment project at 1193 Seminole Trail in Albemarle County. The Hibachi Grill property is within city limits and is slated for a four-story building with a proposed 250 units.
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
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
PARK STREET
Transform into private residence, maintain as offices, or envision mixed-use development. Expansive rooms, lofty ceilings, architectural detailing, covered porch, private parking. Immediate access to dining, cultural amenities, and shops. MLS#654741 $1,195,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
BAILEY’S QUARTERS
One level living with full basement, two acres and a spectacular view of Buck Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home is 10 miles northwest of Charlottesville near Free Union. MLS#654595
$525,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
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
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
CRAIGS STORE RD
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of western Albemarle, this 76 acre parcel offers compelling views of the Blue Ridge Mtns., 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
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
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
HISTORIC STAUNTON
Meticulously renovated National Historic Register home, blending modern amenities with remarkable charm. 5-BR 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
NEWLISTING
TAYLORS GAP RD
Charming cottage on 3+ acres in Ivy! Light-filled w/living, dining, kitchen, sunroom, study, primary BR, bath, second BR on main floor. Lower level has bonus room, BR & bath. Recently updated floors, roof, sunroom tile. Private deck, mature landscaping, pond, Fiber Optic available. MLS#655171 $598,000 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250
MONTICELLO AVENUE
1-bedroom, 1-bath condo located just steps away from the Downtown Mall. Boasting pristine condition this unit features a gourmet eat-in kitchen, private balcony and more! Exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Downtown living! MLS#651308 $418,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
1895 Westview Rd | Charlottesville
