MARKET
Annie Gould Gallery
A unique art gallery located in the heart of historic Gordonsville.
109 S. Main Street, Gordonsville, VA • (540) 832-6352 anniegouldgallery
THE REALTOR CODE OF ETHICS
On and off housing
UVA Board of Visitors to meet this week over two private development projects
By Sean Tubbs
The governing body of the area’s largest landowner will meet this week with five new members, at least one of whom has significant experience in real estate. Governor Glenn Youngkin’s latest appointees to the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors begin their terms at a time when two private, recently approved student developments are moving toward construction and while UVA seeks to provide more housing for students.
“UVA has committed to expanding its current first-year residency requirement to require all first- and second-year students to live on-Grounds while enrolled at UVA to better support students in their transition to University life, and as residents of the broader Charlottesville community,” reads a May 2024 solicitation for firms to partner to build the housing.
At the same time, two large private developments near UVA continue to make their way through the finer details of the city’s permitting process.
On Tuesday, the Charlottesville Planning Commission formally approved a site plan for the Verve, a 12-story student apartment building to be constructed in the heart of central Grounds. Several dozen apartments at the intersection of Jefferson Park Avenue and Emmet Street will soon be demolished to make way for the new building, which will have 442 units, according to the site plan.
City Council approved a rezoning in January for the Verve despite opposition from UVA officials, who argued the tall building would diminish UVA’s architectural character. The plans were submitted in time to qualify under the city’s
zoning rules, which required significantly fewer units to be designated as affordable. In this case, the developer will contribute $6.8 million to the city’s affordable housing fund rather than build units that are price-controlled.
Earlier this month, the Charlottesville City Council granted approval of another technical step for a 10-story student apartment building at 2117 Ivy Rd. that was approved under the old rules. That project comes with a $3.25 million contribution to the city’s affordable housing fund and required council action to waive a requirement to build sidewalks on all road fronts.
“The waiver request is only for the easternmost portion of the property’s frontage on Copeley Road,” said Dannan O’Connell, a city planner. He added that they will build sidewalks on Ivy Road and a portion of Copeley Road.
Meanwhile, UVA is planning to build up to 2,000 bedrooms for undergraduate students at both the former University Gardens as well as on Ivy Road. The Afghan Kabob restaurant will be demolished to make way for what UVA calls the Emmet North site.
Because UVA owns those parcels of land, the city will not collect property tax revenue but they will for both the Verve and 2117 Ivy Rd. UVA officials want the first units to come online for the fall of 2027.
One of the new members of the Board of Visitors is David F. Webb of Virginia Beach, whose day job is vice chair of development firm CBRE’s Capital Markets Group. Webb is now a member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, which will meet on Thursday. One item on their agenda is a discussion of student housing.
The 12-story Verve is one of two large student apartment buildings planned for construction within close proximity to the University of Virginia.
ESG ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
FARMINGTON
Elegant Farmington Country Club residence on 5 acres with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views. Offering privacy, yet great convenience to Charlottesville and the Club amenities, this 5-BR home includes a guesthouse, pool, separate office and garage. MLS#650584 $5,795,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124
MEADOW 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, 434.981.1250
HISTORIC STAUNTON
Meticulously renovated National Historic Register home, blending modern amenities with remarkable charm. 5-bedrooms with hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and trim. Quartz kitchen, magnificent primary suite, terrace apartment. MLS#653080 $1,295,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
UNDERCONTRACT
HOLLOW
A charming home tucked off Owensville Road in Whippoorwill Hollow. With two acres, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers outdoor space to enjoy nature. A wonderful offering in the western school district and less than 10 miles to Charlottesville. MLS#656446 $749,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
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 Bellair neighborhood! With 4-BR, 3.5 baths, and a vaulted great room, this residence offers superb construction. Enjoy stunning views from the screened porch. MLS#652438 $2,675,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
THE HOLSINGER
Exceptional 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo, located just steps from the historic Downtown Mall. Luxurious living spaces, spacious floor plan, fully loaded kitchen, hardwood floors, a private balcony, and secure parking. Enjoy vibrant downtown living! MLS#656160 $1,200,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
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
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
HIGH FIELDS
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 Mountain vistas, and substantial barn. MLS#651245 $1,695,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
CRAIGS STORE RD
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 $975,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
KESWICK ESTATE
Nestled near Keswick Hall lies Keswick Estate, a gated community offering a 2.10± acre building site blending country life with resort living in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Build your dream home minutes from amenities like golf, dining, tennis, and more. MLS#650785 $470,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
WHIPPOORWILL
