The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation (HFFI) is hoping to change a proposed plan to build seven, four-story townhouses in the 300 block of George Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The George Street Brownstones project is part of Mike Adams’ plans for the historic National Bank Building property he purchased this summer. He also plans to put a restaurant in the first floor of the bank building and offices in the second floor.
HFFI sent a letter on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, urging residents to petition city council to appeal the Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board’s (ARB) October 26 approval of the project. “We at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) feel this project is too large and out of scale for the historic area where it is to be located,” the group said. The letter follows.
City Council is expected to address the matter during its Tuesday, Nov. 10, meeting. HFFI is encouraging residents to call the Clerk of Council at 540-372-1010 and register to speak at the meeting.
HFFI Preservation Alert
Preservation Matters
Preservation Alert – November, 2015
Dear Friends of Preservation.
Currently, there is a proposed plan for the construction of seven, four-story townhouses to be built on the 300 block of George Street in downtown Fredericksburg. They would be located behind the historic National Bank Building at the corner of Princess Anne and George Streets. The plan includes demolition of the drive-thru banking structures and the construction of seven, four-story townhouses. We at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) feel this project is too large and out of scale for the historic area where it is to be located.
On October 26, 2015 the Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board (ARB) approved the scale and massing (the general size- including height, depth, and width) of the four-story townhouses proposed for the 300 block of George Street, despite much concern voiced by some ARB members and a variety of citizens. (Final vote: 3 in favor, 2 against)
HFFI has been told that a Fredericksburg City Council member plans to propose an appeal to the ARB decision at the next meeting. This would deny the developer the proposed scale and massing (see picture above); but we need your input to let Council know how important it is to you.
On Tuesday evening, November 10th, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (715 Princess Anne Street), a vote will be taken to decide if the appeal should move forward. Please consider sending a message to all of the members on City Council or attending the meeting to make a public comment to share your thoughts.
We need YOU to tell City Council if you feel this project is too big for our historic downtown streetscape.
We at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. encourage the appropriate reuse of historic buildings and are supportive of sensitive development in our historic areas, but this project will overwhelm the neighborhood and overshadow the historic National Bank Building as well as the homes across the street. Let’s work together to bring the project to an acceptable scale.
Thank you for supporting Fredericksburg’s historic resources. Our strength lies in you, our community.
City Council Public Comment Guidelines
If you would like to speak at City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, call the Clerk of Council at 540-372-1010 to have your name added to the list.
“When contacting or addressing members of City Council, please remember to be polite and courteous,” HFFI said. “They give much of their time to make the city a better place; please be respectful in your communication.”
When speaking, the city asks you please respect the following guidelines:
1 – Clearly state your name and address.
2- Take no more than five (5) minutes (brevity is appreciated).
3 – Confine your comments to City business.
4- Personal attacks on council members or others will not be tolerated.
Other Projects
Adams is also developing Park View Condominiums at the corner of William & Prince Edward Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. This project has also been called out-of-scale with the historic district.
More
Downtown Fredericksburg’s Historic National Bank Building Sold
Fredericksburg Accepting Applications for Historic Resources Planner
Historic National Bank Building For Sale
Historic Bank Closes its Doors in Downtown Fredericksburg
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