WILLIAMSBURG PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

WORK SESSION #16 AUGUST 28, 2019

The meeting will be called to order in the Council Chambers at the Stryker Center, 412 North Boundary Street, on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORK SESSION #16 Page

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. REVIEW CHAPTER 10 - PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND LIBRARY (DRAFT 2)

A. 2 - 10

B. 11 - 13

C. DISCUSSION

D. OPEN FORUM

4. REVIEW CHAPTER 9 - INSTITUTIONS (DRAFT 2)

A. 14 - 29

B. 30 - 32

C. DISCUSSION

D. OPEN FORUM

5. REVIEW CHAPTER 4 - COMMUNITY CHARACTER (DRAFT 3)

A. 33 - 53

B. DISCUSSION

C. OPEN FORUM

6. ADJOURNMENT

Page 1 of 53 C Chapter 10 - Public Schools and Library - Draft 2

The Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools and PUBLIC SCHOOLS the Williamsburg Regional Library represent public partnerships between the City and the County. These Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools (WJCCPS) institutions provide invaluable resources to both City and serve the families and communities of Williamsburg and County residents, while helping reduce the duplication of James City County with 16 schools: nine elementary, four services in the region. middle and three high schools. This joint school system was formed in 1953, and is headed by a Superintendent, who is responsible to a seven member school board comprised of two City residents and five County residents. City School Board members are appointed by City Council while County School Board members are elected.

WJCCPS implemented a new strategic plan called Elevate Beyond Excellence. The plan will “guide teaching and learning, administration and operations in WJCC Schools through 2023. The following goals and strategies were developed collaboratively with input and expertise from division employees, students, families and the Williamsburg-James City County community.”

The strategic plan outlines six goals:

1. Academic Achievement/College & Career Readiness

2. Education Equity

3. Communication and Engagement

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4. Safety and Secruity Matthew Whaley Elementary School

5. Human Capital and Positive Culture Built in 1930 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Matthew Whaley Elementary School is located at 301 6. Organizational Efficiency and Effectiveness Scotland Street and serves a majority of the City's The five-year contract for the operation of the joint school elementary students. The school was renovated in 1997 and system was last negotiated with James City County in 2017 has a design capacity of 513 students. for FY18-FY22 and will be renegotiated in 2021. The City In 2018 and 2019 approval of two learning cottages was pays local operating and capital costs based on a three-year granted through July 2022. This temporarily increases the student count average with a 1.14 multiplier applied. The capacity at the school to 541. WJCCPS indicated as part of cost sharing for additional schools within the contract the application for the cottages that past 2022 alternatives period will be negotiated between the City and County at would be sought to address capacity issues at Matthew that time. Whaley School. The Division owns and operates 16 schools: nine

elementary schools, (Clara Byrd Baker, Rawls Byrd, D.J. Montague, Norge, Matthew Whaley, James River, Stonehouse, Matoaka and J. Blaine Blayton); four middle

schools (Berkeley, James Blair, Toano and Hornsby); and three high schools (Lafayette, Jamestown and Warhill). Three schools Matthew Whaley, Berkeley, James Blair and the administrative offices are located in the City.

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Berkeley Middle School James Blair Middle School

Berkeley Middle School, built in 1965 is located on twenty- James Blair Middle School, built in 2018 is located at 101 three acres at 1118 Ironbound Road at the intersection of Longhill Road on over eighteen acres of land at the Ironbound Road and Strawberry Plains Road. The school intersection of Longhill Road and Ironbound Road. James was renovated and expanded in 1998-99, and has a design Blair is the newest school in the system and has a design capacity of 884 students. capacity of 600 students.

Central Office

Central Office, built in 1955 is located at 117 Ironbound Road adjacent to James Blair Middle School. It was converted into administrative offices in 2010 from a portion

of the former school.

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Although City students attend most schools in the system, Table 10-1: the majority of City students attend three schools: Matthew Whaley Elementary School on Scotland Street, Berkeley Middle School on Strawberry Plains Road, both of which are located in the City; and Lafayette High School on Longhill Road, located in James City County. Since the figures included in the 2013 Comprehensive Plan for the 2011-2012 school year, total enrollment has grown by 758 students (+6.4%), and the City enrollment has grown by 72 students (+6.9%).

Table 10-1 lists the 2018-2019 enrollment in the various

schools within the WJCCPS System.

Additional capacity needs are anticipated to be primarily at the elementary school level as there is capacity at the middle school and high school levels. WJCCPS enrolled 11,813 students for the 2018-2019 school year. Of those 5,368 were enrolled in elementary school. These enrollment figures placed five of the nine elementary schools over capacity. As part of the 2019 Capital Improvement Plan, the division has set aside funding for the design of a new elementary school in 2020 with construction to begin in

2021. The location and capacity of the new elementary Source: WJCCPS This chart represents the total active in their responsible divisions students at the school have not yet been determined. end of the 2018-19 school year on the latest student record collection upload. This includes Pre-K full and 1/2 time. This does not include the 102 students who were active, served but who left the system anytime during the year or any service only.

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Table 10-2 shows Public School enrollment figures by (INSERT HEAT MAP) MAP 10-1. neighborhood from the 2013-2014 school year through the 2018-2019 school year. While the enrollment numbers fluctuate across the City, there are a few neighborhoods that have seen notable growth in the number of students and some that have seen a steady decline.

Between the 2013-14 school year and the 2018-19 school year Merrimac Crossing saw an increase of 50 students. This is the largest increase of any neighborhood in the City. Other neighborhoods with growth include: Shellis Square, Quarterpath, Riverside, Richmond Road Commercial, Parkway Townhomes, and Quarterpath Place.

The largest decrease in the number of students from the 2013- 14 school year to the 2018-19 school year was seen in Skipwith Farms with a drop of 16 students and Pinecrest with a decreased of 12 students. Other neighborhoods with a drop in students include: Priorslee, Parkway, Yorkshire, Mimosa, Capitol Landing Commercial, and York Street Commercial.

Map 10-1 shows the growth or decline in students across the City.

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Table 10-2

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PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) has two campuses locations, one on Croaker Road in James City County, and the other in downtown Williamsburg at 515 Scotland Street. The downtown Williamsburg Library which contains approximately 40,000 square feet of library space. The library’s WRL administrative offices are located in Stryker Center at 412 North Boundary Street adjacent to the downtown library location. The Williamsburg Regional Library System serves not only Williamsburg but James City and York County residents. Through a formal partnership established in 2018, WRL users can It also provides access the resources of to Swem Library located at

William & Mary. In FY 2019, the downtown location is expected to have over 370,000 visits.

The library was constructed in 1973 with two major additions in 1982 and 1998. In 1982, the theater and children’s section was constructed. The pyramid entrance off library plaza City Square and the area that now holds the adult reference desk, public computer stations and large print selection was

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constructed several collections was added in 1998. The possibility of renovation, enlargement, or jointly funded footprint to the right indicates the original building (yellow) replacement of the facility at it’s current location or and two additions (1982, dark green and 1998, pink). construction of a third library in James City County.

The library currently serves the community in a number of The library is a major partner in downtown Williamsburg and ways. In addition to traditional library services and City Square. It is important for the entire community that collections, the library offers streaming video and music the library to remain downtown and the city and county collections and robust selections of ebooks and digital need to work together to keep the library downtown. City audio books and magazines. Extensive library programming and County work together to keep a vibrant library in meets the needs and interests of all ages in the community. downtown Williamsburg. The City’s commitment to a The Williamsburg Library also offers theatre space and downtown library reflects its long standing support for meeting rooms for the community. The library has also lifelong learning. In addition to providing the community expanded its community reach by including programming with books and information, the library also serves as a the plaza between the library and Stryker Center. Events are community space that encourages and enhances civic held in the plaza throughout the year, and expanded seating engagement. The library also greatly enriches the vibrancy and WiFi access encourage library users to enjoy this of the downtown core area bringing individuals and families outdoor space. to Williamsburg to not only visit the library but to shop, dine, and enjoy other aspects of downtown Williamsburg. A facility review of the Scotland Street location has indicated deficiencies that prevent this existing facilities The library also greatly enhances the downtown core area from functioning as a modern library. These deficiencies and brings individuals and families to Williamsburg to not include design concerns, infrastructure, accessibility, only visit the library but to shop, dine and enjoy other safety, and security. Users of the library also cite limited aspects of downtown Williamsburg. parking as a concern.

The results of the facility study and recommendations are being evaluated by staff from the City and James City County. Several possible solutions exist, including with the

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RECOMMENDATIONS: RECOMMENDATIONS:

PUBLIC SCHOOLS PUBLIC LIBRARY 1. Assist in the planning and location selection for a new 1. Continue to support the library as a community center elementary school. in downtown. 2. Monitor capacity at Matthew Whaley School to 2. Participate in the ongoing facility study to determine a eliminate the use of temporary learning cottages in the path forward to making the library a more functional next five years with the construction of another 21st century space. elementary school. 3.Work with James City County to either construct a new 3. Continue to provide support and funding to existing library downtown or construct an addition to include schools. renovation of the existing space. 4. Recognize the importance of good schools in attracting and retaining young families.

Page 10 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10 - Public Schools and Library Page 10-9 August, 1, 2019 Mrs. Elaine McBeth, Chair Williamsburg City Planning Commission 401 Lafayette Street Williamsburg, VA 23185 Williamsburg Comprehensive Land Use Plan: LIBRARY

Dear Mrs. McBeth:

We have happily visited our downtown library early and often! Books of course but also movies, lectures, classes, concerts! The amazing and wonderful variety of programs to teach, inform, entertain and comfort...

Now we are faced with the need to design a new facility on the present space — because that is where we all want to be!

We studiedthe photo of the site to consider how best we all could have our “ all” at this perfect location. AND if removing the building is accepted and accomplished, as seems to be necessary for many sound reasons, we are left with POSSIBILITIES!

A new multi story building, two stories for sure and easily a third partial story allows:

A second story extended over part of parking! This provides appreciated covering for families bringing small children and those needing handicappedparking, access. This can allow a clear roofed walk way to the side entrance of the now connected Stryker building.

With the building extending further northwest (toward Police Station) part of the glassed second story will be looking over the beautiful Abbot Garden. A portion of the long side can be open as a balcony with open air for chairs, tables - the view! The peace and beauty! This will be a most popular meeting space for receptions, groups.

On the second story, the children areas reading/story room is above Armistead Street and overlooks and connects with the Blanton Green which becomes the outdoor reading , story, play area. The play area is of course open to children and parents, not just library patrons.

?oor- The third covering a portion of the main building - is designed by teens for teens! Space to congregate, learn, teach, practice, study in group settings and also small carrels. Teen clubs can book times and spaces for gatherings and activities involving learning in all media, producing poems, plays, music, crafts, hobbies and sharing with their members and the public.

Page 11 of 53 Library, page 2 cont

We think the present theater to be “perfect enough”- so hope it can remain on its present location and size, available for live perfonnances and movies, as now.

Meeting rooms, casual reading spaces, activity spaces, staff of?ces, the Book Nook and all can be ?tted in at Best Practices design.

Perimeter reading areas on the second ?oor will have large windows, floor to best height for lovely tree view sheds of Abbot Green and for peace and relaxation. That will be a cherished “go to“ area—— which lucky group/readers gets that choice?

Let the basement be a comfortable, functioning space.

We see this proposal as a totally sensible, functioning building, designed carefully for current needs but with ?exibility to adjust to future needs and changes in interests, products and demographics.

And with this beloved location, there is no friendly way to reduce the entrances! It SHOULD be welcoming from Scotland Street! It MUST be open from rear and side parking! We do want our cake! And we know we can enjoy it!

With enthusiasm, {»~l._ 5‘/524., 0 G“:‘Mc‘ )

, ci Bond Ellen Jaronczy 3000 Earls Ct #1301 100 Hollinwell Williamsburg, VA 23185 Williamsburg, VA 23188

Page 12 of 53 KEEP OUR KIMBALL

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Elaine McBeth, Chair . WilliamsburgCity Planning Commission 401 Lafayette Street Williamsburg,VA 23185 Re:Comprehensive Plan: “Institutions”

§iDearMs. McBeth

§iOurcommittee is writing to you as a plea to include the Kimball Theatre as an integralpart of jtheMerchant Square complex. We realize that it is temporarily being used by the College of 5gWilliamand Mary but our concern is for the future.

§Thetheatre would still be owned by Colonial Williamsburgbut operated independentlyas a full ilfunctioninglive performance auditorium and a movie theater venue. The WilliamsburgTheater, gasit was then called, was proposed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and was frequented o?en by him iandhis family when they were in residence in the colonial area. ilnorder to maintain his vision and provide for the continuation of a small town, centralized ientertainmenthub, we should like to include our mission statement for your considerationand inclusionin the discussionsto be dealt with at the work session on August 14, 2019.

;Itis our fervent hope and desire that this invaluable theater will be incorporated into the long irangeplans for the area and not devolve into another retail venture. The loss of our beloved §Kimballwould be devastating for the community and the memory of its founders. If as it is said ithat“the future can learn from the past”, we need to retain part of our past so as to maintainthe Equalityof our town and the caliber of our entertainment. §Respectfully, lCarmendel Pilar Lancellotti, Secretary - ‘X§jKEEPOUR KIMBALL Task Force 5 ’l5>@"i‘*t‘i+Wl’l;‘ll W)’ ll 9' Ctwvés b l/t\’> i\//33

CcCity Planning Department, KOK Task Force.Paul Freiling, VirginiaGazette, WY Daily 7

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Page 13 of 53 C Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

Since its establishment in 1699, Williamsburg has been defined by its major public institutions. William & Mary and Bruton Parish Church preceded the City and were its first institutional partners. The Virginia’s colonial government was based here from Williamsburg’s founding in 1699 until the capital was moved to Richmond in 1780. The Publick Hospital, which became Eastern State Hospital, was a major presence in the City from 1773 until completing its move to James City County in 1970. Finally, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation traces its origin to 1926 when John D. Rockefeller, Jr. began the restoration of the Colonial Capital. William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg comprise 43% of the City’s total land area. This chapter will discuss the impact of these two institutions on the City.

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WILLIAM & MARY

William & Mary, one of the nation’s premier state-assisted liberal arts university has played an integral role in the City from the start. The university was chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II, and is the second oldest higher educational institution in the country. William & Mary’s total enrollment in the fall of 2018 was 8,817 students, 6,377 undergraduate, 1,830 undergraduate and 610 first professional students. The university provides high-quality undergraduate, graduate and professional education, and is comprised of the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Law, and Marine Science. The university had 713 full-time faculty members and 182 part-time faculty members in 2018/19.

The centerpiece of the university is the Wren Building, attributed apocryphally to the English architect Sir Christopher Wren. It is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the United States, constructed between 1695 and 1699, prior to the founding of Williamsburg. The Wren Building, together with the Brafferton (1723) and the President’s House (1732), comprise

the Historic Campus of William & Mary. The restoration of the

Wren building was the first project undertaken in Williamsburg by Rendering from The College of William and Mary 2015 Campus Master Plan John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Along with the restored Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, this original campus is a character defining feature of Williamsburg. Page 15 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-2 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

Physical Improvements o The Jimmy Laycocke Football Facility on Gooch • The Historic Campus served the needs of the Drive; university from 1693 until 1920. o The Lake Matoaka Amphitheater; • From 1920 until 1950, the “Old Campus” was o Eleven new Fraternity Houses along Ukrop Way with developed west of the Wren Building to the Crim Dell 187 beds; area. oTucker and Tyler Halls on the old campus; • The “New Campus” was developed in the 1960s with oTribe Square (56 beds in 14 four bedroom buildings of a modern design. apartments); • Strategic infill took place between 1980 and 2002. o Richmond Hall; • Since 2005, William & Mary has completed o One Tribe Place; construction or renovation of : o Shenkman Jewish Center on Jamestown Road; o The Jamestown Residence Halls on Jamestown o Landrum Hall; Road which house 388 students; o Smith-McGlothlin grandstand; o The School of Business at the northwest corner oWren Ramp. of Jamestown Road and Ukrop Way provides 160,000 square feet of classroom, office and meeting spaces; o A Parking Garage on Campus Drive adjacent to Adair Gymnasium; o The 112,000 square foot School of Education on Monticello Avenue; o The Integrated Science Center Phases I, II & III on Landrum Drive; o The Cohen Career Center adjacent to the Sadler Center; Page 16 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-3 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

Projects under construction: Planning Issues Cooperative Planning Goals •West Utilities Plant; William & Mary, as an arm of the Commonwealth, is exempt from • Alumni Center Renovation & Expansion (projected City land use regulation, making This makes it particularly completion Spring 2020); important that the university and the City work together to • Fine Arts Phase 1 & 2 (projected completion Summer preserve Williamsburg’s very special character. The City does 2021); not wish to interfere with the university’s ability to plan and • Reveley Garden. decide on land use issues interior to the campus, but becomes concerned if peripheral land uses create these issues affecting Projects in the pre-planning stage: adjoining City neighborhoods, commercial areas and historic • Muscarelle Museum Renovation & Expansion; areas. • Sadler Center West Addition; While many college towns have given up on • ISC4 Integrated Science Center Phase 4. close-in residential neighborhoods adjacent to campus, Williamsburg will not surrender Future Projects based on the Campus Master Plan: the character and livability of these • Renovate portions of Swem Library; valuable and historic neighborhoods. It • Renovate Ewell Hall; is important for the City and William and • Construct Fine Arts Phase III; Mary to work together for the betterment • Renovate Campus Center; of both entities while protecting our • Renovate additional dormitories; neighborhoods. Seeking more input from • Renovate Washington Hall; City Boards for proposed project adjacent to • Kaplan Arena Improvements; the City will help build positive relationships • Renovate Adair Hall; between our neighborhoods, the City and William and Mary. • Replace Jones & Morton Halls; • Replace Commons Dining Hall.

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Architectural Character neighborhoods, and that new construction in the City does the The architectural character of the university is of utmost same for the character of the university. The area adjoining the importance to both the university and the City. Recognizing the Old Campus is located in the City’s Architectural Preservation importance significance of this issue, the university developed a District, and the New Campus adjoins the Corridor Protection Campus Design Guidelines Report in May, 2003. This document District along Jamestown Road and Monticello Avenue. formulates design guidelines to help re-establish the consistency of planning and design principles Student Housing exemplified in the Old Campus, William & Mary’s total enrollment in fall of 2018 was 8,817 and envisions “a unified campus students, which includes 6,377 undergraduates, 1830 graduate image and character based on and 610 first professional students. Of the 6,377 the historic expression of the Old undergraduates, 6,300 were enrolled as full time students (99%). Campus and the Sunken Garden Of the 2,440 graduate and first professional students, 1,686 were Quadrangle, formulated on a new enrolled as full-time students (69%). framework of clearly organized pedestrian pathways and public spaces. The disparate images portrayed by multiple existing campus precincts will be consolidated into a seamless transition between three newly defined campus landforms: North Campus, South Campus and West Woods.” The general architectural framework in this report echoes the urban design concerns expressed in Chapter 4 – Community Character as well as in the Design Guidelines adopted by the City’s Architectural Review Board. The university and the City need to work cooperatively together to make sure that new buildings constructed on the campus complement the character of the surrounding City Page 18 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-5 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

On-campus housing is available for 5,065 residents (57% of total • City Lofts (2012) at 1406 Richmond Road provides 95 one- students). Since 2011 William & Mary added 771 beds to its bedroom apartments with up to 143 student beds. housing inventory. In February 2019, the university announced • Griffin Arms (2013) at 515 Prince George Street with eight plans for a sophomore year experience with a required on- 3-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors with campus residential component beginning with the Class of 2023. 3,808 square feet of commercial on the first floor. • One Tribe Place (2013) at 415 Richmond Road purchased There is a great demand for student housing on campus and in by William & Mary as a student dormitory. the area surrounding the university, which has an impact on the • Richmond Hall (2017) at 902 Richmond Road as a student largely single-family neighborhoods adjacent to the university dormitory with 102 rooms. along Richmond Road and Jamestown Road. It is the • Midtown Row (2018) at 215 Monticello Avenue approved as responsibility of the College to provide an appropriate amount of student oriented housing with 240 apartments with 620 student housing on the campus. Additionally, City regulations beds and 68,500 square feet of commercial on the first floor were developed to encourage appropriate student-oriented of the four new buildings. housing off-campus to supplement the housing provided by the university. In addition to these projects, there are other options that can help meet the need for student housing: The following apartment/bedrooms have been added adjacent to • Construction of additional student housing on the main the university to provide additional student housing since 2010: campus. •Tribe Square (2010) at 249 Richmond Road provides 14 • Construction of new multifamily units in the Midtown four-bedroom apartments with 56 beds with 10,634 square Planning Area as redeveloping all or a portion of the feet of first floor commercial; Lawson Apartments on Mount Vernon Avenue for higher • Prince George Commons (2011) at 525 Prince George density student apartments. See Chapter 8 – Commercial Street provides seven one-bedroom apartments on the and Economic Development for more detailed information second floor with 9,770 square feet of commercial on the on the Midtown Planning Area. first floor; • Construction of new multifamily units planned for High Page 19 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-6 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

Street Williamsburg, Quarterpath at Williamsburg, and in the Ox (2017) & Three Sisters Boutique (2016) Downtown area. While these are not planned specifically as • Griffin Arms/515 Prince George Street - The Hounds Tale student housing, these new units will give students wishing (2015) & Oishii (2015) to live off-campus additional options outside of the • Imperial Building/501 Prince George Street - The Barkery traditional close-in City neighborhoods. See Chapter 10 – (2018) Commercial and Economic Development for more detailed • Hitchens Building/441 Prince George Street - Lokal Foods information on these areas. & Meats (2016) • Armistead Building/421 Prince George Street - Quirks of Art Commercial Development Adjacent to the Main Campus (2017) & Kilwin’s (2015) • Shops on Henry/110 S Henry Street - Mellow Mushroom One of the successes of the City’s planning efforts in the last ten (2018), Precarious Beer Hall (2019) and Secret Garden years is the redevelopment of the College Commercial area on (2019). the north side of Richmond Road between Armistead Avenue and Scotland Street and the Downtown area to provide more Other nearby locations with commercial expansion that will also businesses to serve students on the main campus. The following serve student needs are the Arts and Cultural District Mixed Use businesses have located in these areas since 2010: area between Brooks Street and Bacon Avenue the Williamsburg Shopping Center, and redevelopment of Monticello Shopping • The Cooke Building/747 Scotland Street - Brickhouse Center and Midtown Row Shopping Center (see Chapter 10 – Tavern (2014) & Cultural Cafe (2016) Commercial and Economic Development). •Tribe Square/249 Richmond Road - Chick-A-Fil-A (2018) & W&M’s Entrepreneurship Hub & Launchpad (2019) William & Mary’s administration and the William & Mary Real •Triangle Building/200 Armistead Avenue - Rick’s Estate Foundation should work closely with the City’s Planning Cheesesteak (2015) & Luck Kee Hair (2017) & Justified Department and Economic Development Manager Director to Bakeshop (2018). help encourage appropriate redevelopment in these areas. • Prince George Commons/521 Prince George Street - Amber Page 20 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-7 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

While the City’s Architectural Review Board does not review City should work closely together on any future projects that state owned property, it should closely review the design of any create traffic and parking impacts on City neighborhoods new proposed building by the W&M Real Estate Foundation, adjoining the campus. W&M Endowment Association and other non-state owned entities affiliated with W&M before approving the demolition of William & Mary has hired Walker Parking as a consultant to existing buildings to make sure that the proposal conforms to the provide a parking and transportation study. The purpose of the City’s Design Review Guidelines. study is to assist and guide W&M in future decisions regarding facilities, operations, and the general business of parking and Traffic and Parking transportation. This includes building on previous work that Walker preformed in 2012-13. The project includes a study of Traffic flow and parking in and around the university is an existing parking and transportation demand conditions, important concern for the City, and resulted in the Jamestown stakeholder input, an analysis of parking and transportation Road Area Traffic and Parking Study, prepared for the City and demand, and a solutions study aimed at providing specific William & Mary by Kimley Horn and Associates in 2004. Issues recommendations to encourage and maximize, or optimize, the that were addressed by the study included improvements to use of the W&M parking and transportation system. sidewalks and crosswalks, geometric improvements to the Ukrop Way/Jamestown Road intersection, improvements to the residential permit parking program, consideration of traffic calming measures for the Griffin Avenue/Newport Avenue cut- through traffic, and consideration of a roundabout at the College Corner intersection.

The College Corner Transportation Study in 2005 further studied the College Corner intersection, and recommended that a roundabout not be constructed because vehicular/pedestrian conflicts make it operationally difficult. The university and the Page 21 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-8 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Facilities needed:

Pedestrian and bicycle facilities are an important part of the • High Street Williamsburg is a major destination for university, and the following improvements have been completed students. A bicycle and pedestrian link has been completed or have approval: from the main campus to the new School of Education, but there is no connection from the School of Education to the • Installed Bike lanes on Richmond Road from Scotland sidewalk on Treyburn Drive, which connects to High Street. Street to College Corner. A sidewalk needs to be extended all the way to Monticello • Installed Bike lanes on Jamestown Road from Ukrop Drive Avenue, and a signalized pedestrian crosswalk at the to College Corner. Treyburn/Monticello Avenue intersection. The university will • Monticello Avenue multi-use trail from Ironbound Road to need to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation Treyburn Drive (completion Summer 2020). to implement this improvement, since VDOT maintains and • Sidewalk on Compton Drive from Brooks Street to controls the intersection. Monticello Avenue (2021). • A pedestrian connection (crosswalk) needs to be made at • Midtown Row cycle track on Monticello Avenue. (Summer the north end of Treyburn Drive at the Ironbound Road 2021). intersection, connecting the bicycle and pedestrian facilities • Midtown Row multi-use path along Richmond Road. to the Dillard Complex and Plumeri Park. (Summer 2021). • A sidewalk is needed along the north side of Jamestown • Strawberry Plains & John Tyler multi-use trail (Study 2021). Road in front of Phi Beta Kappa Hall.

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THE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG FOUNDATION Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area features more than 173 acres of landscaping and greenspace along with more than 620 Colonial Williamsburg has attracted more than 53 million visitors structures, some dating back to the late 17th century, The since 1932. This 301 acre area encompasses the majority of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and its surrounds have over 18th Century Colonial Capital, established in 1699. Williamsburg 620 structures dating from the late 17th through the 21st century flourished for the next 80 years, until the capital was moved to that contribute to its National Historic Landmark District Richmond in 1780. The removal of the capital began a period of designation. Of these structures, 88 are considered to be decline until 1926 when John D. Rockefeller, Jr. inspired by original, with additional structures either having been built on Reverend W. A. R. Goodwin, began the restoration of the original foundations, containing original elements, or built based colonial city. on other evidence of their existence. Notable buildings include the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Courthouse, Bruton Colonial Williamsburg is owned and operated by The Colonial Parish Church, Raleigh Tavern and the Powder Magazine. Williamsburg Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. The Eighty acres of gardens and greens have also been recreated. Foundation is charged with running the 301-acre Historic Area, a The Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area is the centerpiece of “living history” museum that encompasses most of the 18th the City’s Architectural Preservation District (see Chapter 4 – century Colonial Capital. Community Character).

In 1926, inspired by the Rector of Burton Parish, Reverend W. A. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation preserves and interprets R. Goodwin, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. began the restoration and the Historic Area, as described by Colonial Williamsburg reconstruction of Virginia’s Colonial Capital. Since then, the 301- Foundation President Colin Campbell: acre restored city and museum known as the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has attracted more than 53 million The Historic Area is the core of the Colonial Williamsburg visitors. Foundation. It is the focus and a resource for our education efforts and has , indeed for everything we do. It is a remarkable collection of original buildings and reconstructions, trade sites Page 23 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-10 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

and shops, greens and gardens, livestock and rare breeds, coaches and wagons, four taverns working in eighteenth-century fashion, and three-hundred-year old boulevards and byways. No wonder that, when he visited the Williamsburg Restoration, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed our central thoroughfare, the mile-long Duke of Gloucester Street, “The most historic avenue in all America.”

In 2012 the Foundation’s mission expanded to include its role as America’s center for history, citizenship and democracy, reflecting the evolution of programming over the previous decade and emphasizing a more significant international presence.

The Foundation operates two world class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and Bassett Hall (together know as the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg) as well as the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. Additionally, the Foundation is extensively involved in educational outreach, including through the donor-funded Teacher Institute.

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The Historic Area The “Historic Colonial Area” zoning district was established with the City’s original zoning ordinance in 1947, and enabled the The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area defines the character Board of Zoning Appeals to permit the restoration or and helps to drive the economy of the City. In 2018, The reconstruction of colonial buildings, and to allow their uses for Foundation employed 1,928 full and part-time employees. uses that existed in the 18th Century. Additional controls were Initially conceived as areas on and near Duke of Gloucester administered by a Board of Architectural Consultants established Street with concentrations of restored buildings, the Historic Area in 1958, which approved the architectural design of buildings. has evolved and grown since the Restoration began in 1926. In The regulations were refined to their current state in 1991, when 1939, formal boundaries of the “Restored Area” were a separate “Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area” zoning district established, which included areas along Duke of Gloucester, was created, and when the Board of Architectural Consultants Francis and Nicholson Streets, and the adjoining historic campus became the Architectural Review Board, reviewing the of William and Mary. This was expanded in 1949 to include architectural character of the Architectural Preservation District Waller Street and more of the east-west streets. The official which included the Historic Area. name was changed to the “Historic Area” in 1962, and 1968 saw an expansion to include the Public Hospital and Custis blocks, The interpretation of the Historic Area is Williamsburg’s most the Timson house and several other areas. In 2002, 128 acres important attraction, illustrated by Colonial Williamsburg’s credo: were added to the Historic Area, consisting of areas adjacent to “That the future may learn from the past.” Colonial Williamsburg, the Custis garden site (currently under archaeological along with other history museums nationwide, is dealing with excavation) and the Williamsburg Inn, Bassett Hall and its changing demographic and public tastes, competition with other surroundings, and the pasture northwest of the Timson House. vacation destinations, and a decline in the appeal of historic attractions. In 2009, Duke of Gloucester Street was designated as one of America’s Great Streets by the American Planning Association. The City’s planning and zoning regulations have always kept the protection of this important national resource as a high priority. Page 25 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-12 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

Resort Facilities In the past, this area has been designated as a combination of Colonial Williamsburg offers 826 guest hotel rooms and suites in Colonial Williamsburg Support land use (hotel and conference five diverse facilities four distinct hotels (The Williamsburg Inn, facilities) and Parks, Parkway, Recreation land use (golf Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection, Williamsburg courses). To more clearly differentiate this area, it is now Woodlands Hotel & Suites and Cascades & Griffin Hotel), along designated as Colonial Williamsburg Resort land use. This land with 26 Colonial Houses located in the Historic Area, through a use is implemented by the existing MS Museum Support District wholly-owned for profit subsidiary. A 30,000 square foot spa and and RS-1 Single Dwelling zoning districts. fitness center, 45 holes of golf, tennis and other recreational facilities are also offered. In addition, Colonial Williamsburg Support Facilities operates four unique historic dining to its four historic taverns Supporting the Historic Area is a wide array of facilities, including (King’s Arms, Chowning’s, Christiana Campbell’s & Shields) and the Visitor Center on Visitor Center Drive, Bruton Heights School seven two hotel restaurants and one freestanding restaurant are Education Center north of the Historic Area, the Stable complex located in the MS Museum Support District. on Lafayette Street, and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility on Route 60 East. A new musket range opened in 2016 on South The majority of the resort activities Resort activities are England Street. Major renovations to the Williamsburg Inn were scheduled montlly and occur throughout the campus, some completed in June 2017. Also, in 2017, The Foundation broke activities require reservations and/or additional fees. Most of the ground on a 65,000 square foot for the expansion of the Art recreational activities are located south of the Historic Area Museums of Colonial Williamsburg which will hold it’s grand between South England Street and Quarterpath Road via the opening in spring 2020is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, The Golden Horseshoe Golf Renovations to the Williamsburg Lodge were completed in July Club and Williamsburg Inn Tennis Club. and include the 2018. These uses are designated as Colonial Williamsburg Williamsburg Inn, the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Support land uses, implemented by the MS Museum Support Center, Spa and the Golden Horseshoe golf courses. zoning district.

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Planning Issues Cooperative Planning Goals Open Space The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is subject to the City’s The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is an essential element land use regulations, and it is important for the Foundation and of the City’s open space system, particularly in its relationship to the City to work together to preserve the special character of the Downtown area. Coupled with the campus of the William & both the City and the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. The Mary, the 301 acre Historic Area provides the City with a quantity importance of this cooperative relationship is illustrated by the and quality of open space that is unmatched by any other City in fact that the Foundation is both the City’s largest taxpayer and the Commonwealth. the largest property owner. Merchants Square Architectural Character Merchants Square is the City’s premier commercial area offering The maintenance of the architectural character of the Historic more than 40 restaurants and shops. It is ideally situated Area and the surrounding area is a critical planning issue. Over between the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and William & the years, the City has built upon the skill and expertise of Mary. It was developed by Colonial Williamsburg in the 1930’s, Colonial Williamsburg staff, supplementing their knowledge and and has evolved into both a tourist shopping area and a regional expertise in the restoration of the Historic Area with shopping and dining destination. Merchants Square, the complementary City regulation of land use and architectural Williamsburg Lodge and the Williamsburg Inn now comprise a character. While the Foundation’s stewardship of the Historic historic district recognized on the National Register of Historic Area is unmatched, the continued disposition of properties to Places. private ownership surrounding the Historic Area makes the City’s role in protecting its setting even more important. The City’s Architectural Review Board needs to work closely with developers to ensure that new buildings constructed along the edges of the Historic Area complement its quality and character.

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The City has been involved in planning for Merchant’s Square that promote effective management of the downtown parking since the 1953 Comprehensive Plan. Recent City activities in supply: the area are: the construction of the Prince George Parking • Prudent use of available parking technologies; Garage and the completion of streetscape improvements for • Clear, effective on-street parking enforcement; Prince George Street and North Henry Street. • Assistive zoning strategies, such as shared parking provisions for new development; Chapter 10 – Commercial and Economic Development proposes • Clear and understandable signage and wayfinding; zoning changes for Merchants Square and the areas to the north • Management of available on-street and off-street parking and south that will provide opportunities for increasing the demand. number of permanent residents, thereby enhancing the Traffic and parking will be discussed in more depth in Chapter 8 economic and social vitality of the downtown area, and enabling Community and Economic Development. it to continue to function as a true mixed-use development.

Traffic and Parking Traffic flow and parking in and around the Historic Area and Merchants Square is important both for the Foundation and the City. Parking has long been a cooperative venture, with the City policing parking lots that are owned and maintained by the Foundation.

A Downtown Parking Study was completed by Walker Parking Consultants in September of 2016. The goals of the parking system are centered on providing the most efficient and friendly parking experience to patrons and visitors. Walker’s recommendations for the City incorporate the following strategies Page 28 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-15 Chapter 9 - Institutions - William and Mary & Colonial Williamsburg - Draft 2

RECOMMENDATIONS: RECOMMENDATIONS:

Work with the university to: Work with the Foundation: Colonial Williamsburg •Work with the university to Evaluate, coordinate and Foundation implement recommendations of the parking study •To update infrastructure (such as Wi-Fi, streets, signage performed by Walker Parking in the Summer of 2019. bathrooms and lighting) in the Historic Area and Downtown •Work with the university to Investigate active modes of to enhance the visitors experience. transportation for not only students but residents of the City •Work with the Foundation On assessing the future of the to safely navigate campus and the City. investigate the use Visitor Center, Place Farms and the Governor’s Inn of a bike share or scooter program both on and off campus. property. • The university needs to Construct a sidewalk from the •Work with the Foundation On filling vacancies in Merchants school of education to Monticello Avenue. Square to include the Goodwin Building and the vacant •Work with the university to Construct a bicycle and space formerly occupied by Binns. pedestrian connection at the north end of Treyburn Drive at •Work with the Foundation On assessing the potential for the Ironbound Road intersection. expansion of Merchant’s Square to the south to include •Work with the university to Construct a sidewalk along the parking necessary for any expansion. north side of Jamestown Road in front of Phi Beta Kappa • Encourage a mix of stores Downtown to attract a cross- Hall. section of the community to include visitors, students and • William & Mary should actively collaborate with City Board residents. and staff to •To keep the Kimball Theater open in Merchants Square as a functioning live performance auditorium and movie theater venue.

Page 29 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-16 August, 1, 2019 Mrs. Elaine McBeth, Chair Williamsburg City Planning Commission 401 Lafayette Street Williamsburg, VA 23185 Williamsburg Comprehensive Land Use Plan: LIBRARY

Dear Mrs. McBeth:

We have happily visited our downtown library early and often! Books of course but also movies, lectures, classes, concerts! The amazing and wonderful variety of programs to teach, inform, entertain and comfort...

Now we are faced with the need to design a new facility on the present space — because that is where we all want to be!

We studiedthe photo of the site to consider how best we all could have our “ all” at this perfect location. AND if removing the building is accepted and accomplished, as seems to be necessary for many sound reasons, we are left with POSSIBILITIES!

A new multi story building, two stories for sure and easily a third partial story allows:

A second story extended over part of parking! This provides appreciated covering for families bringing small children and those needing handicappedparking, access. This can allow a clear roofed walk way to the side entrance of the now connected Stryker building.

With the building extending further northwest (toward Police Station) part of the glassed second story will be looking over the beautiful Abbot Garden. A portion of the long side can be open as a balcony with open air for chairs, tables - the view! The peace and beauty! This will be a most popular meeting space for receptions, groups.

On the second story, the children areas reading/story room is above Armistead Street and overlooks and connects with the Blanton Green which becomes the outdoor reading , story, play area. The play area is of course open to children and parents, not just library patrons.

?oor- The third covering a portion of the main building - is designed by teens for teens! Space to congregate, learn, teach, practice, study in group settings and also small carrels. Teen clubs can book times and spaces for gatherings and activities involving learning in all media, producing poems, plays, music, crafts, hobbies and sharing with their members and the public.

Page 30 of 53 Library, page 2 cont

We think the present theater to be “perfect enough”- so hope it can remain on its present location and size, available for live perfonnances and movies, as now.

Meeting rooms, casual reading spaces, activity spaces, staff of?ces, the Book Nook and all can be ?tted in at Best Practices design.

Perimeter reading areas on the second ?oor will have large windows, floor to best height for lovely tree view sheds of Abbot Green and for peace and relaxation. That will be a cherished “go to“ area—— which lucky group/readers gets that choice?

Let the basement be a comfortable, functioning space.

We see this proposal as a totally sensible, functioning building, designed carefully for current needs but with ?exibility to adjust to future needs and changes in interests, products and demographics.

And with this beloved location, there is no friendly way to reduce the entrances! It SHOULD be welcoming from Scotland Street! It MUST be open from rear and side parking! We do want our cake! And we know we can enjoy it!

With enthusiasm, {»~l._ 5‘/524., 0 G“:‘Mc‘ )

, ci Bond Ellen Jaronczy 3000 Earls Ct #1301 100 Hollinwell Williamsburg, VA 23185 Williamsburg, VA 23188

Page 31 of 53 KEEP OUR KIMBALL

\\w¥.q«v~\)V. .v\~Hx» Ma...» ..,...,i,.,\ , *4‘) '\ A. V\ ,. - W .., ,,, , \ . 4,. M .m.~.~— K’ W W. » m.=.vt<..vx««<».-mm” Kt ~x<»'v»Amwtvmuwmeawmatwonwamwwxxameustwuvxuvumxbwouw

Elaine McBeth, Chair . WilliamsburgCity Planning Commission 401 Lafayette Street Williamsburg,VA 23185 Re:Comprehensive Plan: “Institutions”

§iDearMs. McBeth

§iOurcommittee is writing to you as a plea to include the Kimball Theatre as an integralpart of jtheMerchant Square complex. We realize that it is temporarily being used by the College of 5gWilliamand Mary but our concern is for the future.

§Thetheatre would still be owned by Colonial Williamsburgbut operated independentlyas a full ilfunctioninglive performance auditorium and a movie theater venue. The WilliamsburgTheater, gasit was then called, was proposed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and was frequented o?en by him iandhis family when they were in residence in the colonial area. ilnorder to maintain his vision and provide for the continuation of a small town, centralized ientertainmenthub, we should like to include our mission statement for your considerationand inclusionin the discussionsto be dealt with at the work session on August 14, 2019.

;Itis our fervent hope and desire that this invaluable theater will be incorporated into the long irangeplans for the area and not devolve into another retail venture. The loss of our beloved §Kimballwould be devastating for the community and the memory of its founders. If as it is said ithat“the future can learn from the past”, we need to retain part of our past so as to maintainthe Equalityof our town and the caliber of our entertainment. §Respectfully, lCarmendel Pilar Lancellotti, Secretary - ‘X§jKEEPOUR KIMBALL Task Force 5 ’l5>@"i‘*t‘i+Wl’l;‘ll W)’ ll 9' Ctwvés b l/t\’> i\//33

CcCity Planning Department, KOK Task Force.Paul Freiling, VirginiaGazette, WY Daily 7

Kt’ l'_

,« C.CMF‘ry"2,Q ,r\ Q F ii i. Ezsw5*”l?SiQ ®"W"<" §><:l’>e rvft c/Dal’ L) “K \D)'2... 01r’ ; ,, , {jgi

Page 32 of 53 C Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

The most important goal of the Comprehensive Plan is the and entrance corridors. The natural environment first: component, including greenbelts and open space, is discussed in Chapter 14 - Environmental Management. Protect and enhance Williamsburg’s unique character as Each component is important separately, but collectively influenced by its iconic institutions – William and Mary and they define our community. the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation – and as reinforced by the natural and manmade environment of its entrance corridors, open spaces, residential neighborhoods and people places.

Protecting this character is by necessity a joint effort of the entire community. The City needs to work closely with its major institutions – William and Mary and the Colonial

Williamsburg Foundation. Cooperation and coordination with James City County and York County is also important, since the character and visual quality of the major entrance corridors into the City transcend jurisdictional boundaries. Important open space needs to be preserved, maintained and made accessible through efforts such as enforcement of the standards of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, public acquisition, delineation of greenbelt corridors, private dedication of easements, and passive recreational use.

This chapter deals with the built environment component of community character: historic preservation, design review Page 33 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-1 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND DESIGN REVIEW The following represents the development of neighborhoods in the City: Recognition of the importance of history and historic • A neighborhood of fashionable Victorian style houses,

preservation has strong roots in Williamsburg. When the referred to as Peacock Hill, developed north of the City capital of the Virginia colony was moved to the present site on the old Wheatland Farm following the coming of the of Williamsburg in 1699, then Governor Francis Nicholson C&O Railroad in 1881. prepared a detailed plan for the colonial city based upon • The Penniman site (a dynamite plant owned by the Baroque design principles, and including very specific DuPont Company) was purchased by the Navy in 1918 standards – uniform setbacks for buildings, building size and became the Naval Weapons Station which spurred and specific prescriptions for street widths and the design of the need for more housing in the City. The shortage of public buildings. Williamsburg’s importance began to housing during this time resulted in rooming houses diminish after the capital was moved to Richmond in 1780. in the City. Through the generous support of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. • After World War I residential neighborhoods close to extensive restoration efforts began in 1927 and continues Downtown such as Braxton Court, Chandler Court, today under the auspices of the Colonial Williamsburg College Terrace and West Williamsburg Heights Foundation. followed during the 1920s and 1930s. • Residential neighborhoods continued to develop Williamsburg has continued to grow and change since its around the Downtown as the Colonial Williamsburg beginning. A special challenge for historic preservation is to restoration effort matured in the 1940s and 1950s. balance the need for healthy growth with the character of our After World War II neighborhoods such as West older neighborhoods. These may be grand or modestly Williamsburg, Pinecrest, Cary-Griffin-Newport- scaled but the range of the city’s historic neighborhoods Boundary, Mimosa, Powhatan Park and Capitol represents the complete scope of our community’s history Heights were developed. and character.

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• During the late 1950s and 1960s neighborhoods such Williamsburg has taken care with architectural design since as Burns Lane, Indian Springs, Highland Park, Walnut its founding. Governor Nicholson's designs for the Hills, Wales, Richneck Heights and Skipwith Farms colonial capital and the Powder Magazine set a high developed further from Downtown. standard that has been emulated by the Colonial • The 1970s, 1980’s and 1990’s brought neighborhoods Williamsburg Foundation in its restoration efforts. Since such as Port Anne, The Woods, Yorkshire, Piney Creek 1958, Williamsburg has had an Architectural Review Board and Holly Hills. responsible for reviewing new construction in the City. • From 2000 to 2018, High Street, Riverside (Aura Apartments & Village Green North), Village at As recommended by the 1989 Comprehensive Plan, the Quarterpath, City Green, Capitol Landing Green and City’s historic preservation and design review efforts were Parkway Townhomes neighborhoods developed in the strengthened based on Sec. 15.2-2306 of the State Code. city. This allows the designation of historic areas and areas of unique architectural value, as well as delineation of areas As the Downtown area evolved into a tourist destination, contiguous to arterial streets or highways that are shopping centers followed the suburban movement away significant routes of tourist access to these designated from downtown. Developments of the past 20 years have areas. seen the continued outward expansion of the City’s residential areas; expansion, infill and redevelopment of the The architectural review section of the Zoning Ordinance commercial corridors; and major investments in the was revised in 1991 and established an Architectural Downtown area including the development of the City Preservation District (AP) and a Corridor Protection District Square area, the Prince George Parking Garage, College (CP). The Architectural Review Board's duties include: Corner Building, Municipal Building expansion, Tribe review of all new construction and alterations to existing Square, SunTrust Bank, Health Evaluation Center Building, buildings in the AP and CP districts, review of signs in both The Cooke Building, Griffin Arms and Prince George districts; and review of demolition and relocation of Commons. buildings in the AP district. In the spring of 1994, the City's preservation program was recognized by the Virginia Page 35 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-3 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

Department of Historic Resources when Williamsburg Architectural Preservation District (AP) became the 13th Certified Local Government in Virginia. Map 4-1 While many associate Williamsburg’s image and history with the restored colonial capital, Merchants Square, the Colonial Parkway and the College of William & Mary, there are also many other buildings and neighborhoods that have evolved over time. These contribute to a sense of history as well as to the visual character of the community, and enhance the setting of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. These include the neighborhoods of Chandler Court and Pollard Park (both on the National Register of Historic Places), Braxton Court, Peacock Hill, College Terrace, West Williamsburg Heights, the downtown Richmond Road and Jamestown Road area, and the 18th century port of Capitol Landing (on the Virginia Landmarks Register). These areas should be protected from adverse influences and new uses, structures and signs should be in keeping with the character of the district. These significant areas are located on the map Architectural Preservation District – Notable Features (see Map 4-1). More details on the history and architectural character of each of these areas are contained in an appendix to the Design Review Guidelines.

Page 36 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-4 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

Map 4-2 Corridor Protection District (CP)

The major entrance corridors provide significant routes of tourist access to the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and are included in the design review process as Corridor Protection Districts. These routes are identified on Map 4-2 Architectural Review Districts, and include the following streets: Richmond Road, Jamestown Road, Monticello Avenue, Lafayette Street, North and South Henry Street, Route 132, Visitor Center Drive, Bypass Road, Merrimac Trail, Capitol Landing Road, Parkway Drive, Second Street, York Street and Route 199.

Because these entrance corridors do not always neatly conform to jurisdictional boundaries, Williamsburg, James City County and York County need to work together to insure that corridor beautification efforts are coordinated. This was done in 2011 for the Route 60 East corridor that is detailed in the discussion of the York Street Entrance Corridor later in this chapter.

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Architectural Inventory Council. This resulted in updated Guidelines which were adopted by City Council in 2013. This extensive review As recommended in the 1989 Comprehensive Plan, a survey process ensured that the Guidelines reflect the City’s goals and assessment of architectural resources in the for development and redevelopment as well as those for Architectural Preservation District was completed in 1992. architectural preservation and design review. These With the assistance of a matching grant from the Virginia Guidelines are the City’s best tool for encouraging the Department of Historic Resources (DHR), a reconnaissance preservation and improvement of its architectural level architectural survey was conducted for all buildings character. over 50 years old in the AP district. The report from the survey identified 12 buildings and five districts for potential The guidelines are based in part on the Secretary of the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for the Virginia Landmarks Register. Based on the 1992 survey Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, and distinguish between report, a listing of locally significant architecture and areas the different character of the AP and CP districts, and also was created to assist the Architectural Review Board with between different parts of the AP District (AP-1, AP-2 and their deliberations. This inventory was updated in 2013. AP-3 Districts are designated). The most restrictive guidelines are in the AP-1 District which contain the Architectural Review Guidelines Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, Merchant’s Square, areas adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, The 1989 Comprehensive Plan recommended the the old campus of William & Mary, and the National preparation of Design Review Guidelines, which were first Register Historic Districts of Pollard Park and Chandler adopted in 1993. The Guidelines assist the Architectural Court. The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is the most Review Board in reaching fair and objective decisions when important part of the AP district. To ensure that the reviewing proposals in the AP and CP districts. In 2013, a integrity of this nationally significant resource is review and update of the Guidelines was conducted by the maintained for future generations, building projects are Architectural Review Board, Planning Commission and City required to be based on documented historical and/or Page 38 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-6 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

archaeological evidence. Development in the AP district is study conducted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation encouraged to be compatible with existing buildings and for James City County, York County and the City in 1985 neighborhoods. In the CP district, development is (revised in 1990). The 1989 Comprehensive Plan encouraged which respects the overall character of the City recommended that these areas be studied for significant and enhances the City's entrance corridors. Since it has resources to provide a reasonable assurance that any been six years since the last review, an update of the Design future development or redevelopment in the City does not Review Guidelines is needed as a part of the Comprehensive have an adverse impact on unidentified resources. Plan implementation process. As a means of identifying all documented historic Archaeological Preservation archaeological resources and predicting prehistoric archaeological resource areas in the City, an While the thrust of preservation activities in Williamsburg Archaeological Map Assessment Study was developed for has centered on 17th, 18th and 19th-century American the City by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. history, other remnants of Williamsburg's past can contribute toward an understanding and appreciation of the As recommended in the 1989 Comprehensive Plan, an cultural landscape. Some of these prehistoric and historic Archaeological Review section was added to the Zoning resources include sites and structures occupied or used Ordinance in 1995. Five Archaeological Protection since the 17th century, as well as important 20th century Districts were initially designated. sites. In order to determine the level of significance of these resources, the areas should be studied prior to any The Civil War resource area #6 on Map 4-3 was added in proposed development or redevelopment, and should be 2013. The development of plans for “Quarterpath at protected from adverse influences whenever possible. Williamsburg” by Riverside Healthcare System resulted in the construction of the 21 acre Redoubt Park on the east The City's known significant archaeological resources were side of Quarterpath Road north of Tutter’s Neck Pond. identified in a Resource Protection Planning Process (RP3) Redoubts #1 and #2, which supported the defense of Fort Page 39 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-7 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

Magruder, have been preserved and interpreted as a part of MAP 4-3 the park. The setting of these redoubts beside historic Quarterpath Road should be preserved, and to this end it is

proposed to convert the gravel portion of Quarterpath Road

to a paved multi-use path, rerouting automobile traffic through the adjoining Quarterpath at Williamsburg development along Redoubt Road and Battery Boulevard. This proposal is detailed in Chapter 11 - Infrastructure.

The mechanism triggering archaeological review is the preparation of site plans and subdivisions within these districts. Archaeological surveys and evaluation reports must be undertaken as part of the development review process, with the Planning Commission acting as the archaeological review board. If significant archaeological resources will be adversely affected by the development project, the Planning Commission may require the modification of the site plan or subdivision plan to avoid the

resources.

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ENTRANCE CORRIDORS Map 4-4

The City’s ten entrance corridors present the initial character and image of Williamsburg to those traveling into the City, and are shown on the Map 4-4 Williamsburg Entrance Corridors: Map 4-4 Richmond Road from the City limits to College Corner Monticello Avenue from Ironbound Road to Richmond Road Jamestown Road from Route 199 to College Corner North Henry Street/Route 132 from Bypass Road to Lafayette Street South Henry Street from Route 199 to Francis Street Capitol Landing Road from Queen’s Creek to the Colonial Parkway Second Street from the City limits to Page Street Page Street from the Colonial Parkway to York Street Lafayette Street from Richmond Road to York Street York Street from the City limits to Page Street

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In 1994, the City commissioned LDR International, Inc. to City's major entrance corridors, recognizing that the prepare an Entrance Corridor Beautification Study to visual quality of these entrances transcend develop strategies, concepts and standards to promote the jurisdictional boundaries. improvement and beautification of these corridors. Based • Reinforce standards contained in the Architectural on these standards, the following goals were established for Review Board’s Design Review Guidelines. the City’s entrance corridors: • Develop design standards for landscaping, sidewalks, • Strengthen the concept of “gateway” and create a lighting and other streetscape elements, and strong sense of arrival, offering a clear message that incorporate these standards into the City’s zoning one is entering Williamsburg. regulations. • Improve the functional and visual character of the corridors, while maintaining a balance between convenient vehicular access and a quality pedestrian environment. • Achieve consistency in streetscape through simplicity of design, repetition of common landscape and streetscape elements, and placing of utilities underground. • Implement street improvements with an appropriate scale and capacity to serve long-range traffic demands, while respecting the environment and scale of the surrounding neighborhoods. • Support economic development by using publicly supported streetscape and landscape improvements to leverage and stimulate private investment. • Promote intergovernmental cooperation to improve the Page 42 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-10 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

Corridor Specifics additional street trees where possible, and continuing to encourage the elimination or reduction of parking in front Richmond Road of commercial buildings (as has been done with Red, Hot and Blue, Applebee’s, Chili’s, and the General Store). Richmond Road is the City’s predominant commercial corridor, serving as a transition from James City County to the heart of the City at College Corner, where Richmond Road meets Jamestown Road at the College of William & Mary. Great strides have been made over the past 20 years to enhance this corridor, and the greatest accomplishment has been the undergrounding of overhead utility lines from College Corner to the Dominion Power Easement near the

City limits. Only one-half mile of the three-mile corridor remains to be placed underground. Other recommendations that have been implemented include new street name and traffic signage, new City entrance signs, requiring monument signs for commercial uses, wider brick sidewalks

and landscaping from Merchants Square to Scotland Street, planting a substantial number of trees in the median of the dual-lane section of Richmond Road west of the Dominion Power easement, and planting additional street trees from Brooks Street to New Hope Road.

A number of improvements are still needed for the Richmond Road corridor. These include minimizing and consolidating the number of curb cuts for commercial properties, planting Page 43 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-11 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

Monticello Avenue The commercial section of Monticello Avenue, from Treyburn Drive to Richmond Road, has been greatly Monticello Avenue is a scenic entrance corridor into the City improved by underground wiring and landscaping. from the west, connecting directly to Route 199 and Route 5 Additional improvements planned as part of the Midtown in James City County. The importance of this corridor has Row Redevelopment include on street parking, a cycle increased because of the completion of Route 199, the track, street trees, and new lighting. construction of the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse, the New Town development in James City County, and the designation of Monticello Avenue as the

primary entrance to the College of William & Mary. Adequate greenbelts of at least 50 feet should be maintained along both sides of the road.

The Ironbound Road/Monticello Avenue intersection has been improved with new signage and landscaping identifying this entrance as an important gateway into the City. In the future, the wooded section of Monticello Avenue between Ironbound Road and Treyburn Drive should be improved as a “more refined parkway” without curb and

gutter. A multi-use trail connecting the College with New Town in James City County and with improved pedestrian connections to High Street and the Williamsburg & Monticello Shopping Centers is planned to start construction in 2020.

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Jamestown Road Undergraduate Admissions Office should be improved, since their physical condition detracts from the well- Jamestown Road connects the Downtown area to Route 199 maintained character of the rest of the corridor. These and Jamestown and serves as an important entrance from buildings should be renovated and preserved since they the southwest. Jamestown Road should continue to retain represent good examples of architecture and housing after its residential character along its southwest portion, with World War I which may provide housing for university commercial uses limited to the area around the Route 199 faculty and staff. intersection. Lake Matoaka provides a clear transition between the southwest portion of the corridor and its terminus at College Corner, with the campus of the College

of William and Mary located along the north side bordered by residential and residential scale buildings along the south side of the road.

The “campus” character should be retained along the north side, but new development on the William & Mary campus should be compatible with the residential image of the south side. The lack of a sidewalk on the north side of the street in front of the College’s Phi Beta Kappa Hall interrupts the pedestrian flow along the corridor in the College area, and

this gap should be eliminated. The new sidewalk and pedestrian crosswalk at the corner of Ukrop Way and Jamestown Road has improved the connectivity between the campus and students who live at Ludwell Apartments. The maintenance of the College William and Mary properties on

the south side of Jamestown Road from Cary Street to the Page 45 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-13 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

North Henry Street/Route 132

The North Henry Street/Route 132 corridor is a major access route from the north, connecting Interstate 64 with the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and the Downtown. The portion of the route within the City (south of Bypass Road) retains its natural character because it follows the topography of the drainage swale, has little visible roadside

development and has a heavily wooded edge.

The character of this corridor should be maintained by avoiding unnecessary pavement widening or excessive curb cuts. The City should continue to maintain the high quality landscaping at the northeast corner of North Henry Street and Lafayette Street, and the vacant lot on the southwest corner should be improved with landscaping and/or buildings as the City Square area is redeveloped.

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South Henry Street State Courts and the College of William & Mary Law School. Underground wiring from Mimosa Drive to South Henry Street is the major access route from the south Newport Avenue was completed in 2017. connecting Route 199 with the Downtown. More importantly, the road section north of College Landing Park follows the historic route connecting Colonial Williamsburg with its

southern port at College Landing on College Creek. The route retains much of its “country road” character with a natural landscaped edge and varied topography.

The gateway character of the South Henry Street/Route 199 intersection should be emphasized by protecting and

enhancing the signage and landscaping in this area. The

adjoining lower section of South Henry Street should continue to retain its rural character and the integrity of the historic route should be protected, and it should be continued to be designated as a greenbelt corridor. Views to

College Creek, College Landing Park and the proposed

Papermill Creek Park at the crossing of College Creek and South Henry Street should be emphasized through careful management of the roadside landscape. The mixed-use character of the corridor from Mimosa Drive to Francis Street

should be retained and enhanced, and redevelopment on the

west side of the street between Mimosa Drive and Ireland Street should respect both the residential character to the south and the “campus” character of the National Center for Page 47 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-15 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

Capitol Landing Road Conservancy to ensure its preservation. The majority of the road in this section is lined with mature trees and Capitol Landing Road serves as an important entrance into vegetation, and the greenbelt designation should be the City from the north, and follows the approximate location retained. The proposed future Capitol Landing Park at of the original eighteenth century road from Capitol Landing Queen’s Creek will further enhance the character of this on Queen’s Creek into the Downtown. The present entrance corridor. corridor extends from the Route 143/Interstate 64 interchange in York County and continues across Queen’s As the commercial portion of this corridor is developed Creek (the corporate limits) for approximately one mile until and redeveloped, redundant entrances to individual it meets the Colonial Parkway and Page Street. The northern parcels should be eliminated or consolidated. section from Queen’s Creek to the Merrimac Trail Underground wiring with emphasis placed on removing intersection is predominantly undeveloped and wooded in cross street service lines, is being considered as part of character, while the remainder of the route to the Colonial the improvements planned to be completed by 2025. Parkway is primarily commercial in character, with numerous Sidewalks need to be extended toward Queen’s Creek opportunities for further development and redevelopment. when the areas west of the Merrimac Trail intersection are developed. The section of the corridor from Queen’s Creek to the Merrimac Trail intersection is an important “gateway” into the City, and its importance will be increased as the land

adjoining the corridor is developed. A cluster subdivision on the west side of Merrimac Trail called Queen’s Mary Port was approved for 41 lots in 2011. An important part of the design and approval was the provision of substantial landscape buffers along both Capitol Landing Road and Queen’s Creek. The Queen’s Creek buffer includes the future dedication of a conservation easement to the Williamsburg Land Page 48 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-16 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

Second Street

The Second Street corridor is dominated by auto-oriented commercial. The corridor was included in the Richmond

Road and Second Street Streetscape Study, an in-depth analysis of the two commercial corridors that included specific recommendations for the visual improvement of the area. Suggestions included placing overhead utility lines underground, planting continuous street trees, improving the street lighting, screening of parking, new landscaping and signage. Based on this study, a specific streetscape plan for Second Street was developed and implemented in

1990-91. In 2017 and 2018 underground wiring and a road diet were completed.

There are several major parcels suitable for redevelopment east of Parkway Drive, which will present an opportunity to consolidate entrances and increase landscaping along the corridor.

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Page Street

Page Street is not really an entrance corridor, but it provides an important connection between three other entrance

corridors: Capitol Landing Road, Second Street and York Street. The section between the Colonial Parkway and Second Street is largely residential in character, and the east side of the street from Second Street to the CSX Railroad is commercial in character. There is a major redevelopment opportunity at the southeast corner of Page Street and Penniman Road, and the design for this area should be carefully reviewed because it is just across the railroad

tracks from the eastern end of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. Placing overhead wires underground between Penniman Road and Monumental Avenue was completed in 2014. The character of Page Street is defined more by the buildings than the landscaping, and the Architectural Review

Board should carefully evaluate plans for new and renovated buildings in this corridor.

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Lafayette Street intersection improvements will be discussed further in the transportation section of the plan. Lafayette Street, like Page Street, is not a formal entrance corridor. However, it provides an important connection between York Street and Richmond Road. The western end

is anchored by the Arts and Cultural District in the Midtown Planning Area and the eastern end is defined by the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. This corridor traverses residential neighborhoods, the Williamsburg Municipal Center, Matthew Whaley Elementary School, and the Historic Area. Landscaping has been installed along the CSX Railroad between Henry Street and Botetourt Street to beautify the area between the street and the railroad, and

across the street the rear yard of Matthew Whaley Elementary School has been defined by a decorative fence and landscaping creating a well-defined street edge. The most noticeable future changes for this corridor will be in the Arts and Cultural District, which was established by City

Council in February 2011 as a way to encourage and enhance the City’s creative economy as an economic development initiative. The City purchased and demolished the hotel (Super 8) located between Lafayette Street and Richmond Road for future development to enhance the new development being constructed at Midtown Row. Infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, streets and Page 51 of 53 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-19 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 3)

York Street

York Street enters the City from the east, and is the City portion of Route 60 from Route 199 to Page Street. This corridor parallels the CSX Railroad tracks and supports several businesses and four major hotels. A large portion of the southern frontage is owned and used by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and is part of the Historic Area. The corridor terminates at the “Tri-Corner” intersection on York Street where Lafayette Street, Page Street and York Street intersect. In 1997, the City relocated the granite curb and widened the asphalt paving between Page and Lafayette Streets to accommodate truck turning movements. In addition, new brick sidewalks and painted crosswalks were installed.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Review and update the Design Review Guidelines. • Investigate and review gateway signage from the interstate to downtown. • Review existing entrance signs “Welcome to Williamsburg” to determine if they are adequate or need updating. • Review, establish and implement way-finding signage needs for the downtown, midtown, and northeast triangle areas. • Review bed and breakfast requirements in the Zoning Ordinance to determine if an increase from six rooms to 10 rooms or less shall be allowed on the city’s main entrance corridors. • Review special event regulations as it relates to bed and breakfast establishments. Page 53 of 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-21