WILLIAMSBURG PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

WORK SESSION #14 July 17, 2019

The meeting will be called to order in the City Council Chambers at the Stryker Center, 412 North Boundary Street, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORK SESSION #14 Page

1. ROLL CALL

2. REVIEW CHAPTER 4 - COMMUNITY CHARACTER (DRAFT 2)

A. 2 - 22

3. DISCUSSION

4. REVIEW CHAPTER 9 - INSTITUTIONS (DRAFT 1)

A. 23 - 37

5. DISCUSSION

6. ADJOURNMENT

Page 1 of 37 C Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 13 - 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 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 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 2 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-1 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 , developed north of the City capital of the 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--Newport- scaled but the range of the city’s historic neighborhoods Boundary, Mimosa, Park and Capitol represents the complete scope of our community’s history Heights were developed. and character.

Page 3 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-2 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

• During the late 1950s and 1960s neighborhoods such Magazine set a high standard that has been emulated by as Burns Lane, Indian Springs, Highland Park, Walnut the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in its restoration Hills, Wales, Richneck Heights and Skipwith Farms efforts. are noteworthy precedents. Since 1958, developed further from Downtown. Williamsburg has had an Architectural Review Board • The 1970s, 1980’s and 1990’s brought neighborhoods responsible for reviewing new construction in the City. such as Port Anne, The Woods, Yorkshire, Piney Creek and Holly Hills. As recommended by the 1989 Comprehensive Plan, the City’s historic preservation and design review efforts were As the Downtown area evolved into a tourist destination, strengthened based on Sec. 15.2-2306 of the State Code. shopping centers followed the suburban movement away This allows the designation of historic areas and areas of from downtown. in the 1950's. Developments of the past 20 unique architectural value, as well as delineation of areas years have seen the continued outward expansion of the contiguous to arterial streets or highways that are City’s residential areas; expansion, infill and redevelopment significant routes of tourist access to these designated of the commercial corridors; and major investments in the areas. Downtown area including the development of the City Square area, the Prince George Parking Garage, College The architectural review section of the Zoning Ordinance Corner Building, Municipal Building expansion, Tribe was revised in 1991 and established an Architectural Square, SunTrust Bank, Health Evaluation Center Building, Preservation District (AP) and a Corridor Protection District The Cooke Building, Griffin Arms and Prince George (CP). The Architectural Review Board's duties include: Commons. review of all new construction and alterations to existing buildings in the AP and CP districts, review of signs in both Williamsburg has been involved in design review taken care districts; and review of demolition and relocation of with architectural design since its founding. Governor buildings in the AP district. In the spring of 1994, the City's Nicholson's model designs for the colonial capital and the preservation program was recognized by the Virginia carefully researched standards used and the Powder Department of Historic Resources when Williamsburg became the 13th Certified Local Government in Virginia.

Page 4 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-3 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

Map 4-1 Architectural Preservation District (AP)

While many associate Williamsburg’s image and history with the restored colonial capital, , the 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 5 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-4 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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.

Page 6 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-5 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 7 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-6 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 still exist and can contribute toward an understanding and appreciation of As recommended in the 1989 Comprehensive Plan, an the cultural landscape. Some of these prehistoric and Archaeological Review section was added to the Zoning historic resources include sites and structures occupied or Ordinance in 1995. Five Archaeological Protection used since the 17th century, as well as important 20th Districts were initially designated. century 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 8 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-7 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 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.

Page 9 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-8 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 5-4 Williamsburg Entrance Corridors: 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

Page 10 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-9 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 11 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-10 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 12 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-11 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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.

Page 13 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-12 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

Jamestown Road Admissions Office should be improved, since their physical condition detracts from the well-maintained Jamestown Road connects the Downtown area to Route 199 character of the rest of the corridor. These buildings and Jamestown and serves as an important entrance from should be renovated and preserved since they represent the southwest. Jamestown Road should continue to retain good examples of architecture and housing after World its residential character along its southwest portion, with War I which may provide housing for university faculty and commercial uses limited to the area around the Route 199 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 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 properties on the south side of

Jamestown Road from Cary Street to the Undergraduate Page 14 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-13 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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.

Page 15 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-14 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

South Henry Street State Courts and the College of William & Mary Law School. Underground wiring from Mimosa Drive to Newport South Henry Street is the major access route from the south 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 . 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 16 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-15 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 17 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-16 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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.

Page 18 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-17 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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.

Page 19 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-18 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 20 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-19 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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.

Page 21 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-20 Chapter 4 - Community Character (Draft 2)

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 and determine wayfinding 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 less than 10 rooms shall be allowed on the city’s main entrance corridors. Page 22 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 - Community Character Page 4-21 C Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

Since its establishment in 1699, Williamsburg has been defined by its major public institutions. William & Mary and preceded the City and were its first institutional partners. The 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.

Page 23 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-1 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

WILLIAM & MARY

William & Mary, one of the nation’s premier state-assisted liberal arts universities, 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 educational institution in the country. William & Mary’s total enrollment in the fall of 2018 was 8,827 students, 6,377 undergraduate and 2,450 graduate 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 , attributed apocryphally to the English architect Sir Christopher Wren. It is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the , constructed between 1695 and 1699, prior to the founding of Williamsburg. The Wren Building, together with the (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 24 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-2 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

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. o Phase III of the Integrated Science Center on • The “New Campus” was developed in the 1960s with Landrum Drive; buildings of a modern design. oTucker and Tyler Halls on the old campus; • Strategic infill took place between 1980 and 2002. oTribe Square (56 beds in 14 four bedroom • Since 2005, William & Mary has completed apartments); construction of : o Richmond Hall; o The Jamestown Residence Halls on Jamestown o One Tribe Place; Road which house 388 students; o Shenkman Jewish Center on Jamestown Road; o The School of Business at the northwest corner o Landrum Hall. 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 on Landrum Drive; o The Cohen Career Center adjacent to the Sadler Center; Page 25 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-3 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

Projects under construction: Planning Issues •West Utilities Plant; William & Mary, as an arm of the Commonwealth, is exempt from • Alumni Center Renovation & Expansion (projected City land use regulation. This makes it important that the completion Spring 2020); university and the City work together to preserve Williamsburg’s • Fine Arts Phase 1 & 2 (projected completion Summer very special character. The City does not wish to interfere with 2021); the universities ability to plan and decide on land use issues •Wren Ramp; interior to the campus, but becomes concerned if peripheral land • Reveley Garden. uses create these issues affecting adjoining City neighborhoods, commercial areas and historic areas. While many college towns Projects in the pre-planning stage: have given up on close-in residential neighborhoods adjacent to • Muscarelle Museum Renovation & Expansion; campus, Williamsburg will not surrender the character and • Sadler Center West Addition; livability of these valuable and historic neighborhoods. • ISC4 Integrated Science Center Phase 4. Architectural Character Future Projects based on the Campus Master Plan: The architectural character of the university is of utmost • Renovate portions of Swem Library; importance to both the university and the City. • Renovate Ewell Hall; Recognizing the importance of this issue, • Construct Fine Arts Phase III; the university developed a Campus • Renovate Campus Center; Design Guidelines Report in May, 2003. • Renovate additional dormitories; This document formulates design • Renovate Washington Hall; guidelines to help re-establish the • Kaplan Arena Improvements; consistency of planning and design • Renovate Adair Hall; principles exemplified in the Old Campus, • Replace Jones & Morton Halls; and envisions “a unified campus image • Replace Commons Dining Hall. and character based on the historic Page 26 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-4 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

expression of the Old Campus and the Student Housing Quadrangle, formulated on a new framework of clearly organized William & Mary’s total enrollment in fall of 2018 was 8,827 pedestrian pathways and public spaces. The disparate images students, which includes 6,377 undergraduates and 2,440 portrayed by multiple existing campus precincts will be graduate students. Of the 6,377 undergraduates, 6,300 were consolidated into a seamless transition between three newly enrolled as full time students (99%). Of the 2,440 graduate defined campus landforms: North Campus, South Campus and students, 1,686 were enrolled as full-time students (69%). West Woods.” The general architectural framework in this On-campus housing is available for 5,065 residents (57% of total report echo’s the urban design students). Since 2011 William & Mary added 771 beds to its concerns expressed in Chapter 4 housing inventory. In February 2019, the university announced – Community Character as well plans for a sophomore year experience with a required on- as in the Design Guidelines campus residential component beginning with the Class of 2023. adopted by the City’s Architectural Review Board. The There is a great demand for student housing on campus and in university and the City need to the area surrounding the university, which has an impact on the work cooperatively together to make sure that new buildings largely single family neighborhoods adjacent to the university constructed on the campus complement the character of the along Richmond Road and Jamestown Road. It is the surrounding City neighborhoods, and that new construction in responsibility of the College to provide an appropriate amount of the City does the same for the character of the university. The student housing on the campus. Additionally, City regulations area adjoining the Old Campus is located in the City’s were developed to encourage appropriate student-oriented Architectural Preservation District, and the New Campus adjoins housing off-campus to supplement the housing provided by the the Corridor Protection District along Jamestown Road and university. Monticello Avenue.

Page 27 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-5 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

The following apartment/bedrooms have been added adjacent to In addition to these projects, there are other options that can the university to provide additional student housing since 2010: help meet the need for student housing: •Tribe Square (2010) at 249 Richmond Road provides 14 • Construction of additional student housing on the main four-bedroom apartments with 56 beds with 10,634 square campus. feet of first floor commercial; • Construction of new multifamily units in the Midtown • Prince George Commons (2011) at 525 Prince George Planning Area as redeveloping all or a portion of the Street provides seven one-bedroom apartments on the Lawson Apartments on Mount Vernon Avenue for higher second floor with 9,770 square feet of commercial on the density student apartments. See Chapter 8 – Commercial first floor; and Economic Development for more detailed information • City Lofts (2012) at 1406 Richmond Road provides 95 one- on the Midtown Planning Area. bedroom apartments with up to 143 student beds. • Construction of new multifamily units planned for High • Griffin Arms (2013) at 515 Prince George Street with eight Street Williamsburg, Quarterpath at Williamsburg, and in 3-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors with the Downtown area. While these are not planned 3,808 square feet of commercial on the first floor. specifically as student housing, these new units will give • One Tribe Place (2013) at 415 Richmond Road purchased students wishing to live off-campus additional options by William & Mary as a student dormitory. outside of the traditional close-in City neighborhoods. See • Richmond Hall (2017) at 902 Richmond Road as a student Chapter 10 – Commercial and Economic Development for dormitory with 102 rooms. more detailed information on these areas. • Midtown Row (2018) at 215 Monticello Avenue approved as student oriented housing with 240 apartments with 620 beds and 68,500 square feet of commercial on the first floor of the four new buildings.

Page 28 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-6 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

Commercial Development Adjacent to the Main Campus • Shops on Henry/110 S Henry Street - Mellow Mushroom (2015) & Precarious Beer Hall (2019) One of the successes of the City’s planning efforts in the last ten years is the redevelopment of the College Commercial area on Other nearby locations with commercial expansion that will also the north side of Richmond Road between Armistead Avenue and serve student needs are the Arts and Cultural District Mixed Use Scotland Street and the Downtown area to provide more area between Brooks Street and the Williamsburg Shopping businesses to serve students on the main campus. The following Center, and redevelopment of Monticello Shopping Center and businesses have located in these areas since 2010: Midtown Row (see Chapter 10 – Commercial and Economic Development). • The Cooke Building/747 Scotland Street - Brickhouse Tavern (2014) & Cultural Cafe (2016) William & Mary administration and the William & Mary Real •Tribe Square/249 Richmond Road - Chick-A-Fil (2018) & Estate Foundation should work closely with the City’s Planning W&M’s Entrepreneurship Hub & Launchpad (2019) Department and Economic Development Manager to help •Triangle Building/200 Armistead Avenue - Rick’s encourage appropriate redevelopment in these areas. Cheesesteak (2015) & Luck Kee Hair (2017) • Prince George Commons/521 Prince George Street - Amber The City’s Architectural Review Board should closely review the Ox (2017) & Three Sisters Boutique (2016) design of any new proposed building before approving the • Griffin Arms/515 Prince George Street - The Hounds Tale demolition of existing buildings to make sure that the proposal (2015) & Oishii (2015) conforms to the City’s Design Guidelines. • Imperial Building/501 Prince George Street - The Barkery (2018) • Hitchens Building/441 Prince George Street - Lokal Foods & Meats (2016) • Armistead Building/421 Prince George Street - Quirks of Art (2017) & Kilwin’s (2015) Page 29 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-7 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

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 City should work closely together on any future projects that create traffic and parking impacts on City neighborhoods adjoining the campus.

William & Mary has hired Walker Parking as a consultant to provide a parking and transportation study. The purpose of the study is to assist and guide W&M in future decisions regarding facilities, operations, and the general business of parking and Page 30 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-8 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities sidewalk on Treyburn Drive, which connects to High Street. A sidewalk needs to be extended all the way to Monticello Pedestrian and bicycle facilities are an important part of the Avenue, and a signalized pedestrian crosswalk at the university, and the following improvements have been Treyburn/Monticello Avenue intersection. The university will completed or have approval: need to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation to implement this improvement, since VDOT maintains and • Installed bike lanes on Richmond Road from Scotland controls the intersection. Street to College Corner. • A connection also needs to be made at the north end of • Installed bike lanes on Jamestown Road from Ukrop Drive Treyburn Drive at the Ironbound Road intersection, to College Corner. connecting the bicycle and pedestrian facilities to the Dillard • Monticello Avenue multi-use trail from Ironbound Road to Complex and . Treyburn Drive (completion Summer 2020). • A sidewalk is needed along the north side of Jamestown • Sidewalk on Compton Drive from Brooks Street to Road in front of Phi Beta Kappa Hall. Monticello Avenue (2021). • Midtown Row cycle track on Monticello Avenue. (Summer 2021). • Midtown Row multi-use path along Richmond Road. (Summer 2021). • Strawberry Plains & John Tyler multi-use trail (Study 2021).

Facilities needed: • High Street Williamsburg is a major destination for students. A bicycle and pedestrian link has been completed from the main campus to the new School of Education, but there is no connection from the School of Education to the Page 31 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-9 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

THE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG FOUNDATION The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation preserves and interprets the Historic Area, as described by Colonial Williamsburg Colonial Williamsburg has attracted more than 53 million visitors Foundation President Colin Campbell: since 1932. This 301 acre area encompasses the majority of the 18th Century Colonial Capital, established in 1699. Williamsburg The Historic Area is the core of the Colonial Williamsburg flourished for the next 80 years, until the capital was moved to Foundation. It is the focus and a resource for our education Richmond in 1780. The removal of the capital began a period of efforts, indeed for everything we do. It is a remarkable collection decline until 1926 when John D. Rockefeller, Jr. inspired by of original buildings and reconstructions, trade sites and shops, Reverend W. A. R. Goodwin, began the restoration of the greens and gardens, livestock and rare breeds, coaches and colonial city. wagons, four taverns working in eighteenth-century fashion, and three-hundred-year old boulevards and byways. No wonder that, The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and its surrounds have when he visited the Williamsburg Restoration, President Franklin over 620 structures dating from the late 17th through the 21st Roosevelt proclaimed our central thoroughfare, the mile-long century that contribute to its National Historic Landmark District Duke of Gloucester Street, “The most historic avenue in all designation. Of these structures, 88 are considered to be America.” original, with additional structures either having been built on original foundations, containing original elements, or built based In 2012 the Foundation’s mission expanded to include its role as on other evidence of their existence. Notable buildings include America’s center for history, citizenship and democracy, the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Courthouse, Bruton reflecting the evolution of programming over the previous decade Parish Church, and the Powder Magazine. and emphasizing a more significant international presence. Eighty acres of gardens and greens have also been recreated. The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is the centerpiece of the The Foundation operates the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts City’s Architectural Preservation District (see Chapter 4 – Museum, the Folk Art Museum, Bassett Community Character). Hall and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. Page 32 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-10 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

the City’s original zoning ordinance in 1947, and enabled the The Historic Area Board of Zoning Appeals to permit the restoration or reconstruction of colonial buildings, and to allow their uses for The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area defines the character uses that existed in the 18th Century. Additional controls were and drives the economy of the City. Initially conceived as areas administered by a Board of Architectural Consultants established on and near Duke of Gloucester Street with concentrations of in 1958, which approved the architectural design of buildings. restored buildings, the Historic Area has evolved and grown The regulations were refined to their current state in 1991, when since the Restoration began in 1926. In 1939, formal boundaries a separate “Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area” zoning district of the “Restored Area” were established, which included areas was created, and when the Board of Architectural Consultants along Duke of Gloucester, Francis and Nicholson Streets, and became the Architectural Review Board, reviewing the the adjoining historic campus of William and Mary. This was architectural character of the Architectural Preservation District expanded in 1949 to include Waller Street and more of the east- which included the Historic Area. west streets. The official name was changed to the “Historic Area” in 1962, and 1968 saw an expansion to include the Public Hospital and Custis blocks, the Timson house and several other areas. In 2002, 128 acres were added to the Historic Area, consisting of areas adjacent to the Custis garden site and the , and its surroundings, and the pasture northwest of the Timson House. In 2009, Duke of Gloucester Street was designated as one of America’s Great The interpretation of the Historic Area is Williamsburg’s most Streets by the American Planning Association important attraction, illustrated by Colonial Williamsburg’s credo: “That the future may learn from the past.” Colonial Williamsburg, The City’s planning and zoning regulations have always kept the along with other history museums nationwide, is dealing with protection of this important national resource as a high priority. changing demographic and public tastes, competition with other The “Historic Colonial Area” zoning district was established with vacation destinations, and a decline in the appeal of historic attractions. Page 33 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-11 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

combination of Colonial Williamsburg Support land use (hotel Resort Facilities and conference facilities) and Parks, Parkway, Recreation land Colonial Williamsburg offers 826 hotel rooms in five diverse use (golf courses). To more clearly differentiate this area, it is facilities (The Inn, Lodge, Woodlands, Cascades & Griffin Hotel), now designated as Colonial Williamsburg Resort land use. This along with 26 Colonial Houses located in the Historic Area. A land use is implemented by the existing MS Museum Support 20,000 square foot spa and fitness center, 45 holes of golf, District and RS-1 Single Dwelling zoning districts. tennis and other recreational facilities are also offered. In addition to its four historic taverns (King’s Arms, Chowning’s, Support Facilities Christiana Campbell’s & Shields), two hotel restaurants and one Supporting the Historic Area is a wide array of facilities, including freestanding restaurant are located in the MS Museum Support the Visitor Center on Visitor Center Drive, Bruton Heights School District. Education Center north of the Historic Area, the Stable complex on Lafayette Street, and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility on Route 60 East. A new musket range opened in 2016 on South England Street. Major renovations to the Williamsburg Inn were completed in June 2017. Also, in 2017 ground broke for the expansion of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. These uses are designated as Colonial Williamsburg Support land uses, implemented by the MS Museum Support zoning district.

The majority of the resort activities are located south of the Planning Issues Historic Area between South England Street and Quarterpath The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is subject to the City’s Road, and include the Williamsburg Inn, the Williamsburg Lodge land use regulations, and it is important for the Foundation and and Conference Center, Spa and the Golden Horseshoe golf the City to work together to preserve the special character of courses. In the past, this area has been designated as a both the City and the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. The Page 34 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-12 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

importance of this cooperative relationship is illustrated by the of the City’s open space system, particularly in its relationship to fact that the Foundation is both the City’s largest taxpayer and the Downtown area. Coupled with the campus of the William & the largest property owner. Mary, the 301 acre Historic Area provides the City with a quantity and quality of open space that is unmatched by any other City in Architectural Character the Commonwealth. The maintenance of the architectural character of the Historic Area and the surrounding area is a critical Merchants Square planning issue. Over the years, the City has Merchants Square is the City’s premier commercial area, ideally built upon the skill and expertise of Colonial situated between the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and Williamsburg staff, supplementing their William & Mary. It was developed by Colonial Williamsburg in knowledge and expertise in the the 1930’s, and has evolved into both a tourist shopping area restoration of the Historic Area with and a regional shopping and dining destination. Merchants complementary City regulation of land Square, the Williamsburg Lodge and the Williamsburg Inn now use and architectural character. While comprise a historic district recognized on the National Register of the Foundation’s stewardship of the Historic Places. Historic Area is unmatched, the continued disposition of properties 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.

Open Space The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is an essential element Page 35 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-13 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

The City has been involved in planning for Merchant’s Square Traffic and Parking since the 1953 Comprehensive Plan, and the most recent City Traffic flow and parking in and around the Historic Area and activities in the area are: the construction of the Prince George Merchants Square is important both for the Foundation and the Parking Garage and the completion of streetscape City. Parking has long been a cooperative venture, with the City improvements for Prince George Street and North Henry Street. policing parking lots that are owned and maintained by the Chapter 10 – Commercial and Economic Development proposes Foundation. zoning changes for Merchants Square and the areas to the north and south that will provide opportunities for increasing the A Downtown Parking Study was completed by Walker Parking number of permanent residents, thereby enhancing the Consultants in September of 2016. The goals of the parking economic and social vitality of the downtown area, and enabling system are centered on providing the most efficient and friendly it to continue to function as a true mixed-use development. parking experience to patrons and visitors. Walker’s recommendations for the City incorporate the following strategies that promote effective management of the downtown parking supply: • Prudent use of available parking technologies; • Clear, effective on-street parking enforcement; • Assistive zoning strategies, such as shared parking provisions for new development; • Clear and understandable signage and wayfinding; • Management of available on- and off-street parking demand. Traffic and parking will be discussed in more depth in Chapter 8 Community and Economic Development.

Page 36 of 37 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-14 Chapter 9 - Institutions - Draft 1

RECOMMENDATIONS: RECOMMENDATIONS:

William & Mary Colonial Williamsburg Foundation •Work with the university to evaluate, coordinate and • Updating infrastructure (such as Wi-Fi, streets, signage and implement recommendations of the parking study lighting) in the Historic Area and Downtown to enhance the performed by Walker Parking in the Summer of 2019. visitors experience. •Work with the university need to investigate the use of a •Work with the Foundation on assessing the future of the bike share or scooter program both on and off campus. Visitor Center and Place Farms. • 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 include parking •Work with university to construct a sidewalk along the north necessary for any expansion. side of Jamestown Road in front of Phi Beta Kappa Hall.

Page 37 of 2020 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Institutions Page 9-15