The University of Virginia is seeking architectural and planning firms who would be interested in helping plot out the future of a 5.2 acre estate in Fifeville. The state institution purchased Oak Lawn in October 2023 for $3.5 million.
“The purpose of the planning study is to assess childcare and potential program uses of the site in support of UVA Health and the community while protecting the historic value of the property and exploring potential density, access, transportation, and related impacts,” reads the request for letters of interest and statements of qualification.
The request states that engagement with the Fifeville neighborhood would be a key component as would be historic preservation. The document also notes that any project would follow Charlottesville’s land use rules, even though the property is owned by UVA.
“The property is in Area C, as defined by the Three-Party Agreement between the University, City, and County, requiring the University to follow both state and local review entitlement processes for any proposed development,” the request continues.
The property is now zoned Residential-C would would allow additional dwelling units on the site by-right. Oak Lawn is also an Individually Protected Property which means the Board of Architectural Review will have to weigh in on any design changes.
Firms who want to do the work have until February 20 to send in their material. A request for proposals will be released to a shortlist on March 1.
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