In local government speak, a consent agenda contains all of the items that are not likely to be talked about at a particular meeting but the body will take action on them anyway.
That’s the case at the December 10 meeting of the Charlottesville Planning Commission where that body will sign off on a certificate of appropriateness for the first phase of exterior changes at the nearly 40-acre Barracks Road Shopping Center.
“The Phase 1 enhancements will modify the façades and sidewalks along an approximately 250-foot-long segment in the middle of the strip center and at the northeast corner of an adjacent retail building,” reads the staff report.
These are known in the plans as the Main Street Facade and the Brewery Facade. In the former, an overhanging section will be removed exposing brick walls. New metal and wood columns will be installed to support flat metal canopies.
No brewery is identified in these plans.
Staff supports the changes.
“The alterations will not alter the height of the existing buildings; by removing the large, heavy façade and introducing landscape and streetscape elements will reduce the perceived massing and scale, resulting in a more open and inviting street level at the existing storefronts,” writes Dannon O’Connell.
No public comments have been received.
As the Planning Commission will technically be serving as the Entrance Corridor Review Board, the staff report also includes a section from the Entrance Corridor Design Guidelines.
“Emmet Street has the potential to become more of an urban boulevard, with lively pedestrian activity and a greater mix and integration of uses,” reads the guidelines. “Both Barracks Road Shopping Center and Meadowbrook Shopping Center may redevelop with retail, hotels, housing, and structured parking.”
To that end, the city’s Development Code was amended at this location to make the zoning Node Mixed Use 10, one of the highest intensity districts under the new rules. So far, Federal Realty Investments anticipates to keep the space relatively intact.
What might happen in the future if a connection is made between Millmont Street and Copeley Road? The topic came up at the December 5, 2025 meeting of the University of Virginia Buildings and Grounds Committee.
Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the December 10, 2024 edition of the newsletter. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon. There will be new options in 2025 if you’d like to wait. Just please know I’m glad you’re reading!
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