Real Estate Weekly | 2.28.2024

Build-out

Several hundred new apartments expected on Route 29

By Sean Tubbs

For many years, aspirational plans adopted by elected officials have called for Route 29 to become more than just a shopping destination or a way for travelers to pass through the city.

“The Hydraulic Small Area Plan seeks to identify opportunities for a more sustainable mixed-use development pattern that departs from the historic, suburban patterns that dominate the area today,” reads a document endorsed in the summer of 2018 by the Charlottesville City Council and the Albemarle Board of Supervisors.

Since then, property owners have responded by building, or planning to build, new units in close proximity to an eightlane highway classified by the Virginia Department of Transportation as a “corridor of statewide significance.”

According to Albemarle’s development dashboard, there are 227 apartments under construction in one building at Stonefield, and a site plan for another 112 units approved in another building. Across Route 29, in Charlottesville, the Great Eastern Management Company has filed a site plan for 352 units in a redeveloped Seminole Square Shopping Center.

Less than half a mile to the north are two suburban uses that may soon be converted to a more urban form. Plans have been filed in the City of Charlottesville to redevelop the Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet at 1185 Seminole Trl. as a four-story apartment building with 250 apartments. That project will be accessible from both Route 29 and Hillsdale Drive, and will be one of the last developments reviewed under the city’s old zoning.

RMD Properties has filed a rezoning for 1193 Seminole Trl., just across the line in Albemarle. The original proposal submitted last February sought a range between 200 and 290 units, but the number of places to live was reduced to between 50 and 165.

There’s also another 80 units slated to be built by Virginia Supportive Housing at the site of the former Red Carpet Inn, with the Piedmont Housing Alliance expected to build another 60. VSH is hoping to get that project under construction this summer.

At the same time, concerns about whether Route 29 is a safe area for pedestrians are mounting after a 59-year-oldman was struck and killed on February 20. The driver stopped to cooperate with police, but several people took to social media to express concern about a lack of infrastructure.

Some items are on the way, including a pedestrian bridge that will span Route 29 at Zan Road. The final design is still being put together, but the project is fully funded and should be constructed by the fall of 2025, around the same time the VSH project should be complete.

The eight-lane highway won’t be going anywhere any time soon. Other infrastructure in the area built in the last decade, including a grade-separated intersection at Rio Road, were paid for when a 6.2-mile bypass around Albemarle County’s growth area was canceled soon after former governor Terry McAuliffe took office.

This summer, Virginia Supportive Housing is slated to build 80 units on the site of the former Red Carpet Inn. Piedmont Housing Alliance is expected to build another 60.

STAFF

HIGHER GROUND

27 acre estate, mountaintop retreat with 11,400 sf., 8-BR, 6.5-BA residence with many outside terraces, decks and unsurpassed panoramic mountain views! 10 miles to famed Omni Homestead Resort, 2 miles to the airport. www.HigherGroundVa.org Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

DOWNTOWN PENTHOUSE

This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath condo features extra high ceilings, a modern and open floor plan with huge windows and doors, and a large rooftop terrace with views of the Downtown Mall all the way around to Monticello. MLS#634149 $1,690,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076

WEST MAIN STREET CORRIDOR

Investment/Assemblage opportunity between University of Virginia and Charlottesville’s dynamic Downtown Mall. Property is being targeted to be classified to RX-5 in the new city zoning ordinance. MLS#30850340 $875,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

This 21 acre lot is situated at the end of a culde-sac that provides privacy and a quite setting among towering hardwoods, and is convenient to CHO airport and ample shopping of various kinds. MLS#640231 $269,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

SWANNANOA COUNTRY CLUB

This legendary Blue Ridge Mountain golf course is on the market for the first time. The 236 acres offers sweeping views and huge opportunities for multiple uses. 20 minutes west of Charlottesville and UVA. MLS#649416 $3,500,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

WAYSIDE PLACE

Prime location near the University of Virginia Grounds and Barracks Road shopping, steps from Downtown Mall. Charming 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence rich in history, awaits its second owner. MLS#648746 $1,150,000 Mark Mascotte, 434.825.8610

FREE UNION PARCEL

42 acre tract on Wesley Chapel Road with the right to be divided into two 21 acre parcels. Big views with clearing towards the Blue Ridge. Stream frontage on Burruss Branch. Old logging road recently cleared for easy access. MLS#647055 $799,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

10 acres of mature woods. Property has long road frontage and consists of two parcels being combined and sold as one. No homeowners association! Design and build your dream residence on this very well-priced parcel. MLS#621178 $189,000 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250

MILL HOUSE

Former house of noted local architect Floyd E. Johnson, on the banks of Totier Creek. Thoughtfully renovated and expanded, 5-BR, 3 full and 2 half BA. Guest house, 2-bay garage, pool, equipment shed plus 130 acres of open & wooded land. MLS#639196 $2,475,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

MISSION HOME ROAD

146.88 ac. in Albemarle & Greene County, adjacent to the Shenandoah National Park! Division rights & multiple homesites. Extraordinary timberland. Views of the mountains, along with easy access to trails & Skyline Drive. MLS#620276 MLS#620276 $1,100,000 Mark Mascotte, 434.825.8610

EAST WATER STREET

Rare opportunity for a unique downtown office/retail condo with deeded onsite parking space! Located in the Holsinger Condo on Water Street, one block removed from the Historic Downtown Mall. Easily accessible to UVA and all Charlottesville has to offer. $495,000 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250

SIMMONS GAP ROAD

5-acre lot with mature hardwoods. Great opportunity to build with no HOA. Private building site amongst beautiful woods. Located between Free Union and Earlysville but so convenient to Charlottesville & UVA. MLS#621177 $119,000 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250

FRAYS GRANT

SIMMONS GAP/ ESTES RIDGE

3334

26-42

HOWARDSVILLE

93

444

2313

216

“Will the apartment still be available when they hear my accent?”

“I called five different numbers about apartments for

They all said they had been rented. I started to get suspicious so I had a white friend call. Suddenly these apartments were available.” If

3511 Marlboro Ct | Charlottesville

Minutes to UVA, Downtown, everything Charlottesville! Flexible Floorplan that accommodates changing needs. Well-established gardens & easy, heated robot cleaned pool. Main floor living 3 BR/2½ BA and 1 BR apartment.

$875,000 | montaguemiller.com/649191

Carol Costanzo | 434.962.1419

459 Justin Dr | Palmyra

LUXURIOUS One-Level living in SYCAMORE SQUARE with Garage. GORGEOUS VAULTED RANCHER a comfortable home. Easy Living floor plan w/ large wwindows & natural light. Huge main floor SUNROOM and office.

$520,000 | montaguemiller.com/649507

Carol Costanzo | 434.962.1419

Stunning Home in the sought-after Old Trail Town Center. Discover low-maintenance living in this impeccably maintained home. Step through the stately front door into a grand foyer that showcases beautiful hardwood floors throughout the first level. A naturally lit living room with soaring ceilings that seamlessly flows into the gourmet kitchen, boasting granite countertops, crisp white cabinetry, and high-end stainless-steel appliances. The 2nd-floor loft creates additional living space that connects to the three upstairs bedrooms, one with an ensuite and walk-in closet. Entertain outside on hardscaped patio w/amazing views.

Beautiful ONE LEVEL 4 BR, 3 BA home with Guest Cottage or in-law suite. Beautiful BRAZILIAN CHERRY flooring and CERAMIC TILE. Top of the line appliances convey in both home and cottage. Easy 8.5 miles to Wegmans.

606

$469,000 |

Carter Montague | 434.962.3419