Special exception permit for West Main Street properties
Charlottesville
Summary
The owners of a historic West Main Street building are renovating five apartments, replacing failing second-floor windows with insulated inserts that keep the historic look. Better insulation means more comfortable, cheaper-to-heat units downtown.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
The window work is privately funded; no city money is involved.
Future tenants of the five renovated apartments and the historic character of the West Main corridor.
Residents who prefer the status quo and worry about increased density or changes to their neighborhood's current vibe.
Mentions & discussions (5)
City Council - Nov 2, 2026
A resolution considering a special exception permit application for 835, 843, and 847 West Main Street was on the consent agenda.
Planning Commission - Oct 13, 2026
A 182-unit apartment building with a cafe and public plazas could reshape a key gateway corridor and add a long-promised pedestrian connection to West Haven. Council gets the final say after the commission's unanimous recommendation.
Planning Commission - Aug 11, 2026
A special exception request for a property at 323 2nd Street SE was slated for commission action. No details or outcome record were provided.
Board of Architectural Review - Feb 18, 2026
The owners of a historic West Main Street building are renovating five apartments, replacing failing second-floor windows with insulated inserts that keep the historic look. Better insulation means more comfortable, cheaper-to-heat units downtown.
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Related development
Special Exception Permit — 835, 843, and 847 West Main Street
Adds significant housing on a corridor already zoned for intensity, plus a public walkway linking West Haven to Main Street.
Special Exception Request - 323 2nd Street SE
The decision would determine whether the requested special exception may operate at this downtown-adjacent SE property.
701-705 West Main Street window replacements
The building gets modern thermal performance without changing its historic street appearance, and window AC units come out.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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