The once controversial (and then abandoned) Pear St condos space is now back on sale.
This third of an acre is zoned M-2 permitting office and hotel as a matter of right and is also approved for a 10-story, 15-unit condominium project under a special use permit. The property boasts stellar views of the downtown skyline and the James River and would make a perfect site for additional high-end apartments or condominiums if the property were to be rezoned to follow the City’s Downtown Plan and Riverfront Plan recommendations for the development of the site. The topography and dimensions of the site are excellent for a multi-story parking structure that would not require a ramp and preliminary architectural studies show that the site can easily accommodate 75 to 80 units with premier views and access to downtown.
If you were around at the time you may remember that many residents argued that a then proposed 15-story building violated the Downtown Master Plan and Riverfront Plan which states that buildings next to the James River should be no more than 5 stories tall.
John Murden reported back in 2014:
Head of city Planning Mark Olinger said that the parcel for Pear Street appears on some maps of the Master Plan and not on other maps so it is unclear whether or not it falls under auspices of the Downtown Master Plan. Several people then asked if a 15 story building is in the spirit of the Downtown Master Plan and Riverfront plan.
7 comments
I attended the CHA meeting when this project was first introduced and it was stated by a CHA board member that ,”this was a done deal”. That same board member then proceeded to filibuster so that no one could question this surprise, “presentation”.
Because of the people involved , the questionable history of this “done deal” and the propensity for under the table dealings by those involved , and the fact that $5000.00 of CHA money was appropriated to oppose this project with no accountability to date, proceed with CAUTION.
Gustavo,
A minor correction:
This plot is the one on the “other side” of Pear St where David Johannas proposed a 9 (or thereabouts) story condo. This development was approved by the Church Hill Association membership but later withdrawn due to lack of buyer interest.
After discussions between the developer Mr Salomonsky, Scenic Virginia and The Church Hill Association the “controversial “15 story Pear St” condo project is now being replaced by a proposed 5 story condominium. This is a great compromise between protecting the viewshed and encouraging development.
It’s a never-ending battle to keep fighting flagrant developments like this that would destroy a panoramic view of the city and river from the Libby Hill Park vantage point that many local residents and visitors enjoy everyday.
i hope they lose money.
Can someone help me win the lottery? We could make that into a park and cheer on the rehabilitation of Great Shiplock.
W, These were at one time two separate parcels but the owners had them reconfigured as one so as to have a larger footprint.
If you busy bodies don’t buy the property, then I hope you leave the next buyer alone to exercise their property rights without interference.