Following the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review’s June approval of “Waterhouse”—the nine-storey tower to be built between Water and South streets—Charlottesville Tomorrow Executive Director Brian Wheeler was a signatory on a letter written to Mayor David Brown to try and persuade him to preserve two adjoining Water Street parking lots. One is the current location of the City Market.
The Charlottesville City Market has operated from the metered Water Street lot since 1993. The City of Charlottesville owns that, and the adjacent lot, and the right to option both for development.
In Wheeler’s July 14 letter to Mayor Brown, he mentions a desire for the “continuation of a vibrant City Market” in the face of Water Street’s vertical growth.
Mayor Brown responded by describing the delicate nature of Downtown development on his blog, www.onecityblog.blogspot.com, on August 6. Brown wrote that development conflicts in the city stem from residential demand, as well as a 2003 zoning ordinance that allowed more vertical growth.
City Councilor Kevin Lynch says both the Water Street lots are business opportunities that may work best together. “We certainly have identified that parcel as an opportunity—and a desired spot—for economic development,” he says.
Were the Water Street lots to be developed (and zoning allows for a nine-storey tower there), it could mean more attractions, less parking, and the relocation of the market.
Should the market need to move, Lynch mentioned public and private spaces alike, including the Jefferson School, that would suit its needs.
“It has always been clear that finding a viable spot for the market is a requirement” of developing that part of Water Street, says Lynch. Whether the City or the developer is responsible for finding the market’s new home depends, he says, on future proposals.
The Charlottesville City Market “experienced record customer attendance and vendor participation each of the last three years,” according to Department of Parks and Recreation director Mike Svetz. This year some 100 vendors used the facility.
The market’s 2006 season will end in October.—Brendan Fitzgerald
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