Annie Gould Gallery
Time passes
The city’s first large student apartment complex on West Main turns 10
By Sean Tubbs
Experience Matters
With the University of Virginia back in session next week, students are returning to Charlottesville—including the several hundred who live at 852 W. Main St. The first residents of the building known as The Flats at West Village moved in 10 years ago, beginning a trend of students moving into an area where they had not previously lived.
Riverbend Development and an out-oftown group took the project through the approval process in December 2012, during which City Council voted 4-1 on a special use permit to allow the building to be eight stories high and to have up to 595 bedrooms. Councilor Dede Smith voted against the permit that night, arguing that the project would have negative impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
“Charlottesville was told that a large student complex on West Main would moderate rents across town, stimulate a vibrant mixed-use community, and reintegrate Westhaven and Fifeville into Main Street,” Smith says. “Unfortunately, few, if any, of these benefits have occurred.”
The current owner is an entity called Madison Loft LLC that purchased the property in November 2016 for $77.5 million. Previous structures on the property were automotive in nature, reflecting the role West Main Street played in the 20th century.
Since people began living at the Flats, the city has collected $6.35 million in taxes, with a bill this year of $821,143.96. The property is now managed by Asset Living, one of the largest property maintenance firms in the United States.
The Flats was followed by what’s now called The Lark on West Main and The Standard at Charlottesville, adding more students and millions more in tax revenue.
Previous zoning on the property required the ground floors to be commercial, but that has not been a total success. The Flats opened with a restaurant called World of Beer that folded before the pandemic, and the space was vacant for many years until Mejicali recently opened. The convenience store next door has been the only permanent fixture, but another retail space on the ground floor has never had an occupant.
The same is true across the street at the Standard, where two retail spaces sit vacant. The retail space at the Lark is currently occupied by Devil’s Backbone Backyard after two similar businesses failed at the location.
Other buildings constructed to the east include the former Quirk Hotel (now The Doyle Hotel), the Marriott Residence Inn, and the apartment complex at 600 W. Main St. that preserved Blue Moon Diner. That project also has a retail space that has proved difficult to keep rented.
More buildings constructed on West Main will not need approval from the city council because the new zoning code allows taller heights without special permission. Residential density is unlimited, but the new rules require 10 percent of units to be affordable to households or individuals whose incomes are 60 percent below the area median income.
Meanwhile, UVA is moving ahead with plans to build new residence halls for second-year students as part of an initiative to house more people on Grounds. This spring, the Office of Facilities Management asked firms to submit qualifications to build up to 2,000 new bedrooms either on Ivy Road or Emmet Street. The bid documents state that UVA would like those units to be in place by the fall of 2027.
Completion of The Flats at West Village 10 years ago marked a new era for the West Main Street corridor—one that included students and paved the way for more residential units in the area.
STAFF
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MEADOW FARM
436+ acres in Southern Albemarle! 4 division rights; complete privacy; lush, gently rolling terrain; long road frontage; stream; 3-acre lake; 125-135 acres of open land; mature hardwood forests. Under conservation easement. MLS#651411 $2,985,000 Charlotte Dammann, 433.981.1250
VIEW PROPERTY
Scenic 42-acre farm 10 miles from Charlottesville. Features pastures, woodlands, serene creek, antique farmhouse, updated kitchen, 3-baths, 4-bedrooms, panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain vistas, and substantial barn. MLS#651245 $1,695,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
CROZET
Quality-built residence, circa 2017, in the heart of Crozet, minutes from shopping, Western Schools, and Blue Ridge Mountains. Highlights include a main-level master suite, high ceilings, gourmet kitchen, screened porch, and 2-car garage. MLS#655239 $989,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
BAILEY’S QUARTERS
One level living with full basement, two acres and a spectacular view of Buck Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home is 10 miles northwest of Charlottesville near Free Union. MLS#654595
$525,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
BELLAIR
Recently renovated contemporary home in soughtafter Bellair neighborhood! With 4-BR, 3.5-BA, and a vaulted great room, this residence offers superb construction. Enjoy stunning views from the screened porch. MLS#652438 $2,675,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
HISTORIC STAUNTON
Meticulously renovated National Historic Register home, blending modern amenities with remarkable charm. 5-bedrooms with tall ceilings, hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and trim. Quartz kitchen, magnificent primary suite, terrace apartment. MLS#653080 $1,295,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
CRAIGS STORE RD
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of western Albemarle, this 76 acre parcel offers compelling views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, diverse terrain, and multiple estate-caliber building sites. 2 miles from Batesville Market, 15 miles from Charlottesville. Not under conservation easement. MLS#652337 $$975,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
KESWICK ESTATE
Discover Keswick Estate, a gated community near Keswick Hall, offering a 2.10± acre building site harmonizing country life and resort living in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Create your dream home close to golf, dining, tennis, and more. MLS#650785 $470,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
KESWICK
Stately Colonial on 1.37 acres offers abundant light and golf course views. Features include a spacious kitchen, dry bar, formal dining, library with custom bookshelves and fireplace, and primary BR with en-suite BA. MLS#655210 $1,975,000 Mark Mascotte, 434.825.8610
FRAYS MILL
Wooded 81.395-acre preservation tract near Frays Mill Subdivision in Albemarle County, 6 miles from Charlottesville Airport, shops, restaurants. Ideal for recreation, agriculture, and private home with mountain views. MLS#651664 $995,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
NEWPRICE
CARRSBROOK
This family friendly home has been thoughtfully updated with a blend of style and comfort for modern living. Spacious with 5 bedrooms, dual purpose main floor bed or office with adjacent full bath, 3 full baths, living room and den, plus 3 season sunroom. MLS#654829 $659,000 Jeremy Fields, 434.270.1220
UNDERCONTRACT
COUNTRY GREEN RD
Modern living at a great value! Open-concept living on first floor w/bright great room, oversized kitchen, dining area and half bath. Upstairs, enjoy a primary BR with en suite, 2 additional BRs, full bath, and stackable washer/dryer. 2 off-street parking spots. Easy access to local amenities. MLS#654818 $434,900 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250
