Board of Architectural Review
Board of Architectural Review
Wed, February 18, 2026
Agenda items
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Agenda items (11)
Procedural (11)
1ProceduralMeeting minutes: November 18, 2025 [Link to meeting video.] C. Deferred Items N/A D. New Items (5:40) 2. Certificate of Appropriateness Application
Approval of meeting minutes from November 18, 2025, and introduction of new Certificate of Appropriateness applications for review.
2ProceduralCertificate of Appropriateness Application
A property owner is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness, which is permission to make changes to a historically significant building or property in Charlottesville.
3ProceduralStaff questions/discussion
City staff will answer questions and discuss details related to the Certificate of Appropriateness applications.
4ProceduralRemoval and reconstruction of the concrete (lower) stairs on the west side of the portico.
A building owner is seeking approval to remove and rebuild the concrete stairs on the lower level of the west side porch entrance.
5ProceduralRemoval and reconstruction of the brick and concrete (upper) stairs on the east and west sides of the portico. In lieu of the concrete caps on the outside stingers, the new concrete treads will be exposed with a 1” overhang. This will replicate the original design at these stairs, which is shown on the original Makielski drawings dated February 1, 1928.
A building owner is seeking approval to remove and rebuild the brick and concrete stairs on both the east and west sides of the upper porch level, restoring the original 1928 design with exposed concrete treads.
6ProceduralInstall a metal door and frame at the lower wall at the west side of the portico.
A building owner is seeking approval to install a new metal door and frame at the lower west side entrance of the porch.
7ProceduralThe proposed work includes infilling with brick the three, basement-level windows at the front of the porch. The BAR approved that work with conditions in June 2022; however, that CoA expired. Paul Tassell, Applicant – It is self-explanatory. We have the original drawings. We just want to repair what has been damaged by water over the years and neglect. We want to have a safer entry and exit out of the building.
This application proposes filling in three basement-level windows at the front porch with brick to prevent water damage and improve building security, which was previously approved in 2022 but the approval has expired.
8ProceduralExisting railings will be reused; however, if existing are not salvageable, the new will reasonably replicate the existing, with the understanding that dimensions might be modified to meet code requirements.
The project will reuse existing porch railings where possible, or install new ones that closely match the original design while meeting current building safety codes.
9ProceduralApproval of the infill, with brick, of the three basement-level windows at the front of the porch must follow these parameters: the coursing, brick color and mortar be matched as closely to the historic as possible, and that the infill with brick be set 1 inch back from the plane of the brick wall. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bailey and passed 7-0. The meeting was recessed at 5:58 PM and readjourned in the NDS Conference Room at 6:02 PM.
The board approved the brick infill of three basement-level windows on the condition that the new brick matches the historic original in color, pattern, and mortar, and is set slightly recessed from the existing wall surface.
11ProceduralUpdate on workplan for review of design guidelines Staff did bring up that the Design Guidelines are Council’s Guidelines and are adopted by o
Staff will provide an update on the progress of reviewing and updating the city's design guidelines that govern changes to historic properties.
12ProceduralNew development review policy. Development Review Procedures Manual
City council will review a new policy for how development projects are reviewed and processed in Charlottesville.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Approve Meeting Minutes – November 18, 2025
aye 7
Carl Schwarzaye
Cheri Lewisaye
James Zehmeraye
Jerry Rosenthalaye
Katherin Tabonyaye
Roger Birleaye
Ron Baileyaye
Approve Certificate of Appropriateness – 701-705 West Main Street (Window Replacements)
aye 7
Carl Schwarzaye
Cheri Lewisaye
James Zehmeraye
Jerry Rosenthalaye
Katherin Tabonyaye
Roger Birleaye
Ron Baileyaye
Approve Certificate of Appropriateness – Downtown Mall Trashcan Replacement Plan
aye 7
Carl Schwarzaye
Cheri Lewisaye
James Zehmeraye
Jerry Rosenthalaye
Katherin Tabonyaye
Roger Birleaye
Ron Baileyaye