Representatives from First Atlantic Properties Company revealed Dec. 18 to the Haymarket Architectural Review Board, a preliminary plan to build a retail and office complex on the property surrounding the Haymarket museum and bounded by Payne Lane and Washington, Jefferson, and Fayette Streets.
“The goal is to create a vibrant town center with a historical feel,” First Atlantic Properties Company President Walter P. Peter, III, wrote in supporting documents.
The complex will consist of 21,110 square feet of retail and 10,250 square feet of office space, which will include the preservation of the exterior of an existing structure along Jefferson Street at the rear of the site.
“Because of the sensitivity of the site, we are, of course, trying to produce something that is vibrant and works within a historical concept," Peter said. “The design concept varies architectural styles to suggest organic development over time; visual interest is created by manipulating building heights, details and materials.”
The conceptual plan the company provided to the ARB depicts buildings situated toward the street to encourage pedestrian traffic, with parking hidden inside the site.
"I like the variation...how this does give you a townhouse look and that seems to be one of the true concepts that we can do with the small amount of area we have to get it as dense as possible while keeping it pleasant to the eye," ARB Chairman Kenneth Luersen said.
Peter and architectural consultant Bill Rosen answered questions from the Board and addressed the concern that Payne Lane would have to be widened in order to serve as an entrance to the complex.
Rosen responded that a formal Virginia Department of Transportation survey has not been conducted. Rather, for initial planning and design purposes, the developer is using information from another project that was slated for the property.
"Were not quite at the stage yet to do a formal survey," he said. "VDOT has to be part of the scenario."
There was also some discussion over the final use of the building that will be preserved on the site, which the developer admitted would take away 12 parking spots from the complex.
"When the project is filled with 30,000 square feet of activity, the chance of vandalism or acts against the house is minimized," Peter said. "It's a tiny building and we'll try to do something with it."
The developer will return to the ARB with a more finalized plan.
"I'm excited; this will definitely generate an improvement to the town center," Luersen said.
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