HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP200800029 Review Comments Special Use Permit 2008-07-22Phone (434) 296-5832
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, Room 227
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Scott Clark
FROM:
Margaret Maliszewski
DATE:
July 22, 2008
RE:
SP -2008-29: South Plains Presbyterian Church
Fax (434) 972-4126
I have reviewed the plan submitted for the above -referenced proposal (Sheets A0, SP1 and SP2 dated
6/13/08) and I have the following historic preservation comments.
Sources differ as to the construction date of the South Plains Church. Some cite the early nineteenth
century as the date of construction; others say the 1870s. The church is a good example of vernacular
Gothic Revival architecture. The rectory was built in the 1870s to replace the original rectory which
had burned. Both structures contribute to the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District.
The perspective rendering of the fellowship hall and new sanctuary illustrates proposed buildings that
are compatible in style with the existing historic church. The new buildings are much larger than the
existing church and they are sited forward of the existing church as viewed from Route 22. These two
factors tend to de-emphasize the historic resource, which is not a positive aspect of the proposal.
Furthermore, the proposed location of the new structures would require the demolition of the historic
rectory.
The plan is unclear regarding parking, grading and tree removal. The full extent of impacts cannot,
therefore, be assessed. It does appear that significant tree removal must occur to accommodate the
proposal.
It is recommended that the new structures be located to reinforce the existing church as the main
resource on site. It is also recommended that the rectory be retained and re -used in the expansion plan.
Should demolition of the rectory ultimately be approved, it is recommended that the structure be fully
documented in photographs and drawings prior to demolition. The documentation should be
undertaken by a qualified architectural historian and copies of the documentation be provided to the
County. Furthermore, it is recommended that the plan be revised to more accurately show the proposed
parking, conceptual grading, and the extent of tree removal, ensuring that existing trees are shown
accurately. With this additional information, more comments may be provided.