Chew on this new proposal

By: Anita Shelburne | Daily Progress
Published: April 13, 2010

Museums have cafes. Why not the Jefferson School?
The developer managing the renovation of the former all-black school in Charlottesville has asked for a rezoning to allow a restaurant.
Long hours — indeed, years — of debate and thought went into the question of what to do with the old school. Its historic status merited preservation and what is often called in the trade “sensitive reuse.” Its strategic downtown location and the need to make the project affordable called for taking its economic potential into consideration.
The city settled on a redevelopment plan that would seek tenants such as educational programs, art galleries or service-based entities such as clinics.
If the project succeeds in that goal, it should provide enough activity to warrant a convenient small restaurant or cafe on the premises. Developers say such an establishment would be chosen to fulfill “the mission” of the preservation project. In fact, a cafe could support the project by making it more attractive to tenants and consumers alike.

Chew on this new proposal

Share This:

More from this channel:

Reader Comments

Deal of the Day

Most Popular

Things to Do