Architectural Review Board

11 September 2023 To: Kate S. Schwartz ksschwartz@fredericksburgva.gov cc: Planning@fredericksburgva.gov The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation has reviewed the upcoming agenda and related COA documents for the September 11, 2023 meeting of the Architectural Review Board and submits the following comments on select projects. Public Hearing: COA FY24-0001 – 319 Prince Edward Street To gain a greater understand of the surrounding context at a broader scale, HFFI reviewed existing footprints and features of the historic resources as well as those of recently constructed buildings and proposed designs for new construction within the neighborhood. This examination found that most of the single-family dwellings in what many call Darbytown have been expanded by one or more additions over time, with a fair number containing 3,000 SF or more at this point in time. It is no surprise to most that the size of these additions is increasing in the 21st century or that the average SF expands dramatically two blocks east along lower Caroline Street. (Data collected from this examination is presented in the attached table on page 2). Prior to the 2021 adoption of the new design guidelines, the COA applications of proposed additions included a statement from page 76 of the District Handbook regarding “Building Massing – Additions” that does not appear in today’s COA. This statement read: “Before a building is enlarged, the needed functions an addition is meant to address should be evaluated to see if they can be accommodated within the existing structure.” FredGIS notes that the extant two-story house at 319 Prince Edward Street contains 704 SF—perhaps less than some studio apartments here in town and much less than some historic residences in Darbytown. Given such current conditions, HFFI continues to appreciate the applicant’s effort to design a contextually sensitive solution that restores this vacant and dilapidated resource to its historic use. Conscious of its corner lot status and the architectural characteristics that define its surroundings, HFFI generally supports this design and hopes that the ARB will continue to place such emphasis on contextually appropriate infill and new construction in our community. Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. | 1200 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401  Current Sq Ft Other details (known data from past COA Address/Use Year built (FredGIS) applications) Date of addition unknown, but 140 Caroline (corner of Dixon 1875 7,557 design/composition suggests 2-story brick section & Caroline), SFD along Dixon relatively recent, ca. 2000s? Sentry Box: +2,450 SF addition, COA approved 133 Caroline, SFD 1786 6,402 2019 2,373 +1,305 SF new side/rear addition, COA approved 103 Caroline, SFD 1815 (soon to be 2021 (not yet constructed) 3,678) Large Victorian with sizable rear additions 205 Caroline, SFD 1890 10,584 screened from City Dock by heavy vegetation 201 Princess Anne (corner of 1,500 SF+ added across rear elevation, 1812 3,220 Dixon & Princess Anne), SFD COA approved 2019?/built 2020-21 One of several 3-story bungaloids at south end of 224 Charles, SFD 2007 3,340 Charles, approved in the early 2000s 301 Charles (corner Princess 2015 3,015 New construction, approved ca. 2014? Elizabeth & Charles), SFD Four 3-story units designed/built to maximize lot 307-313 Charles, Townhouses 2022 2,200-2,324 ea. space, COA approved 2017-18 400 Princess Anne (corner of 3 units (2 residential & 1 commercial?) in a 2- Princess Anne & Frederick), 1910 2,676 story vernacular building Mixed-Use Mass & scale COA approved June 2023, designed Proposed infill, Townhouse Unit 1 2,355 to maximize buildable lot space Proposed infill, Townhouses Units 2-5 2,250-2,300 ea. Same as above 319 Prince Edward (corner History as SFD/MFD/mixed use, vacant since Prince Edward & Frederick), 1890 704 2012? Vacant Design leaves greenspace, features setbacks, Proposed addition, SFD 2,800 would make a new total of 3,504 SF? Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. | 1200 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401