Architectural Review Board

11 December 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 December 11, 2023 meeting of the Architectural Review Board and submits the following comments on select projects. Consent Agenda: COA 2311-0016 – 110 Hanover Street – Sign Installation HFFI holds a restrictive covenant on this property and appreciate the extent of staff’s conditions on the approval of this application as such molded concrete blocks are not as strong as modern CMUs; thus, even a small hole in the block face often unintentionally creates a larger opening. We agree with staff’s recommendation, approve of the sign’s design, and are glad to see the building’s new lease on life. Public Hearing: COA 2310-0006 REVISED – 203 Ford Street HFFI would like to note a point of correction in this revised COA as the second sentence under the Discussion heading stated that no public comment was received at the November 13,2023 ARB on this application, and HFFI did indeed provide a public comment—much of which we are restating at this meeting. HFFI concurs with staff’s recommendations in this application. We are glad to see the number of vents penetrating the building’s exterior have been reduced and continue to support the proposed wall system’s design. HFFI truly appreciates the care that the property owner is taking to avoid impacting what remains of the older Washington Woolen Mills wheelhouse foundation and the area at the northeast corner of the lot (see images of 1886 and 1902 Sanborn maps included). Again, HFFI thanks Mr. Whalen for his commitment to the sensitive preservation this unique historic property and keeping it standing for the next hundred years or more. Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. | 1200 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Detail of 1886 (L) and 1902 (R) Sanborn Fire Insurance maps with area of extant ruins of Washington Woolen Mills on 203 Ford Street property highlighted. Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. | 1200 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401