Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Changes might be coming to the parking lot in Merchants Square — again

The Colonial Williamsburg had retracted their previous application to change the area, but now they are resubmitting new conceptual plans for the City of Williamsburg's architectural review board to review on Tuesday. (WYDaily/Courtesy City of Williamsburg)
The Colonial Williamsburg had retracted their previous application to change the area, but now they are resubmitting new conceptual plans for the city of Williamsburg’s architectural review board to review on Tuesday. (WYDaily/Courtesy City of Williamsburg)

Changes might once again be coming to the P3 parking lot in Downtown Williamsburg.

In the city of Williamsburg’s Architectural Review Board agenda for Tuesday, the parking lot known as P3 is up for conceptual review once again.

Back in October, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation filed plans to create a pedestrian-friendly greenspace. In meeting documents the foundation termed the lot as a “Festival Marketplace” with the idea to increase vibrancy of the area for residents and tourists.

RELATED STORY: Colonial Williamsburg wants to remove a parking lot in Merchants Square. Here’s what’s planned on that site

But trouble with the plans came when a proposal was submitted to place a giant television screen in the green space. After public concern surfaced about parking and the idea of the large screen, the foundation withdrew their original application.

Now, the area is back under review.

Erin Burke, principal planner for the city, said while the application is for the same location, there are some modifications. The largest being, she said, that the foundation is no longer proposing a video screen in the area. There are also small adjustments, such as changes to the bricks and benches that had previously been discussed.

In conceptual designs for the area, there will be granite steps, a brick and granite seat wall, wooden benches and fencing, a trench drain, and granite cobble, asphalt, and brick paving, according to city documents.

RELATED STORY: Remember the large TV screen proposed by Colonial Williamsburg? Here’s why it may be a no-go

Burke said there is also an accessible ramp for those who are mobility impaired.

The project is currently under the direction of Stemann-Pease Architecture, which is located in Williamsburg. Stemann-Pease did not immediately respond for comment.

During the conceptual review on Tuesday, the foundation will be able to receive feedback from members of the ARB, but a vote for approval is not required, Burke said.

There will also be an opportunity for public input as well, Burke said.

The next steps following the conceptual review are for Colonial Williamsburg to return to the board having addressed the feedback for further review.

Jeff Duncan, vice president of real estate for the foundation, did not immediately respond for comment.

Alexa Doiron
Alexa Doironhttp://wydaily.com
Alexa Doiron is a multimedia reporter for WYDaily. She graduated from Roanoke College and is currently working on a master’s degree in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. Alexa was born and raised in Williamsburg and enjoys writing stories about local flair. She began her career in journalism at the Warhill High School newspaper and, eight years later, still loves it. After working as a news editor in Blacksburg, Va., Alexa missed Williamsburg and decided to come back home. In her free time, she enjoys reading Jane Austen and playing with her puppy, Poe. Alexa can be reached at alexa@localvoicemedia.com.

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