Developer Asks for Changes to High Street Homes, Parking

By Amber Lester Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Williamsburg’s High Street development could be growing soon if the Planning Commission approves a new site plan Wednesday.

The city Planning staff has recommended approval of the plan to construct the 230-unit Kings Manor Apartments, which will include two 60-foot-tall buildings facing Kings Manor Drive. The apartments have been proposed to replace a previous plan to construct a 330-unit condominium project in that location.

High Street’s original site plan was approved in July 2005 to include 574 dwelling units: 191 rental apartments, 53 townhouses and 330 condominiums. The apartments and 16 townhouses have been completed.

The proposed apartments will consist of two four-story buildings facing Kings Manor Drive that have a fifth story on the rear side. The apartments will include 132 one-bedroom units and 98 two-bedroom units. The construction of the Kings Manor Apartments will bring the total number of dwelling units to 437, allowing for 137 units to still be built in the future. Right now, 37 townhouse lots have not been developed; it is likely the vacant lots will be reconfigured in the future to increase dwelling units on the east side of Treyburn Drive.

A parking lot will replace a previously proposed underground parking garage; it will have 262 surface parking spots and 57 residential garage spaces behind the apartment buildings. The remaining 51 spaces will utilize excess parking in the lower level of the commercial parking garage.

In addition, a clubhouse and a swimming pool will be constructed to overlook the existing stormwater retention pond. Extensive landscaping is also proposed, including the planting of 77 trees in the parking lot and 26 more along Kings Manor Drive.

The plan has already been reviewed by the city’s Site Plan Review committee, which agreed the design fits with the present development. The Planning Commission will decide whether to recommend approval to the county's board of supervisors at its 3:30 p.m. meeting in the Stryker Building.