Colonial Williamsburg Arrival Center Heads for Second ARB Review

Updated plan incorporates previous feedback from Architectural Review Board

Jul 21, 2025

An updated conceptual design for Colonial Williamsburg’s new arrival center will receive a second conceptual review on July 22 following recent feedback from the Board. (Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg, Guernsey Tingle)

(Update: In response to this post, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation clarified that the new facility is called the Lafayette Street Transportation and Arrivals Area. They also noted that the new arrivals facility is intended to be one of several entry points to the historic area, and that the current Visitors Center will remain as an option as well. We regret any confusion our report may have caused.)

The Williamsburg Architectural Review Board (ARB) will conduct a second conceptual review of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s proposed visitor arrival center. The review will take place during the Board’s next public meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Stryker Center, 412 North Boundary Street. The public is invited to attend the meeting and participate in the review process.

The new visitor facility is planned for construction near the intersection of Lafeyette Street and North Botetourt Sreet. The effort is part of the Foundation’s goal to upgrade the guest arrival experience ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The arrival center site will include a new building designed to serve as the primary entry point for Colonial Williamsburg guests, offering orientation and other visitor services. The site design also incorporates landscaped areas, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and a new path to the historic area. Parking will also be reconfigured to improve circulation and enhance the arrival experience.

The project took a key step forward earlier this month when the ARB approved the demolition of several existing administrative and utility buildings on and around the proposed Welcome Center site. At its July 8 meeting, the Board also unanimously approved multiple demolition applications. The Foundation stated that the buildings—most dating from the 1950s and 1960s—lack architectural or historical significance and are not suitable for reuse. However, archaeological assessments are still planned to ensure no important cultural resources are lost in the process.

According to comments provided by Williamsburg planning staff, the proposal under consideration has been updated based on previous feedback from the ARB, in which some Board members expressed concerns that the proposed Welcome Center appeared too utilitarian. “Construction should be architecturally compatible with historic buildings in the area to ensure aesthetic harmony and preserve the character of the area,” the planning staff advised in their review of the project.

The updated submission includes color renderings with landscaping aimed at creating a more welcoming appearance, and notes that the applicant plans to use materials and colors similar to those previously shown and inspired by other locations around the historic area, including the Williamsburg Lodge, Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg and various aspects of Duke of Gloucester Street, such as furniture, materials and landscaping.

Other planned reviews

After-the-Fact Design Change Request – Seafare, Inc., 1632 Richmond Road

Seafare’s revised design at 1632 Richmond Road replaces the approved aluminum patio structure with wood and updates the vestibule to include glass, stucco, and brick. (Courtesy Seafare, Inc.)

This after-the-fact design change request was submitted following a site inspection by City staff. The applicant stated that modifications were made due to material delays and rising costs. The approved aluminum patio structure was replaced with wood, and the originally approved glass vestibule was redesigned to include glass, stucco, and brick to better align with the existing building materials. Updated elevations were provided as requested by the Board.

City planners noted that while there are no reported changes to the roof, exterior façade, or aluminum canopy colors, the railing material, placement, and color have been altered and must blend with the building. The vestibule design has been updated, but the built pergola does not match the approved design and is not reflected in the new elevations. Located in the Corridor Protection – Commercial district, this project falls under Chapter 9 of the Design Review Guidelines.

Staff finds the revised design generally compatible with the Guidelines and recommends approval, contingent upon submission of a complete and updated application, including the pergola’s stain or paint color, as bare wood is not permitted. Signage and site furnishings must also be reviewed separately in a future application.

Conceptual Review: Eye Center Development at 1430 High Street (Building #3)

(Courtesy Eye Center of Virginia, Hopke Harrison Inc.)

The project, which received site plan approval in February 2025, is located in the Corridor Protection District and is subject to Chapter 9 of the City’s Design Review Guidelines.

Planning staff note that new construction in this district should enhance key entrance corridors and reflect Williamsburg’s architectural traditions without replicating historic buildings. The Board will evaluate factors such as scale, façade rhythm, roof form, streetscape continuity, and material compatibility.

The proposed design includes Arriscraft Avanti Brick for the foundation; masonry, cementitious siding, and wood for the exterior walls in Sea Shell, CW-5, CW-680, and clear cedar stain; a black Kalwall roof; black storefront doors and windows; and aluminum gutters in CW-680. Walkways would feature grey and red pavers, and an existing dumpster screen is noted. Staff confirm that the materials meet guideline requirements.