Unsolicited ideas to develop Colonial Williamsburg properties (OPINION)
Introducing "Newer Town", "The Downtown Block" and "Greensmill @ Quarterpath"
This post is opinion and commentary. Don’t agree with it? Or have something else you want to share? Email us confidentially at contact@williamsburgindepedent.com.
The new Chief Executive Officer of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Carly Fiorina recently sat down for an interview with Digby Solomon of Williamsburg Watch. Take a moment an give it a read.
What caught my attention was Ms. Fiorina’s affirmation that the foundation seeks to be more “engaged” with the local community while pursuing potential development of hundreds of acres. It’s a topic I happened to write about that around the time she took the reins. This revelation is good to hear because the scope of development that the foundation could unleash would likely transform Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg's new leadership must involve residents in future development plans (OPINION)
The discussion is particularly timely as the city begins working on a new comprehensive plan, which will help guide development for years. That planning process will most certainly be dominated by large institutions like Colonial Williamsburg, the College of William & Mary and representatives of local lobbies like the Hotel and Motel Association (all of which had a say in choosing the consultants hired to conduct the plan.)
Alas, the city didn’t ask the Williamsburg Independent to participate. No problem, because we’re always happy to weigh in anyway. So completely unsolicited, here’s what the foundation could do with some of their “underutilized” properties.
“Newer Town”
The foundation and city have previously pushed to rezone more than 150 acres near the Visitor Center and now the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center (which is opening in a few days). This is also the site regional leadership has been pushing or a new live music venue (for many many years and we’re still waiting on a conceptual drawing for that). Community pushback led the foundation to withdraw the request for rezoning at the time. That won’t happen again. All they need is the right branding.
“The Downtown Block”
Everyone knows that Williamsburg is all about innovating a modern city and courageously leading. Plus preserving some history too. I don’t know what was once on the 4 acre block near Merchant Square, but it came down a long time ago. Now it’s just Parking Lot 6. The Downtown Block is the perfect fit to fill the void. Featuring a courageously modern use of Harwood Putty (CW-5) and Mopboard Black (CW-680). Plus, a few columns thrown in because why not?
“Greensmill at Quarterpath”
The foundation’s Green Course is almost 300 acres. I’m not sure how many houses can be squeezed onto almost 300 acres, but it’s a lot. Who plays golf anymore, right? Anyway, there’s more pressing needs now and Greensmill at Quarterpath is the perfect solution for both active adults and growing families.
