Staff Recommendation Approval. Staff Planner Mark Reed. Location 1113 Atlantic Avenue GPIN District Size 15,651 square feet

Transcription

1 Applicant Public Hearing March 8, 2017 City Council Election District Beach Establishment of the dewitt Cottage Historic and Cultural District Agenda Item 11 Request An Ordinance to Establish a Historic and Cultural District in Accordance with Article 13 of the City Zoning Ordinance to Include the dewitt Cottage and to Amend the Official Zoning Map of the City of Virginia Beach Staff Recommendation Approval Staff Planner Mark Reed Location 1113 Atlantic Avenue GPIN District Size 15,651 square feet AICUZ db DNL Existing Land Use and Zoning District Museum / OR Oceanfront Resort Surrounding Land Uses and Zoning Districts North Connector Park Hotel / OR Oceanfront Resort South Hotel / OR Oceanfront Resort East Boardwalk, beach / OR Oceanfront Resort West Mixed Retail / OR Oceanfront Resort Page 1

2 Background and Summary of Proposal Article 13 of the Zoning Ordinance was established by City Council to protect the historic significance and integrity of the properties within Historic and Cultural Districts that are recognized for their association with historic events or historically significant persons; that possess distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; or have the potential to yield significant archaeological or historical information. The Historic and Cultural District is intended to assure that new structures, additions, landscaping and related elements will be in harmony with the historic setting and environs. To help accomplish this, the code requires the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness by the Historical Review Board for any building or structure, including signs, to be constructed, altered, repaired, relocated or demolished within a Historic and Cultural District. No building permit or other required permit authorizing such action will be issued unless a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued. There are 14 Historic and Cultural Districts throughout Virginia Beach. The district does not impact development opportunities that currently exist on adjacent parcels. The properties proposed with this Historic and Cultural District are owned by the. The proposed Historic and Cultural District will encompass two properties that were acquired by the City of Virginia Beach in The dewitt Cottage is listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. These designations are honorary and provide no protections to the historic property. Since the City has owned these properties the dewitt Cottage has been leased to the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild. The Guild operates the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum in the building. Such designation complies with the requirements of CZO Section 1301 (c) for the requirements to establish a Historic and Cultural District. Parcel A (8,326 square feet) contains the historic dewitt Cottage. It was constructed on this site in 1895 by B.P. Holland, the first mayor of Virginia Beach. The dewitt family acquired the property in 1909 and lived there until This parcel also contains Virginia Beach s first library building, which was moved to the site in It was constructed prior to The dewitt Cottage is the sole surviving example of the type of oceanfront dwelling constructed in Virginia Beach between the town s founding in 1883 and its incorporation in Parcel B (7,325 square feet) is undeveloped and is also leased to the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild. It is used to support the operations and activities of the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Although no historical structures are located on this parcel, it is a contiguous site that provides a significant route of tourist access to the designated historic landmark in accordance with CZO Section 1301 (d). The proposed District shall be regulated by the Oceanfront Resort District Form-Based Code and Section 1300 of the CZO, whichever is more stringent. The Historic Preservation Commission recommended these properties for inclusion in a Historic and Cultural District. Page 2

3 Evaluation and Recommendation The subject parcels represent an important part of the history of the, containing the sole surviving oceanfront residential dwelling from the late nineteenth century. The proposed Historic and Cultural District meets several of the criteria set forth in Section 1301 (c) of the Zoning Ordinance as the dewitt Cottage is listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places; is of significant historic, architectural and cultural interest; and has special public value because of notable features relating to the cultural heritage of the City that are sufficiently significant to warrant conservation and preservation. The adjacent parcel provides significant access to the historic structure and should be included in the District. Guiding Principles have been established in the Comprehensive Plan for properties in the Strategic Growth Areas. One of these principles is to Preserve Designated Historic Resources. The Plan states that it is the City s policy to use all available resources, including those provided by the Historical Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Princess Anne County/Virginia Beach Historical Society to preserve designated resources. (p. 1-11) The Historic Preservation Commission s recommendation for the establishment of a Historic and Cultural District is consistent with this principle. Establishment of this Historic and Cultural will address one of the required areas of improvement contained in the City s Certified Local Government Agreement with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission recommends that these two City-owned parcels that comprise the dewitt Cottage property be established as a Historic and Cultural District and be given all of the considerations and protections that this zoning District provides. Based on the considerations above, Staff recommends approval of the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment. Page 3

4 Proposed Ordinance Page 4

5 Proposed Ordinance Page 5

6 Site Photos Page 6

7 Site Photos Page 7