Jackson DRC reviews revised 32-unit Virginian Lodge Apartments plan

Jackson’s Design Review Committee is scheduled to take up a conceptual review Wednesday (March 11) for the “Virginian Lodge Apartments,” a 32-unit infill apartment proposal at 750 W. Broadway (case P25-252). The applicant is seeking feedback on a revised layout ahead of a planned April 8 final DRC review. See the meeting packet: Design Review Committee Meeting Agenda Packet.

The proposal described in the staff report is for four two-story buildings (eight units each) in the southeast corner of the 7.79-acre Virginian Lodge property, totaling about 15,000 square feet. Each building would include six small one-bedroom units (about 340 square feet each) on the ground floor and two two-bedroom units (about 850 square feet each) on the second floor; buildings are just under 22 feet tall and would be linked at the second level by non-enclosed stairs and a walkway. Vehicle access would come from one driveway on West Broadway plus four access points on Virginian Lane (including a shared access with the Virginian RV Park), according to the packet. Design Review Committee Meeting Agenda Packet.

The redesigned site plan is intended to respond to issues raised when DRC first reviewed the project Jan. 14 and continued the item. The applicant told staff the prior configuration felt too “motel” like (cars pulling directly to units) and lacked placemaking; in the revised proposal the two western buildings rotate 90 degrees and shift to create a U-shaped, west-facing courtyard between the western and eastern buildings. The applicant also revised exterior finishes to better relate to the existing development on site by adding board-and-batten wood siding in a color that matches other Virginian buildings, with entry accents in natural-stained horizontal wood siding. Design Review Committee Meeting Agenda Packet.

Staff’s preliminary review says the buildings and site generally comply with CR-3 zoning; separately, a required Development Plan application has been submitted and is under review. DRC’s conceptual comments will guide what the applicant brings back for final design review next month. Design Review Committee Meeting Agenda Packet.