Jackson DRC to weigh final design for 32-unit Virginian Lodge Apartments

Jackson’s Design Review Committee (DRC) is scheduled April 8 to conduct final design review for the Virginian Lodge Apartments, a 32-unit project proposed for the southeastern corner of the 7.79-acre Virginian Lodge property at 750 W. Broadway (case P25-232). The plan shows four two-story buildings (just under 22 feet tall) arranged in a west-facing U-shape around a courtyard, with second-level exterior stairs/walkways connecting buildings and unit mix described as six ~340-sf one-bedrooms and two ~850-sf two-bedrooms per building. See the staff report and application materials in the Design Review Committee Agenda Packet.

The DRC first reviewed the concept Jan. 14 and continued it, asking the applicant to improve public-realm connectivity and wayfinding, rethink second-level stair placement/visibility, strengthen entry and outdoor-space identity, improve landscaped buffers between parking and units, refine a central shared open space, and make the material palette feel more intentional, according to the April 8 staff report. The applicant returned March 11 with conceptual revisions, including rotating and repositioning the two western buildings to create a more clearly defined courtyard and reduce a “motel-like” parking-to-unit feel; the DRC responded positively and asked for further landscape refinement and clearer tenant connections to Virginian Lane (potentially via a future south pathway).

Staff’s memo says the project generally appears to comply with CR-3 zoning standards, while noting the required Development Plan is still under review. On April 8, the committee is expected to decide whether the revised courtyard-oriented layout, landscaping and pedestrian connections, and architectural/material choices meet town design guidelines well enough for final approval as part of the Development Plan process.