Sunday night, plans are in the works to turn a grassy field in downtown Crozet into retail and office space. It is the first major new development in downtown Crozet since Albemarle County approved a master plan for the town five years ago, and the community hopes it sparks a recovery from the recession.
That rezoning happened at a time when the economy went south, so it sat vacant. Now, the hope is this development will help continue what some see as a resurgence of old downtown Crozet.
When Laura DeVault and her sister Anne told their friends they wanted to open a bookstore during a recession, they were a bit skeptical.
"Most people have said you're brave, which I think is another way if saying that's really stupid," said Laura.
Now, Over the Moon is celebrating nearly a year in business in Crozet and there's more good economic news just a block away on the newly constructed library avenue. Developers have announced plans to build Claudius Place, a two story, 7,000 square foot commercial building with offices, retail, and maybe even a restaurant.
"Its a perfect example of what the downtown zoning overlay can bring about," said Albemarle County Supervisor Ann Mallek.
Mallek says the space has been sitting empty for too long. Supervisors approved the Crozet master plan in 2006 and then created the downtown zoning overlay in 2009 to maintain the town's urban look and feel.
"The old zoning was based upon sprawl with large lots and acres and acres of parking. The downtown zoning is based on buildings close to each other, right up to the street with sidewalks," explained Mallek.
Unfortunately, that's also when the economy took a tumble. Moving forward, Mallek wants Claudius Place to create more in-town employment for people living in Crozet, and DeVault hopes it leads to more foot traffic downtown.
Construction on Claudius Place should take about six months. The building is scheduled to open around the spring of next year.
That rezoning happened at a time when the economy went south, so the space sat vacant.
