Not too long ago, West Main Street was the main street you drove to get from the University to Downtown Charlottesville. Now, it’s area – West Main. With new restaurants – Bella’s, One Meatball Place, Moto Pho Co – older restaurants – Maya, L’Etoile, Wild Wing Café … and lots of construction.

Charlottesville Tomorrow reports that West Main is about to see a major redevelopment. The developers have submitted a plans and will need a special use permit to build a ” 219-unit mixed-use housing complex that will be marketed to University of Virginia students.” Plus a 405 car parking garage. And an 8 story building.

As it stands right now, a Marriott is coming to the West Main/McIntire intersection, this new student apartment, called the Plaza, the under-construction Battle Building on West Main near JPA (with lots of hospital clinics and such) and the UVA building at the corner of West Main and JPA is soon to be torn down and replaced with green space …   West Main is about to see a real shift.

Cvillenews notes that “Board of Architectural Review will have to approve it, since it’s in a historic district. The next step is for the Planning Commission to review it, which they’re doing next week.” An historic student apartment building. Nifty.

Here’s hoping all of the students don’t bring cars to town … and the City builds better bike lanes.
If you haven’t been to Charlottesville recently, come soon … you’re not going to recognize West Main in three years.

Update 11 October 2012: Charlottesville Tomorrow has an update on this 595-bedroom complex.