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Expansion in Staunton
by Heather Hayes
For Virginia Business
August 2005
An abandoned mental hospital and
prison doesn’t usually generate much excitement
in a community. In Staunton, however,
everyone seems to be buzzing about the proposed redevelopment
of the campus of the former Western State Hospital and
Staunton Correctional Center.
Sitting on nearly 80 acres and adorned
with 19th century neoclassical buildings, the complex
stands on the edge of the city’s growing business
district near attractions such as Blackfriar’s
Playhouse and the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Museum.
“We have a rare opportunity to, in effect, expand
our downtown,” says Bill Hamilton, Staunton’s
director of economic development.
City officials sought a developer
for the property and have thrown their support behind
a mixed-use redevelopment plan for the site, which would
include single-family homes, condominiums, office space,
recreation facilities and restaurants. Miller &
Associates, a Richmond-based firm,
is the developer. Local architecture firm Frazier &
Associates will lead the project and provide the design
work.
The development team recently submitted
a master plan to City Council and officials from the
Staunton Planning Commission and Industrial Development
Authority. Hamilton says public hearings will occur
this summer. If the plan is approved, construction will
begin this fall.
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