More properties under development in River District

Two new projects were approved by the River District Design Commission recently, and while details have not been released, this adds two more properties to those under development in the district.

The 9,900-square-foot former warehouse at 534 Bridge St. has been approved for signage, but only for size and placement. The drawings submitted by Jeff Bond, of Solex Architecture, did not disclose the wording that will be used, including the name of the business.

Bond did not return calls asking for details on the project.

Corrie Teague Bobe, assistant director of Danville’s economic development department, said the commission also approved removal of some vinyl on the exterior of the building and replacing it with metal.

According to city records, the building is owned by Thomas and Margaret Hardy, of Danville.

Another building getting attention is at 301 Lynn St., which is being developed by Earthmark Development — the same group that renovated the Smiths Seed Building next door.

The building has been ordered to be demolished, but Stephen Staats, of Earthmark Development, was at the commission meeting to get permission to turn the property into a private parking lot for an upcoming project. A second building on the property — a former prizery — will not be demolished.

The brick and granite from the demolished building will be used to create walls for the parking lot, Renee Burton, senior planner for the community development department, said.

She also noted that Earthmark Development was applying for historic tax credits on the project, and the state Department of Historic Resources required the “footprint” of the building to be used for enclosing the lot, as well as the reuse of original materials.

Staats did not return a call from the Register & Bee for information about the project.

Denice Thibodeau reports for the Danville Register & Bee. Contact her at dthibodeau@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7985.

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