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Major Redevelopment Project for Fort Magruder Hotel Approved

Conceptual visualization of the Fort Magruder redevelopment showcasing integrated apartment buildings and commercial areas.

News Summary

The James City County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a redevelopment plan transforming the Fort Magruder Hotel into a mixed-use community. The project will convert 303 hotel rooms into 126 apartments, with 40% designated as affordable housing. The former conference center will provide 32,000 square feet of commercial space. This initiative aims to enhance local housing options while preserving historical sites like Redoubt 3. The plan underscores community needs and a commitment to sustainability by repurposing an underutilized property.

Williamsburg, VA – The James City County Board of Supervisors has approved a significant redevelopment project for the Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center, transitioning the property into a mixed-use community. The board’s unanimous vote on Tuesday evening signals a commitment to revitalizing an aging facility and enhancing local housing options.

The redevelopment proposal, brought forth by New Jersey-based Conserve Holdings, will convert the hotel’s 303 guestrooms into 126 apartments, with approximately 40% of these designated as affordable housing. In addition, the hotel’s conference center will be transformed into 32,000 square feet of commercial space, diversifying the area’s offerings.

Conserve Holdings also owns the adjacent Grand Village at Williamsburg apartment community and is focused on utilizing existing structures to meet community needs. The board members expressed their support for the redevelopment, highlighting its potential to rehabilitate the Pocahontas Trail property effectively.

During discussions, Supervisor Barbara Noll emphasized the importance of repurposing existing buildings rather than demolishing them, underscoring the sustainability of utilizing the hotel infrastructure as a community asset. Supervisor John McGlennon referenced the urgent need for workforce housing in the area, framing the project as a prime opportunity to enhance residents’ housing options.

Amid the positive reception, concerns emerged regarding the preservation of Redoubt 3, a historically significant Civil War fort located within the hotel’s central courtyard. Redoubt 3 was important during the May 1862 Battle of Williamsburg and is distinct from Fort Magruder. In response, McGlennon suggested that the developer pursue a conservation easement for the site to ensure its protection. Conserve Holdings has indicated a willingness to explore these preservation measures moving forward.

The approved plan aligns with local efforts to address housing affordability challenges faced by many residents. The redevelopment promises to deliver affordable units constructed on a tiered income structure based on the area median income (AMI). In Hampton Roads, the AMI for a family of four is currently $106,500. Under the proposal, of the 52 affordable units, 21 will be allocated for renters earning 60% of AMI, 18 for those at 80% of AMI, and 13 for those at 120% of AMI. The remaining apartments will be offered at market rates.

While the approach aims to expand affordable housing availability, some community members voiced concerns regarding the higher income limits. This could restrict access to affordable housing for lower-income residents, particularly those employed in the service industry, thereby necessitating further examination of the project’s inclusiveness. The planning commission had recommended the approval of the rezoning before the supervisors’ vote, indicating a community-wide push for improved housing solutions.

The Fort Magruder redevelopment project symbolizes a progressive step towards addressing both housing needs and the preservation of local history. By converting an underutilized hotel into a vibrant mixed-use community, James City County aims to create new opportunities for its residents while honoring its historical landscape.