Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Colonial Williamsburg Announces Lafayette Arrival Area Redevelopment

An artistic representation of the future Lafayette Arrival Area at Colonial Williamsburg.

News Summary

Colonial Williamsburg has unveiled plans to redevelop eight acres adjacent to the Historic Area into the Lafayette Arrival Area, set to open by 2026. The project aims to enhance visitor access to historic sites, increase parking capacity, and alleviate congestion in downtown Williamsburg. The redevelopment will feature a welcome facility, 442 parking spaces, and educational signage highlighting the area’s historical significance as a former Black neighborhood. A significant portion of funding has been secured, and planning is underway to ensure integration with existing community structures.

Williamsburg – Colonial Williamsburg officials have announced plans to redevelop approximately eight acres adjacent to the Historic Area into a new Lafayette Arrival Area, set to open by the summer of 2026. This redevelopment aims to enhance visitor access to historic sites and alleviate parking congestion in downtown Williamsburg, particularly around Merchants Square.

The Lafayette Arrival Area will feature a 4,300-square-foot welcome facility that includes essential amenities such as restrooms and a ticketing desk. Notably, the development will also provide 442 parking spaces, significantly enhancing the current parking capacity available for visitors.

The project is structured to unfold in three phases, with the first phase aligning with the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026. This timing suggests a strategic move by Colonial Williamsburg to cater to increased tourism during the milestone anniversary celebrations. The current site, located at the intersection of Franklin and Botetourt streets, is predominantly occupied by vacant structures that were previously used for behind-the-scenes operations, including administrative functions like human resources and security.

Recently, the city’s Architectural Review Board approved the demolition of seven mid-20th century structures within the redevelopment area. This demolition will begin shortly as part of the initial steps for site preparation.

In designing the new arrival area, emphasis will be placed on accommodating modern visitors who often have limited time to explore the area. The layout will incorporate a loop for tour buses, pedestrian pathways, and greenspaces, fostering a park-like atmosphere that encourages leisurely exploration. Additionally, the design will pay homage to the site’s historical significance, which was once a Black neighborhood known as White City. Educational signage will be installed throughout the area to inform visitors about the rich history of White City.

Significantly, Mount Ararat Baptist Church, a historical landmark on the site, will remain intact, and dedicated parking will be available for church congregants on Sundays. Colonial Williamsburg is currently working with church leadership to ensure a smooth integration of redevelopment plans with the ongoing functions of the church.

Funding for the first phase of this ambitious project has been secured through a grant amounting to $4.25 million from the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund, showing robust support for efforts to enhance historical preservation and tourism in the region.

Looking toward the future, there are long-term plans for a similar arrival area to be constructed near Nassau Street, situated south of Duke of Gloucester Street. This subsequent development will follow the completion of the Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center, which is slated to open in 2024.

Despite these substantial changes, the existing Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center will continue to operate as usual, ensuring that visitors have access to information and resources during the redevelopment process.

Overall, the initiation of the Lafayette Arrival Area aims not only to improve the visitor experience but also to contribute to reducing traffic and parking pressure in downtown Williamsburg. The redevelopment represents a critical step towards enhancing access to the Historic Area while respecting the community’s historical context and needs.