BAR to demolisher: "Put back what you took out..."
Downtown Mall property owner Joe Gieck, who demolished the historic store front of the former Victory Shoe Store at 219 West Main Street without a permit or BAR review, appeared
The store front at 219 West Main shortly after it was demolished.
FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MCNAIR
before BAR members tonight to propose a new design for the storefront. But BAR member Syd Knight called it a "fishing expedition rather than a serious design." BAR member Brian Hogg said the easier answer was "to put back what you took out or come back with a design that better captures the original." And BAR Chair Fred Wolf called the curved glass panels of the old store front "extremely unique, and a special part of the Mall." BAR members declined to vote on Gieck's proposed design, and offered him the opportunity to defer the proposal. The BAR also suggested that they try to locate the glass that was removed. If that wasn't possible, they said, there are companies that still make such curved glass.
“It should be replaced as it was, or if that’s not what the applicant wants, then they need to do more research on the 1921 appearance,” said City preservation planner Mary Joy Scala. “The BAR will expect to see an accurate, carefully dimensioned proposal.”
Meanwhile, according to Scala, the City Attorney's office has been directed to seek an appropriate fine for Gieck (a legendary UVA athletic trainer who once tried to trip a Virginia Tech football player from the sidelines), a fine that can be up to half the value of the property under city zoning code. Until the BAR approves a new design plan, said Scala, no other exterior work will be allowed.
Updated 12/16/2009 4:23pm
17 comments
Now this fine has teeth, unlike the pilloring, for getting caught smoking.
I'm curious which BAR member gave the quote used as the headline. If it was so memorable, you should have told us who made the statement. Additionally, the headline is misleading. The BAR didn't vote on the proposed storefront and hasn't made the owner restore the earlier storefront.
I'd say the arrogant party appears to be the BAR. Have they taken a walk down the DTM lately? The most prominent structure is a hulking shell of concrete with the lame-o Joe Boxer facade.
Because Jefferson used red brick, we have a truly ugly DTM and architectural innovation has bypassed our town. The BAR is apparently the protectors of this pathetic status quo.
Allow him to put in something new and fresh. The curved glass is dying for a reason; it is ugly and anachronistic.
Yes he should have sought the BAR's permission and they should have granted it. He should be fined, but to make him put back the ugly facade that was there would be the height of arrogance and petulance.
Show some maturity and humility, BAR. Fine him and approve a truly innovative storefront. Forget about the ugliness that was there. It is gone forever.
make an example out of Gieck, His arrogance will never change unless you hit his wallet. I still remember the time he tried to trip the opposing teams player as he was running in for a score and he only got a slap on his hand for that violation.
This guy has a problem with his ability to clearly understand the rules- Punish his ass! deny the permit and make him pay and send a message and Joe stop cheating on you know who.......
make an example out of Gieck, His arrogance will never change unless you hit his wallet. I still remember the time he tried to trip the opposing teams player as he was running in for a score and he only got a slap on his hand for that violation.
This guy has a problem with his ability to clearly understand the rules- Punish his ass! deny the permit and make him pay and send a message
Why on earth is the City still considering whether or not to fine him? There should be a substantial fine in addition to any remediation ordered by the BAR.
It's not as though this is a case of ignorance combined with financial necessity-- which, albeit a sad loss, would be a different matter entirely.
He should put the glass back the way it was... and then open up an adult book store or strip club.
Pet peeve: "extremely unique" or "very unique" or any kind of intensification with "unique." There are no degrees of uniqueness. Either something's unique or it's not.
FIne, pillory, and replacement.
i agree with Kramer! it wouldnt be any worse for the malls image than the giant posters and schlock they're peddling in the old Order from Horder space.
Yawn. Wake me when there's an interesting debate going on about this.
Actually scratch that. I do have one question. Why turn it into a gigantic pissing contest? The last thing that should happen is a massive fine which will slow down the opening of a business. In case everyone hasn't noticed, people aren't clamoring to open stores on the mall, and we shouldn't be chasing away someone who is.
good point jim. Are there any other "kinda unique" storefronts that need to be protected? I mean, is the fine supposed to be punitive or preventative?
I'm partial to all the boarded up buildings myself. Also, the ugly plate glass storefronts that are for empty shells where businesses used to be. Those need to be preserved for future generations.
We need to be sure that anyone thinking about moving their business onto the mall realizes that they will be dealing with a group of self-important Luddites who are more concerned with preserving the "character" of the mall as it is, or used to be, or as it could be imagined to have been at any one time rather than concerned with maintaining a sustainable business environment.
Now where can I go buy all those old bricks?
This post was updated with new information on 12/16/09. Thanks for reading and commenting.
yours,
Dave McNair
I can't believe they let urban outfitters in and this storefront thing is way out of line huh? We need a McDonalds on the mall.
"Until the BAR approves a new design plan, said Scala, no other exterior work will be allowed."
Does that mean no business permit too? I'd be tempted to leave it as is and open shop.
A CONCERNED CITZEN
Would like to see the store front "Put back what you took out......."