Leesburg Board of Architectural Review Work Session - March 2, 2026

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review (BAR) held a work session on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board addressed two deferred cases: rooftop mechanical equipment screening at 208 South King Street and the proposed Greenway Manor Theatre addition (Building C) at 1221 South King Street.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of the meeting agenda was approved by a vote of 6-0-1 (one absence, Tom O'Neill).
• BAR member Rick Brown recused himself from TLHPBR2025-0061 (208 South King Street) due to a prior conversation with the applicant.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Whiteman (resident of Greenway Farms, 312 Loftard Drive) expressed support for the design improvements but raised concerns about: (1) the lack of elevation views from the townhouse side, (2) potential noise issues from the theater affecting the established neighborhood (comparing to Wolf Trap), (3) whether the building includes appropriate sound abatement, and (4) the meaning of “appropriate” design changes and the scope creep (30%) from the original town council approval. He asked that the neighborhood be treated with the same consideration as the historic district. Staff noted that the square footage transfer from building D to building C was approved administratively by the Land Development Official; the appeal process would be researched.

Discussion Items

TLHPBR2025-0061 – 208 South King Street, Mechanical Equipment Screening

• Staff presented a proposal to screen rooftop mechanical equipment with black metal planter boxes matching existing ones on the hotel roof, each containing three arborvitae trees. The boxes would be located approximately two feet from the equipment.
• Staff found the solution acceptable per guidelines allowing plantings for screening. No public comment was offered.
• The board discussed and approved the plan, noting that the specific tree type need not be approved, only the concept.

TLHPBR2025-0081 – 1221 South King Street, Greenway Manor Theatre – Building C

• Staff and the applicant (Equip Studio architects Maddie Duncan and Tanner Sharp) presented revised designs for a 30,000-square-foot theater addition (up to 330 seats) to the historic bank barn.
• Key revisions from the January 21, 2026 submission included: reducing roof height from ~52 feet to ~49 feet; reducing square footage from ~28,700 to 28,200; simplifying roof sections from five to three; changing gable dormers to shed dormers; removing the wraparound porch and balcony; adding windows to break up mass; separating the addition from the existing barn’s southern wing; and screening mechanical equipment and loading dock on the west elevation.
• Staff analysis indicated that the revised design better meets historic district guidelines for massing, scale, and agrarian character. The east elevation was identified as the most sensitive, and the west elevation (facing the neighborhood) saw the most improvement.
• Board members commented elevation by elevation (east, north, south, west), generally praising the simplification and agrarian feel. Some minor concerns were raised: the chimney placement (Rick Brown suggested aligning it differently; Don Scheuerman noted functional flashing reasons), fenestration symmetry (Judd Futo noted a double-door/window mismatch on the north elevation), and the need for a cross-section to justify the roof height (requested by Julie Pastor and JP Andrew).
• The board reviewed applicable guidelines (deference, design, placement, orientation, size/subordination, fenestration, etc.) and reached consensus that massing and context are acceptable pending further detail.
• Outstanding items for the next submission include: window schedule and material cut sheets, a cross-section of the theater, fenestration symmetry study, information on the east wall restoration (structural study), and details on gutters, downspouts, and other cornice details.

Key Outcomes

• TLHPBR2025-0061 – Approved. Motion to approve the installation of planter boxes to screen rooftop mechanical equipment at 208 South King Street passed 5-0 (Rick Brown recused, Tom O'Neill absent).
• TLHPBR2025-0081 – Deferred to May 4, 2026 Work Session. The board voted 6-0 to defer the application and extend the critical action date to May 4, 2026. The applicant agreed to provide additional materials (window schedule, cross-section, material samples, east wall update) by the April 17, 2026 submission deadline.
• The public hearing for the theater case remains open until the next appearance.
• Staff announced upcoming events: Abingdon Preservation Day (save the date), Flower and Garden Show (April 18-19, booth pending approval), and the Boards and Commissions Networking Event (April 30 at Ida Lee).