Richmond, VA – Plans to convert an office building at 32 Richmond Road back into a residential home have been withdrawn by the applicants, Michael Jones Architects. The proposed changes included minor remodelling of the existing structure, alongside refurbishment and restoration work aimed at returning the property to its original residential use.
In a statement, the architects emphasized that the building had undergone various internal and external alterations since its original construction, with much of the original detail lost over time. This, they argued, justified the proposed changes to reintroduce the property as a home.
The application also referenced a 1991 article by the chairman of the Richmond Society, which had welcomed the possibility of properties at numbers 31 and 32 Richmond Road reverting to residential use. The architects claimed this historical context supported their argument for the change of use.
However, despite these justifications, the application was withdrawn, and the future of the building remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the office space will remain in use or if new plans will be submitted in the future.
The decision marks another chapter in the ongoing debate about the preservation and development of Richmond’s properties, many of which have undergone significant changes over the years. The area continues to be a focal point for planning discussions, as the balance between maintaining historical character and adapting buildings for modern use remains a challenge for local authorities.
