Staunton’s West End Revitalization
Utilizing StoryMaps to illustrate historic buildings and the characteristics of Staunton’s West End.
StoryMaps allow HSF to:
- Record the architectural characteristics of the West End
- Help residents and planners understand the historical development of the area
- Create web based, illustrated inventories for all to use.
HSF’s priority is to illuminate the potential for adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of existing buildings – a sustainable and proven revitalization strategy. To understand the architectural characteristics of neighborhoods, it is necessary to maintain an inventory of properties. This work allows comparison of the existing built environment with historic American architectural periods and stylistic movements. HSF’s first focused effort was to map and record architecture in the historic area known as Plunketsville. HSF interns continue to build additional StoryMaps based upon research, photography, and mapping. Utilizing historical advertisements and articles in newspapers, we discovered that most neighborhoods surrounding Gypsy Hill Park were created by developers seeking to capitalize on the expansion of Staunton’s streetcar lines.
Enjoy HSF’s newest StoryMap – Staunton’s West End Streetcar Subdivisions.
Click on the image above for an interactive exploration of Plunkettsville.
Click on the image above for an interactive exploration of Staunton’s Streetcar Subdivisions.
Mary Bishop Carter Internship projects
The Plunkettsville StoryMap: Students Grace Gordon (JMU), Ryan Kitts (JMU), and Gwendolyn A. Elverson (MBU) did an incredible job creating the Plunkettsville StoryMap. Staunton’s West End Streetcar Subdivisions was created by Aiden O’Brien (JMU) and Sean Mennard (JMU). We believe these digital maps serve as fun and engaging resources.
The Mary Bishop Carter Internship Program
Preserving Staunton’s Heritage: Based in HSF’s Preservation Workroom, student interns help further the community’s understanding of its rich architectural character. Developed for and presented on the HSF website, internship projects enhance access to important information facilitating preservation of architectural resources.
Funding the Program: Supported by a generous donation from Henley Carter, HSF established The Mary Bishop Carter Intern Fund in the spring of 2021. Additional support is provided through the Community Grants Program from the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge. Read more »
Revitalization Concepts to Consider
Our initial photo survey and review of historical maps indicates that Plunkettsville includes vernacular homes, pattern book and mail order homes, early auto gas stations, and historic commercial warehouses. The West Beverley streetscape suffers from inconsistent planning, over widening, and visual clutter. There is great potential for better integration with pedestrians and the neighborhood.
HSF Presentation to the West End Business Association – April 2023. This is a summary of the historical development of the West End plus ideas to consider for neighborhood improvements. Click on the picture to the left to open the Flickr Album. On the top menu you may choose the slide show icon or view individual slides.
Urban planning research indicates:
Adaptive reuse of existing buildings in Older Neighborhoods is critical.
- Mapping tools and spatial analysis should be used to develop and target incentive programs to have the most impact in neighborhoods with older resources.
Research by Place Economics indicates:
- Older and historic neighborhoods are the key to Smart Growth.
- Protecting older neighborhoods is an easy sustainable development strategy
- The use of pre-1960 housing stock must be a central component of an affordable housing strategy.
Research by StrongTowns.org indicates:
- Older established commercial areas create higher tax value per acre of land. Click to learn more.
- Walkability increases economic productivity and home values. Click to learn more.
For more on the value of historic preservation, visit Our Work.
