**Update** 401 North 27th Street – as of 9/29/10
Thanks, Eric for informing HRF of the brand new For Sale sign hanging in the window of this property. HRF staff has called Mr. Walter York, who owns the propertyl; he is selling it on his own. He is asking $500,000. Clearly he has no intention of stabilization or lead paint abatement. Our staff has been in touch with code enforcement and the city attorney’s office as well. As always, we will keep you updated on this situation.
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UTR Alert:
401 N 27th Street – Will’s Store c. 1815
Oldest commercial building in Richmond
The City of Richmond’s Spot Blight Abatement Plan was approved in July of 2008.
The owner and the city agreed upon a restoration plan, which was to be completed in June of 2009.
Work has stalled and permits are still open.
City inspectors gave the owner an ultimatum today under the approval of the Chief Building Commissioner to begin substantial work immediately or Code Enforcement would be approved to initiate legal proceedings against the owner for property maintenance code violations and take him to court. Meanwhile, on the other track, the Spot Blight case is still open and active. By next week code enforcement staff will know if the owner is moving towards rehab of the building or moving towards court. HRF will update this post as information becomes available.
*Update: As of August 2, 2010 the owner has not completed any substantial work on the property. A summons was issued against the owner for legal action.  The court date is September 16 in the South Side General District Court, 920 Hull Street at 1:30pm.
Tags: oldest commercial building in Richmond, Spot Blight, VA, Will's Store
This building, the oldest commercial structure standing in Richmond built 1815 by Capt. Charles Wills and historically linked to our house was also built and owned by Wills in 1812 (oldest house in Church Hill proper), so have a special interest.
I have been instrumental in saving this building from demolition and obscurity. Have fought with the city and owners to “do the right thing” in either selling or restoring properly. It was gutted in 2004 after being condemned then left open to the elements for years with one planning and code violation after another as well as juggling family ownership while playing games with the city to buy time. A C.A.R. hearing is slated for 4/26 and this building is first on the agenda. As of today (April 19, 2011) the status follows per the C.A.R.:
” The owner submitted information for consideration at the April meeting of the Commission of Architectural Review to address work that was done that did not conform to his earlier approved Certificate of Appropriateness. We made him aware that the property would continue to make its way through the Spot Blight process. We hope to receive the fair market value assessment in a week or two. Historic Richmond Foundation remains interested in acquiring the property. ”
Eric S. Huffstutler