Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – UPDATE: “Don’t worry… we’re not going anywhere”. So says a social media post from Violet Crown saying it is “clarifying misinformation” regarding its future. Violet Crown management says they’re “aware of a potential sale of the downtown property where the theater is, but that sale has not yet closed… and no decision is final”. They say as far as they’re concerned, “we have years left on our lease term and fully intend to operate through all of them and beyond, if at all possible”. Management says that’s evidenced through venue investments such as new seating and reopening of the restaurant and bar.
Click here to view the entire social media statement.

ORIGINAL:

The fate of the Violet Crown Theater on Charlottesville’s downtown mall is in flux following a report from The Daily Progress, indicating potential changes. Reynolds Hutchins, the paper’s editor, shared insights in a recent interview on Cville Right Now Live, noting, “The developer does not intend to renew or continue that lease if he does succeed in buying the property.” Currently operated by Elevate, the theater remains open, yet is running on a short-term lease with a new owner waiting in the wings. 

Beyond the theater, the development proposal points to broader issues in city planning, particularly the need for additional housing. Hutchins highlighted challenges developers face with Charlottesville’s recently refreshed zoning code, stating, “The height limit… doesn’t accommodate as many stories as he would like to build.” This building project—planned to include hundreds of apartments—could support city goals to alleviate the housing crisis, though negotiations with city officials may still be necessary. 

Listen here for more information: