To the Preservation League:
Much is to be done to preserve our local landmarks and our heritage. As many know, a majority of the citizens of this city have yet to understand the concept of historic preservation as a viable form of economic development. Most feel it is a “sport” relegated to the rich few as a past-time to flaunt around and fuss about when things go badly.
The job ahead of you is a long hard one, not for the faint of heart. Everyone has to be willing to put a part of themselves into it wholly. The only way to change the minds of the citizens of this city is to produce a visible and tangible product of historic preservation. While this does cost money, you must be willing to fight the good fight.
Your fight(s) and actions must be those that will prove a benefit to the historic districts for many a time. This project must be one of common sense as well as necessity. While money is an object it shouldn’t be the major factor in deciding a project to start with. What thing (s) does the historic district need to attract people?
One thing is a hotel. Danville, during seasons of the summer, and racing events, are booked ahead of time a year in advance. There is no reason that downtown should not have an operating hotel. This next suggestion might seem out of reach, but it has been done in other places and is feasible for Danville.
I suggest that the Preservation League work towards buying back the historic Hotel Danville. The Hotel Danville opened to wealthy clientele in 1927 and operated it’s own theatre; the Capitol until the mid-1970’s. The hotel finally closed in 1983 due to the lack of support for downtown businesses. The recent upswing in interest for downtown businesses and the redevelopment and popularity of local and regional points of interest have provided the new customer base to make such an adventure feasible once more.
Currently the hotel is used for elderly housing and operates at 98% occupancy. While the building is in good condition, and the owners do everything to keep it that way, there are issues with plaster falling and chipping away and cracks have started to appear. The owners have to operate within a budget and are not able to apply for all the grants available to the property since the property operates as a for-profit business and can only generate a limited amount of income based on the clientele.Such a venture would require the Preservation League to team up with a developer or investor to renovate an alternative location for the elderly in exchange for the former hotel property. Suggested locations would be on Bridge St. or Lynn St.. Also purchase and renovation of houses within a designated neighborhood might be an alternative as well.
Understand that the hotel property was altered severely in 1983, however, it does retain its most notable and important features. Some further renovations would be required as well as a few possible additions. The building currently meets all VA laws involving handicapped persons.
I would suggest that the Preservation League give some consideration to this proposal at its next meeting and implement a plan to work towards this goal. Downtown needs a hotel and this building remains the most feasible property for this use without sever alterations which could possibly damage the historical integrity of a building.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
