Two historical Chamberlayne homes may be demolished

Two homes on Chamberlayne avenue are scheduled for demolition as soon as the permits are approved. The two properties in question are 4200 and 4202 Chamberlanye Ave. The Ginter Park Residents Association is lobbying to save these historical properties: We’ve learned that the owner of the properties at 4200 and 4202 Chamberlayne Avenue (intersection of Bellevue) […]

February 20, 2010; 8:52 AM • by North Richmond News

We’ve learned that the owner of the properties at 4200 and 4202 Chamberlayne Avenue (intersection of Bellevue) has filed for a demolition permit that could be approved any day. The owner, Partnership for Families Northside, is a charitable organization focused on the coordination of services to the birth-to-pre- school age population; they are principally funded/led by the Robins Foundation.
There’s been an ongoing history with these properties (including the vacant lot at 4204) and their ownership since late 2005. The properties were originally purchased for about $440,000 with the intent of demolishing them and then constructing a family learning center. GPRA did not support the prospect of rezoning the property for this use, so the Partnership chose not to proceed. Subsequently, the Partnership purchased and is now constructing their facility further down Chamberlayne in the parking lot area of the old Community Pride just past Overbrook Road (technically on Graham Road).

Sometime in late 2008 or early 2009, the properties were put on the market, listed commercially at $900,000+. Not surprisingly, the properties have not sold. To save the cost of annual maintenance and insurance of the structures (about $7,000 annually), the Partnership has elected to demolish them . . . expecting to proceed as soon as the demolition permit is issued (any day).

Please help us stop this effort! Contact the Partnership (www.kidsreadytolea rn.org) at 353-4264 to voice your concern about the loss of these impressive structures, part of the recently approved expanded Ginter Park historic district. Or reach the Robins Foundation (www.robinsfdn. org) at 697-6917. Lastly, the Partnership is reportedly prepared to consider purchase offers of all three parcels (including the two structures) in the $400,000s range. If you know a developer or someone else for whom this might be of interest, please have them contact the listing agent, Lee Hilbert at Harrison and Bates at 788-1000, x259.

It’s important that we protect these structures; please help us do so.
Meg Lawrence, President
Ginter Park Residents Association

NBC12 is also running a story on this.