Julie Basic, chair of the Historic Resources Committee, told the council Sept. 2 that the committee is nearly at full membership and is coordinating marker projects, research and public programming tied to the city’s historic-preservation goals.
“We are a citizen-led group appointed by city council to share insight, input, and concerns regarding historic resources,” Basic said, describing the committee’s volunteer work with staff and partners.
Basic outlined recent work funded from the committee’s city allotment: research and markers for Court Square and the Carver Inn, Swan Tavern artifact analysis in collaboration with county archaeologists, a new marker for Johnson Elementary (Tall Oaks Elementary) and research into enslaved individuals at Penn Park. She described partnerships with the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, Ivy Creek Foundation and other local organizations and said the committee has supported school programs that use artifacts for classroom instruction.
The committee is planning a 50th-anniversary project for the Downtown Mall’s opening in July 1976. Basic said the subcommittee will collect memories and create an exhibition for the 2026 observance and is collaborating with Friends of the Downtown Mall and other groups. She asked for continued council and staff support, clear direction on requests and continued funding for preservation initiatives.
Council members thanked the committee for the walking-tour flyers, plaques and marker work and discussed how preservation can be balanced with equitable development and neighborhood needs. Staff said funding for HRC projects comes from a city allotment to the committee. No council action was taken at the presentation.