The Virginia University of Lynchburg received unanimous support from the city’s planning commission Wednesday in its quest to be designated as a local historic district.
VUL, a historically black school and the city’s oldest college, is seeking historic status for its three oldest buildings — structures that date from 1917, 1920 and 1946, respectively.
The petition has already been approved by city staff and members of the Historic Preservation Commission. It will now go to City Council for final approval.
VUL President Ralph Reavis says historic designation will lend added prestige to the campus and acknowledge its place in Lynchburg history.
VUL is currently working to renovate its facilities. It also hopes to receive national and state historic status, although those applications have not yet been filed.
The planning commission voted 6-0 with one absence to recommend approval of the local request. A public hearing held immediately before the vote drew zero speakers.
“This is a very wonderful thing,” said Andy Sale, who was elected to the commission’s vice chairmanship last month, replacing Rick Barnes, who will continue to serve as a regular commission member.
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