Thank you so much for the great comment! Your response is one of the reasons I started the Neighborhoods series.

Again, thank you.

–Jim

Many thanks for giving the Woolen Mills a shout-out on your excellent blog!

One of the coolest things about the WM is that it might easily be one of the most well-loved neighborhoods in C’ville by its residents, both present and past. The Woolies are a loyal, helpful, welcoming, and yes, feisty, bunch! That tradition goes back well over 150 years and even newcomers seem to take on those characteristics as well. Must be something in the air.

We greatly value our green spaces (Riverview and Meade Parks, and the pretty Rivanna Trail), our close proximity to the river, and the wildlife. The lots are generally quite spacious and we do a lot of vegetable and flower gardening. Folks that come here frequently comment that the neighborhood has a real country feel to it, despite its close proximity to downtown. We conider that a real blessing and guard that aspect most zealously!

We’re going to be getting a state and national historic district here very soon. The WM is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Charlottesville and we’re happy to honor our older homes and chapel.

On the negative side, we’ve had some growing pains due to zoning issues. A small portion of our neighborhood was zoned industrial back in the late 50s and so manufacturing directly abuts some of the oldest homes without any buffers or setbacks. Because of this small portion, some mistakenly think of the entire neighborhood as industrial, which has caused problems. We’re solidly residential, though, and are working hard to stay that way.

There are some neat houses for sale in the neighborhood right now. Hope this helps!

Victoria Dunham
Co-President, Woolen Mills Neighborhood Association (er, Organization)