Charlottesville City Council on Oct. 6 authorized the city manager to enter a contract to buy 2000 Holiday Drive for $6.2 million to pursue a year‑round low‑barrier shelter and related services.

City Manager Sam Sanders said the purchase would give the city control of a 27,000‑square‑foot office building and an adjacent vacant parcel totaling about 3.8 acres, and allow the city to plan for a shelter and supportive services on site. The council voted 5‑0 to approve the purchase agreement and the $100,000 deposit to hold the property while the city completes due diligence.

The city placed a 30‑day study period in the purchase and sale agreement; staff said third‑party property‑condition inspections and life‑safety assessments are already under way and will inform renovation costs and timelines. Chris Engel, director of economic development, told council the building was constructed in 1964, was vacated about two years ago and appears to be in generally good condition but requires upgrades — including elevator work and code‑driven changes when converting from office to housing use.

Mayor Juan Diego Wade and council members framed the purchase as a first step in a larger homelessness strategy: a centrally managed shelter with space for on‑site services that could help people obtain identification, benefits and referrals to permanent housing. Several council members and staff emphasized the site is inside the city and close to transit and neighborhood services, while acknowledging the size of the local need means one facility will not solve homelessness by itself.

Sanders said the city is conducting outreach with nonprofit providers and the surrounding counties. He said a meeting with regional partners is scheduled for Nov. 7 and that nonprofit operators are already participating in a dedicated low‑barrier shelter work group.

Council directed staff to complete the inspections and return with detailed cost estimates, financing to cover renovation and operations, and a plan for an operator or operators. Final appropriation of contingency funds needed to close the purchase will be subject to a public hearing at the council’s next meeting, staff said.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution to adopt consent agenda (multiple grant appropriations and routine items): adopted, vote recorded 5‑0.
- Resolution approving lease agreement with Cultivate Charlottesville (210 Eighth St. NW): adopted, vote recorded 5‑0.
- Resolution amending lease with International Rescue Committee (410 Old Lynchburg Rd.): adopted, vote recorded 5‑0.
- Ordinance granting franchise to Cogent Fiber LLC (telecom franchise language, new enforcement penalties): adopted, vote recorded 5‑0.
- Ordinance authorizing temporary construction easement to Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority for Ragged Mountain pool‑raise work: adopted, vote recorded 5‑0.
- Resolution authorizing purchase of 2000 Holiday Drive and deposit toward sale: adopted, vote recorded 5‑0.

What happens next

City staff will finish the property‑condition assessment during the 30‑day study period and present renovation cost estimates, an operations plan and funding request to council. Staff identified Nov. 20 as the target closing date if the study period is resolved favorably; the contingency appropriation for the purchase will be taken up at a public hearing at the next council meeting, per staff.

Why it matters

Council and staff said a larger, year‑round low‑barrier shelter would provide a place for people to stay, allow coordinated on‑site services and reduce street camping and emergency calls. The purchase does not guarantee a final operator or completion schedule; those items require further assessments, interagency cooperation and funding decisions.