I’m a fan of downtown Staunton, particularly its signature clock tower — it gives their downtown a certain iconic flair that downtown Charlottesville lacks. In this week’s Hook, Dave McNair has a nice piece describing the history of the Clock Tower Building on Beverley Street, built in 1890. The clock itself still operates with most of its original parts from when it was built over 120 years ago, and requires just a cleaning and a greasing once a year.
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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Ah, a fellow downtown Staunton fan…nice to know ya!
It really is nice. On at least a couple of occasions my wife and I have driven there just to visit. There a great brunch spot (“The River Mill” or something like that), that silver diner just outside of town is tasty, and there all kinds of great new attractions in town, the theater just one example.
I regard Waynesboro as Shelbyville. Staunton, though, has no Simpson’s analogue—it’s just a cool town that’s a little bit farther away.
I’ve done several columns on Staunton, but here’s my love letter:
http://www.readthehook.com/Stories/2006/01/05/onArchitectureEyeCandyStau.html
I lived in Staunton for about ten years (and grew up in Waynesboro), back in the 80’s. And used to have a studio right across the street from the clock tower. It’s a sweet and beautiful little town, and has lots of charm. But it’s also… umm… little. I mean, I’m a small town kind of guy, but it’s not an easy place to live, unless you’re willing to accept a pretty stangnant way of life.
But yeah, it’s a great place to visit though.