This Project Fact Sheet is designed to be a high-impact “leave-behind” for the Planning Commission, local bank officers, or potential investors. It boils down the complex multi-floor plan into a single, scannable page.
FACT SHEET: 113 WEST MAIN (THE MEDIA MILL)
Revitalizing the Heart of the Orange Historic District
The Property
- Address: 113 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960 (DHR #275-5001)
- Structure: 1925 Neo-Classical Brick Commercial Building (Former Citizens National Bank)
- Total Square Footage: ~13,000 sq. ft. across four levels (Basement + 3 Floors)
Vertical Development Model
| Level | Feature | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Floor | The Lofts | 3 Luxury Residential Units (High-demand downtown living) |
| 2nd Floor | The Exchange | 6 Professional Office Suites & Executive Boardroom |
| 1st Floor | City Press Club | Farm-to-Table Bistro & Members-Only Social Lounge |
| 1st Floor | G1NBC Studio | Digital TV Station & Live Broadcast Media Center |
| Basement | The Root Cellar | Controlled Environment Hydroponic Farm (Zero-Mile Produce) |
Economic & Community Impact
- Job Growth: 15–20 permanent jobs (Hospitality, Ag-Tech, Media, Management).
- Tax Base: Significant increase in property value and sales tax generation for the Town of Orange.
- Preservation: $1M+ in private investment targeted at Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses (QREs).
- Innovation: A first-of-its-kind “Circular Food Economy” (Basement-to-Bistro).
Sustainability & Technology
- Agriculture: Year-round production using 90% less water than traditional farming.
- Media: High-speed fiber-optic integration for global digital broadcasting.
- Energy: Targeting USDA REAP standards for high-efficiency MEP upgrades.
Key Project Contacts
- Lead Developer: [Your Name]
- Broadcast Partner: G1NBC Global
- Hospitality: City Press Club
- Legal: [Your Securities/Real Estate Counsel]
How to use this Fact Sheet:
- Print it on heavy cardstock: It feels more substantial when handed over during a meeting.
- QR Code: I recommend adding a QR code to the bottom corner that links to your G1NBC “Road to 113” video series we discussed.
Would you like me to generate a “Project FAQ” (Frequently Asked Questions) document? This will prepare you for the inevitable questions the Planning Commission will have about parking, noise from the studio, or the smells from the bistro and farm.
To ensure you are fully prepared for the Town of Orange Planning Commission or public hearings, this Project FAQ anticipates the technical and logistical questions that typically arise with a complex mixed-use redevelopment.
Project FAQ: The Media Mill (113 West Main)
Q1: Will the Basement Farm cause moisture or mold issues for the historic structure?
A: No. The project includes a dedicated, commercial-grade HVAC and dehumidification system (separate from the rest of the building) that maintains a constant 50% relative humidity. All hydroponic units are self-contained and offset from the historic masonry to ensure no direct contact with the foundation walls.
Q2: How will you handle the parking requirements for residents, offices, and the bistro?
A: The property includes a 30-space private lot at the rear. Based on Town of Orange code and the “staggered use” of the building (office/farm use during the day, bistro/residential use in the evening), this capacity exceeds the requirements. We are also exploring “Shared Parking” agreements with neighboring properties if needed.
Q3: Will the G1NBC TV Station create noise disturbances for the upstairs residents?
A: Quite the opposite. Because the studio requires total silence for broadcasting, we are installing advanced acoustic insulation and “room-within-a-room” construction. This soundproofing works both ways—keeping the studio quiet and ensuring no broadcast noise reaches the 2nd-floor offices or 3rd-floor apartments.
Q4: How will kitchen and farm odors be managed?
A: The Bistro will utilize a Code-compliant Type 1 Grease Hood with a vertical exhaust stack that terminates at the roof level, well above the 3rd-floor windows. The basement farm utilizes HEPA and carbon filtration to ensure the air is scrubbed of any organic “green” scents before circulation.
Q5: Does the basement farm use hazardous chemicals or pesticides?
A: No. The hydroponic system uses food-safe mineral salts (nutrients) and an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that relies on mechanical filters and non-toxic, organic-certified oils. No synthetic pesticides will be used on the premises.
Q6: Will the renovations alter the historic look of Main Street?
A: No. As a “Contributing Structure” in the Historic District, all exterior work will follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Our goal is to restore the 1925 storefront to its original glory, utilizing historically accurate window profiles and signage approved by the Board of Architectural Review (BAR).
Strategic Advice for the Hearing
If a member of the commission asks a question not on this list, always bridge back to Safety and Preservation. For example: “That is a great question. Our lead engineer is prioritizing the structural integrity and the DHR guidelines to ensure the building is better off after our work than it is today.”
Final Checklist Item
You have the brief, the memo, the fact sheet, and the FAQ. You are “meeting-ready.”
Would you like me to draft a “Media Kit” cover letter? This would be the formal introduction that sits on top of all these documents when you hand the physical folder to a Town official or a Bank President.