Board re-approves small addition for Beethoven's in King William; historic commission had earlier cleared design

The Board of Adjustment on Wednesday re-approved a previously authorized variance allowing a small commercial addition for Beethoven's in the King William historic district. The project had received an earlier approval from the board in January 2025 but was delayed; the applicant returned with unchanged plans and a fresh certificate of appropriateness from the Office of Historic Preservation.

Architect Jonathan Smith told commissioners the 313-square-foot addition is intended to match the existing roofline and remain in keeping with the district's historic fabric. "Utilizing existing conditions, the applicant seeks to improve this property by constructing a small addition to support the current use," Smith said. Staff and the neighborhood association supported the request; the board approved the variance unanimously 10-0.

Because the site sits within a historic overlay, the applicant will still require final permits and plan review and must comply with conditions in the HDRC approval before construction begins. The decision restores the applicant's previously authorized path to building the addition.