Council approves conditional use permit for Shenandoah University performing arts center at 620 Millwood Ave
July 14, 2026 | Winchester City, Virginia
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Winchester City Council voted July 13 to approve a conditional use permit for a performing arts center proposed by Shenandoah University at 620 Millwood Avenue.
City planning staff told council the parcel because of a former alignment of Millwood Avenue has limited legal frontage, forcing the proposed theater to sit more than 50 feet from the public right-of-way and placing accessory mechanical equipment (chillers) in what zoning technically classifies as the front yard. City staff described two specific deviations requested under CUP-26-2 and said the applicant proposed to sink the chillers below grade and enclose them behind a screened retaining wall, which staff said would be roughly 8.8 feet tall above grade at most. Staff also noted renderings showing a landscaped plaza between the new theater and the adjacent Orestrom-Bryant theater to soften the streetscape and arrival experience.
"They're seeking a conditional use permit to allow for the structure to be built more than 50 feet away from the public right of way," city staff said during the presentation, and explained the mechanical equipment siting was a byproduct of the parcel not of design choice.
Councillors asked technical questions about circulation and access. Staff said the proposed rear entrance and handicapped parking would serve patrons and that the design ties into existing grading and a loading dock, reducing the visibility of the mechanical equipment. One councilor described the project as "more than just a beautiful building," saying it represented a cultural amenity that could benefit students and local businesses.
A council member made a motion to approve the CUP; the motion was seconded and the roll-call vote recorded approval. Planning staff noted the Planning Commission had previously reviewed and approved related site-plan elements.
The approval allows Shenandoah University to proceed with design and site-plan work under the conditions discussed; council indicated staff would continue to work with the applicant on final engineering and screening details.
The approval concludes the city's public hearing on CUP-26-2. The council moved on to other business after the vote.
City planning staff told council the parcel because of a former alignment of Millwood Avenue has limited legal frontage, forcing the proposed theater to sit more than 50 feet from the public right-of-way and placing accessory mechanical equipment (chillers) in what zoning technically classifies as the front yard. City staff described two specific deviations requested under CUP-26-2 and said the applicant proposed to sink the chillers below grade and enclose them behind a screened retaining wall, which staff said would be roughly 8.8 feet tall above grade at most. Staff also noted renderings showing a landscaped plaza between the new theater and the adjacent Orestrom-Bryant theater to soften the streetscape and arrival experience.
"They're seeking a conditional use permit to allow for the structure to be built more than 50 feet away from the public right of way," city staff said during the presentation, and explained the mechanical equipment siting was a byproduct of the parcel not of design choice.
Councillors asked technical questions about circulation and access. Staff said the proposed rear entrance and handicapped parking would serve patrons and that the design ties into existing grading and a loading dock, reducing the visibility of the mechanical equipment. One councilor described the project as "more than just a beautiful building," saying it represented a cultural amenity that could benefit students and local businesses.
A council member made a motion to approve the CUP; the motion was seconded and the roll-call vote recorded approval. Planning staff noted the Planning Commission had previously reviewed and approved related site-plan elements.
The approval allows Shenandoah University to proceed with design and site-plan work under the conditions discussed; council indicated staff would continue to work with the applicant on final engineering and screening details.
The approval concludes the city's public hearing on CUP-26-2. The council moved on to other business after the vote.
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