Visions for Vacancies: 718 Sophia Street

The 9,074-square-foot barn at 718 Sophia St. in downtown Fredericksburg was  the original location for the Courtyard Marriott, said property owner Tommy Mitchell. But the successful hotel's final destination became Caroline Street, leaving this .21-acre piece of property on Sophia Street open for redevelopment.

"I would like to do some really nice townhouses there on that piece when the market really gets rolling and it looks like its got some power," Mitchell said.

One challenge for the property is that it is in the floodplain. Zoning rules are more relaxed for commercial construction in a floodplain, and Mitchell said it is possible to do some retail on the first level and build residential above the commercial. The property can hold nine townhouses under current zoning with two parking spots per townhouse.

"With parking underneath the townhouses, I think that will be more conducive to that property," he said. "However, we want to keep an open mind."

What would your ideas be for this piece of property? Let us know in the comments.