Rialto Beach: Meeting more families in the “Missing Middle”

As Charlottesville continues to navigate the changes brought by its recently updated zoning ordinances, one of the most debated topics has been housing density.

While some residents worry that increased density will harm neighborhood character, the Rialto Beach project, designed and built years before these new ordinances, shows that thoughtful, well-executed design can make higher density both livable and desirable.

Meeting the Needs of the “Missing Middle”

Rialto Beach was conceived as an urban infill project that would bring more affordable housing options into the city. Inspired by the design of Design Develop’s principal architect Bob Pineo’s own home, the development reimagined what a street of single-family homes could look like when space is used more creatively.

On just 1.25 acres, the design accommodated 19 single-family homes, with today’s average cost hovering around $550,000 - well below many of the newer housing options in Charlottesville. These homes speak directly to the “Missing Middle”: families and individuals who work, study or socialize in the city, but simply can’t afford to live within its limits or can’t find the type of housing that makes sense for their family. When people in this category move out into the suburbs and rural areas of the county, the city loses out on potential income but also on the positive impact those individuals can have on the quality and vibrancy of the community they want to be a part of. 

Design That Puts Quality of Life First

The compact layout never sacrificed livability. Each home was oriented east-west with forward- and rear-facing windows to maximize natural light. Even on smaller parcels, every homeowner has access to private outdoor space, creating a sense of ownership and retreat.

At the structural level, innovative concrete wall construction allowed for lower-level garages that doubled as both foundation and storage. This efficient use of space gave residents more functionality without expanding the footprint of the homes. It also created better views of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley from the main living areas of the homes. 

A Precedent for Charlottesville’s Future

At the time Rialto Beach was developed, this type of density was only possible under a Planned Urban Development (PUD), a process that required significant review and approvals. Today, thanks to Charlottesville’s updated zoning ordinances, this level of density is not only possible, it’s allowable by right.

The Rialto Beach project demonstrates that higher density doesn’t have to mean large apartment complexes or rows of townhouses with soulless, characterless design. With creativity and careful planning, single-family homes can still flourish in denser environments, providing a sense of community, walkability, and affordability while reducing urban sprawl.

Why Density Matters

Density, when designed well, is not about “squeezing in” as many houses as possible. It’s about:

• Reducing urban sprawl, so more of Charlottesville’s natural landscapes and agricultural land can be preserved.

• Creating vibrant, walkable communities where neighbors interact and local businesses thrive.

• Expanding affordable options for families who want to live within city limits but would otherwise be pushed out.

Thoughtful design is the key. When density is handled with care, it becomes an asset to a city, not a threat.

A Call to Landowners

The Rialto Beach project set an early example of how Charlottesville can embrace the future of housing. With new zoning laws now in place, there’s even more opportunity for creative projects that meet community needs while respecting the character of the city.

If you’re a landowner who is ready to make the most of your property, Design Develop can help you turn your vision into a vibrant, affordable, and sustainable community.