112 W Main Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
(434) 295-3855
Website
Chuck Lewis was one of the most successful Black businessmen Charlottesville had ever known at the time. He was a self-made entrepreneur and property owner who believed in Downtown long before it became the destination it is today. His work and vision live on through York Place, a Black-owned development on the Downtown Mall that opened in 1995 and continues to operate under family ownership nearly 30 years later.
A Family Story Rooted in Partnership
Any honest telling of this story must include both Chuck Lewis and his wife, Kathy.
Together, they built businesses, raised a family, and invested in Charlottesville during a period when opportunity was not equally available. Their early success came through the produce business, where they operated Lewis Produce.
After Kathy passed away, Chuck later bought the business back and renamed it Kathy’s Produce in her honor.
That decision reflected the kind of partnership they shared. York Place would not exist without both of them.
Black Ownership Matters
It matters that a Black man built and owned property in the heart of Downtown Charlottesville.
At a time when Black ownership at that scale was rare, Chuck Lewis was not simply participating in redevelopment. He was shaping it. His early investment helped stabilize and strengthen the Downtown Mall during years when its future was still uncertain.
He was widely known for quiet generosity and for believing in people. Many who worked for him later went on to start their own businesses. That spirit of opportunity became part of the foundation of York Place.
Today, the building remains family owned and operated through York Property by his children, Charley and Leah Lewis. They continue this work with intention and care, choosing stewardship over spotlight and consistency over attention.
Why Was It Named York?
The name York Place was chosen deliberately.
York was an enslaved Black man owned by William Clark and forced to take part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He traveled thousands of miles, hunted, scouted, and helped the expedition survive. Despite his contributions, he was denied freedom, pay, and recognition afterward.
For generations, York’s name was left out of the story.
Naming York Place after him was an act of acknowledgment. It was a way to ensure his name existed in a visible, everyday place rather than being confined to footnotes.
Inside York Place, plaques and artwork reference the expedition and York’s role. Many people still walk through without knowing the history behind the name, but the intention has always been there.
The Flags Outside of York Place
Visitors may notice international flags displayed outside of York Place.
These flags represent the countries of origin of current and past business owners inside the building. Over the years, York Place has become home to many immigrant-owned and women-owned businesses, along with first-time entrepreneurs.
This was never a branding choice. It grew naturally from a willingness to give people a chance. The flags reflect the diversity of the businesses inside and the belief that opportunity should be accessible.
Visiting York Place
York Place is located at 112 West Main Street on the Downtown Mall, with entrances from both Main Street and Water Street.
The interior is designed as a walk-through arcade rather than a straight hallway. Natural light, storefront windows, and a winding layout encourage visitors to slow down and explore.
If you are visiting Charlottesville, York Place is an easy stop during a Downtown walk. Step inside, take a few minutes to look around, and support one of the businesses inside.
Businesses Inside Today
York Place continues to house a mix of locally owned businesses that contribute to the daily life of Downtown. Restaurants, dessert shops, and service-based businesses operate side by side within the arcade.
This space works best when people use it. Walk through. Grab a meal. Try something new. Support the entrepreneurs who keep it active.
A Legacy That Fits This Moment
As the Downtown Mall reflects on 50 years and the country approaches its 250th anniversary, York Place stands as a reminder that history is built through people and persistence.
Chuck Lewis believed in Downtown when belief required risk. He built something lasting and created opportunities where it did not always exist.
That legacy continues today, not through attention or ceremony, but through a space that remains open, active, and welcoming.
If you find yourself on the Downtown Mall, take the time to walk through York Place. You will be stepping into a story that continues to unfold.
Author
Scott Hamler
Discover Black Cville Steering Committee Chair