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BROAD WAY PLACE APARTMENTS

Owner

Central Business District Apartments

Architect

Commonwealth Architects

Location

West Broad Street
Richmond, VA

Project Size

82,584 Square Feet
67 Units

Completion

January 2006

Schedule Duration

10 months

This adaptive reuse project located in the heart of Richmond's downtown district transforms four retail buildings into one complex with 67 loft-style units atop first-floor retail space.

The building was designed with studio apartments as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans. The lofts offer high ceilings, large windows, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and ceramic tile in the kitchens and bath. Standing up to four and a half stories tall, the buildings are constructed of brick, cast iron and ornamental wood representing the Italianate and Classical Revival styles of commercial architecture.

Like most adaptive reuse projects, this one involved certification of the historic value of the property, agreement and approval of the adaptation plans and final inspection of the finished product by the government to assure historical preservation. The project was designed to follow guidelines for federal and state tax credit eligibility.

The storefronts and cornices, exterior windows, rooftop skylights, interior plaster and wood floors were all refurbished. Much of the woodwork and pressed tin metal ceiling was removed, cleaned and individually replaced. Contractors were even able to restore a few of the interior staircases which are evidence of the durability of the original construction.

One of the most unique aspects was the large rooftop skylights which were restored. In one building, the large restored skylight supplies light to an interior light shaft which provides natural light to several interior apartments.

Another challenge with renovating the buildings from large commercial space to residential lofts involved bringing the buildings into compliance with current safety codes. Largely, this was accomplished through the installation of new elevators and protected stairways.