The River Lofts at Tobacco Row, Phase III

This project consisted of the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the former American Tobacco Company headquarters and factory.

The Lucky Strike building includes two sections, one with four levels and another with six, including two underground levels for parking on the six-story side. Built in 1905, the brick and-concrete structure offers 275,000 square feet of floor space, enough for 131 luxury apartments and amenities.

The American Tobacco Company’s original marble lobby was restored. Wood-floored lofts feature granite and stainless steel kitchens. Community amenities include a lounge with piano and billiard table, 24-hour security and concierge services and a movie theatre.

Because of previous water damage, installing an entirely new structural flooring system over the concrete sub-floor of the original building provided challenges in the construction.

The rehabilitation is designed to complement Forest City’s nearby Tobacco Row developments — including River Lofts II, formerly the Carolina-Consolidated building, the Edgeworth Building and Cutters Ridge also constructed by KBS.

Client Testimonial

Greg Spivey, Forest City Washington

"Based on the strength of their performance on the Edgeworth project, we decided to work with KBS on Lucky Strike. KBS is very proactive about solving issues, and there are always issues on projects like these. They work very well with our architects."

Project Info

Owner: Forest City Enterprises
Architect: VLBJR Architects
Location: East Cary Street, Richmond, VA
Project Size: 275,000 SF, 131 Units
Completion: July 2008