Type/ Apartment Building
Time/ 2021-2022
Client/Lightwell Development Group
Status/ Completed

Structure Design: McPherson Design
MEP Design: PermitZip
Historic Preservation Consultant: Commonwealth Preservation Group
General Contractor: Ringenberg Construction

The Albemarle Building, constructed in 1905, originally served as a hotel. In the 1980s, it was renovated into a law office. Today, the upper floors have been converted into boutique apartments, offering elegant contemporary living in the heart of historic Downtown Norfolk, with stunning views of Granby Street and the Big Wisky.

The renovation of the Albemarle Building was a historic tax credit project, which resulted in savings of about 45% of the construction cost for our client. Complying with the requirements for the tax credits was challenging, but with the help of our collaborators, we turned those constraints into design opportunities. During the 1980s renovation, the majority of the historic layout was altered, and interior walls were removed. One significant original feature that was retained is a historic corridor running through the center of the building. This feature was preserved in the new layout and was highlighted with accent colors on the walls and ceiling, as well as linear cove lights. The openings on the historic corridor walls were framed with black-painted wood trim and floor tiles.

Additional information can be found in our blog post Breathing New Life into Old Spaces: An Adaptive Reuse Case Study.

Section Study through Historical Corridor

Construction