Adaptive Reuse of Chamberlin Hotel Recognized by APVA Preservation Virginia

February 4, 2009 | Richmond, VA

Commonwealth Architects was recently honored with APVA Preservation Virginia's 2009 Award for Outstanding Commercial Project for its work on the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the former Chamberlin Hotel.

The review committee cited that they were "particularly impressed with both the beauty of the completed structure and the effort made to ensure the project qualified for both state and Federal rehabilitation tax credits. We also hope it helps set a standard for care and quality of future work at adjacent Fort Monroe."

Built in 1928 and located on Fort Monroe near Hampton, VA, the 212,000 square-foot structure underwent a $54 million transformation to an independent living facility. The 130-unit complex houses a barbershop and hair salon, a private dining room for residents and guests, a library and a business center. Utilizing both state and federal historic investment tax credits, many character-defining features of the building were restored including the grand lobby, indoor pool, and several of the original hotel doors.

The award was given out as part of the 2009 Historic Preservation Legislative Reception. It marks the second consecutive year Commonwealth Architects has received the honor. The adaptive reuse of the former Atlantic Motors Company at 1840 West Broad in Richmond garnered the award in 2008.

Commonwealth Architects is a full service Architecture, Historic Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Landscape Architecture, 3D Visualization, and Urban Design firm. Headquartered in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip, the firm was established in 1999. With a staff of 50 professionals, Commonwealth Architects serves clients on several on-going projects across the Mid-Atlantic Region.