WPA Studios

It's hard to believe it has been 10 years since the construction of The Locks Gate 5. Located between the existing canal and floodwall, Gate 5 is a contemporary apartment building totaling 52 units, that made partial reuse of an existing distribution warehouse. Cheers to 10 years! #riverwalkrva

One step at a time ?

The next phase of the Parkline Townhomes is #OnTheBoards. These new townhomes will be located at the southern edge of the Fan District, combining modern amenities with unique design elements that pay homage to historic fan homes.

Manchester holds a rich history, and for over 30 years, WPA Studios has been honored to play a role in its revitalization. From giving new life to historic spaces to creating modern structures from the ground up, our work reflects the evolving story of this vibrant Richmond community. Here's a look back at some of the projects we've completed over the years. If you want to know more about any of these projects, leave us a comment!

It's all in the details ? ?? Trevor Davis

Last week, we attended the grand opening party for The Carousel, decked out in our Roaring 20s best! The Gatsby-inspired celebration perfectly complemented the building’s dazzling atmosphere. We’re proud to have played a role in revitalizing this one-of-a kind space.

Built in 1820, The Honey Shop is one of the few remaining Pre-Civil War residences on the 400 block of East Grace Street. After many years of vacancy and deterioration, this 2019 restoration brought it back to life by preserving its historic charm and introducing a modern living space. The project retains the building's original commercial storefront addition, a glassy pop-out framed by ornate woodwork from the 1940s. Once a shotgun floorplan with little natural light, the renovation added elements to fill the residence with light. Central to the design is a new floating staircase and light well that threads in a switchback pattern through four stories, the full height of the building. The main living area is fully open by way of a new, concealed steel beam structure, which maximizes sight lines through the length of the home. Added skylights filter brightness to where it was scarce before. The new fourth-floor penthouse level was carefully set back, ensuring privacy while preserving the historic streetscape. This restoration balances old and new, salvaging one of Richmond's oldest surviving structures to stand proudly once again.

Camille Rovani initially joined WPA Studios as an intern while attending grad school at VCU and has since joined the team full-time as an Interior Designer. Her background in Art History, Event Planning, and Marketing help to enrich her approach to design. She believes that design is present in all aspects of life, but she is especially drawn to interiors for their unique ability to enhance our well-being. What word(s) do you most overuse when talking about design? ?"Coordinates with" What is a Richmond building you admire? ?The ICA at VCU, designed by Steven Holl Architects What is your favorite type of project to work on? ?Apartment buildings with lots of unit types, love me some space planning! Favorite brunch spot? ?821 Cafe Favorite side of the river? ?North! Can you fold a fitted sheet? ?Can I? Yes. Do I? That's another story... Favorite hobbies? ?Baking, Cooking, Eating... Favorite artist? ?Wayne Thiebaud and Claude Monet Go-to karaoke song? ?Valerie by Amy Winehouse

Estimated to be built in 1871, the Booker T Washington School in Jackson Ward now serves as a modern, accessible space for senior living. A 1923 addition, designed by Charles M. Robinson, substantially increased the size of the school and is typical of schools built during this period. It added four classrooms on each of the two floors with an L-shaped corridor. The 2009 addition introduced a new lobby, a second-floor sunroom, and an elevator tower, providing handicap accessibility to all floors, all while maintaining the integrity of the original design. Careful attention was given to ensure the new elements like the flat roof with projecting cornice and brick exterior, harmonized with the existing structure. This project not only enhanced functionality, but also preserved key historic details, such as the pressed metal ceiling in the main corridor and the original terrazzo flooring throughout that makes this building so unique. Fifteen years later, the addition stands as a testament to the perfect balance of adaptive reuse, ensuring that this historic school continues to serve the community with pride and a new purpose.?

Every brick tells a story. The past is always a foundation for the future throughout all of our adaptive reuse projects.?