Albemarle Boutique Apartments
Norfolk, Virginia
About the Project
Type: Apartment Building
Time: 2021-2022
Architect: GARC Design
Tax Credit Consultant: Commonwealth Preservation Group
General Contractor: Ringenberg Construction
The Albemarle Building, built in 1905, originally operated as a hotel before being converted into a law office in the 1980s. I recently completed the transformation of the upper floors into boutique apartments, bringing elegant, contemporary living to the heart of historic Downtown Norfolk. Residents enjoy expansive views of Granby Street and the Battleship Wisconsin.
This redevelopment was completed as a historic tax credit project, which allowed us to offset approximately 45% of the construction costs. Navigating the requirements of the tax credit program came with challenges, but working closely with our design and construction teams, we were able to turn those constraints into design opportunities. Much of the historic interior layout had been removed during the 1980s conversion, but one key feature—the central historic corridor—remained intact. We preserved and highlighted this corridor in the new design, adding accent colors, linear cove lighting, and carefully detailed trim and flooring to celebrate the building’s history while delivering a modern residential experience.
Albemarle Building (built in 1905)
Designed by Ferguson & Calrow, the building’s central corridor circulation configuration was established as an apartment.
Major Renovation in 1981
During this renovation, while the majority of the historic layout was altered including a central stair, a portion of the central historic corridor was retained for an office layout.
2023 Renovation (Current)
The preserved section of the historic corridor was thoughtfully integrated into and celebrated within the new apartment layouts.
