Award Winning adaptive re-use of a city block in downtown Lexington, Virginia…
Notes:
The award-winning rehabilitation of this block-long commercial building in the heart of Lexington’s historic district included street-front retail with three urban loft condominiums above. We provided pre-purchase structural evaluations, in-depth structural investigations, and extensive structural design and details. The completed project received the 2011 Better Models for Development Award from the Valley Conservation Council.
Front Elevation
Main street elevation
A portion of the street elevation
The sign dates the building to 1913, but the structure dates the building to much older – perhaps early 1800’s or late 1700’s.
This type of brick spandrel beam failure can often be attributed to a failed lintel above the lower window or door opening.
The foundations tell a story. The smooth foundation to the right was a repaired stone foundation.
The old stone foundations were visible, and in need of attention.
This older wood addition at the rear of the building was removed as part of the project, and provided needed parking spaces.
The wood addition at the rear of the building was slated for demolition.
This destitute alley is destined to become a sleek and modern entry lobby.
This two story addition was likely built during the 1940’s or 50’s. The brick building to the right is an adjoining property.
A view up the original alley at the rear of the building.
This timbered masonry wall was in very poor condition. We replaced it with a wood framed wall that would eventually separate the new stair/elevator tower from the living units.
A detail of the failing timbered masonry wall.
The end of this hybrid stone/brick foundation wall acted as a main support for the building – and was clearly in major distress!
The plaque on the street elevation dated the building to 1913. But portions of the building were much older. We estimated these log beams, joists, and split-log floor sheathing dated from the early 1800’s.
The original construction incorporated these interesting triangulated timber columns.
New Living Room
With the dilapidated wood addition removed, a suspended roof provides a covered parking area.
Updated rear elecation showing the stair/elevator lobby that infilled the previously rubble-filled alley.
A detail of the suspended carport roof and new entry at the rear of the building.
A new roof terrace was serves the new top floor unit.
Another view of the new roof terrace.
An view of the completed interior.
Another view of the completed interior.
This lovely sunporch is a far cry from the guano-filled cave we found during our initial investigations.
