CPG conducted oral history interviews with firemen and other local residents as part of its research for the National Register Nomination and successfully completed a historic rehabilitation tax credit application to help bring the owner’s vision for Razzo to fruition.
Commonwealth
Fire Station No.12
Architectural Survey
Building Documentation & Scanning
Building Documentation and Scanning
Community Engagement
Historic Building Renovation
Historic Research
Historic Resource Documentation
Historic Tax Credit Consulting
Local Design Review Consulting
National Register Nominations
Oral Histories and Community History Days
Norfolk Fire Department Station No.12
Partners
Razzo Properties LLC
Tymoff & Moss Architects
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
National Park Service
Project Goals
CPG was hired to be part of the project team that would transform the former Norfolk Fire Department Station No. 12 into the current home of the beloved restaurant, Razzo.
Project Design
The historic fire station was successfully rehabilitated for commercial and residential use, with much of the original look returned.
The size of the garage doors were reduced to match the original size, and arches and keystones were reinstated. The center column between garage doors was enlarged to reflect its original design, and historic bifold doors were replicated and reinstalled.
Challenges and Accomplishments
To accomodate restaurant features that were not part of the original firehouse design, like the bar area, without compromising integrity, punched wall openings were inserted into the wall.
Important building specific historic features were retained, with practical use in mind, for the restaurant’s operation and the second floor apartments. Relics of the building’s original use including two fire poles and a fire hose drying ramp were also retained.