CPG was engaged to assist with historic tax credit application as part of the developer’s vision to rehabilitate the building as a mixed-use commercial and residential property.
Commonwealth
545 High Street | The Professional Building
Building Documentation & Scanning
Historic Building Renovation
Historic Tax Credit Consulting
545 High Street | The Professional Building
Partners
Lightwell Development
GARC
Ringenberg Construction
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
National Park Service
Project Goals
545 High Street, or the The Professional Building, is a c1929 seven-story high rise Commercial style office building, which played a critical role in downtown Portsmouth’s expansion during the early 20th century.
Project Design
CPG provided building treatment recommendations to insert residential units on the upper floors.
Ultimately the building’s main entrance, retail spaces, and hallways were retained. System upgrades and finishes were selected carefully to highlight and retain the remaining historic materials.
Challenges and Accomplishments
Originally, the upper floors were programmed for build-to-suit offices which resulted in a loss of historic fabric on upper floors over time.
Priority was placed on retaining the limited remaining historic features and the contractor team successfully rehabilitated the main lobby entrance and preserved terrazzo flooring where remaining.
