The developer hired CPG to assist with the state tax credit application to rehabilitate the space in a manner that emphasized remaining historic materials.
Commonwealth
225 Mason Avenue
Building Documentation & Scanning
Historic Building Renovation
Historic Research
Historic Tax Credit Consulting
225 Mason Avenue
Partners
Dallan Construction
510 Architects
Blue Nest Structural
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Project Goals
Dallan Construction purchased 225 Mason Avenue, a c1920 Commercial style building that historically functioned as Watsons Hardware, in 2023 with a goal of transforming the space into a restaurant.
Project Design
CPG provided building treatment recommendations to insert a commercial kitchen, bathrooms, and a new egress stair in the building. Additionally, CPG advised on the preservation of the historic lift as well as the removal of the structurally unsound mezzanine.
The building’s historic retail space was preserved as the kitchen, bathrooms, and new stairs were inserted towards the back of the building. The removal of the mezzanine allowed new space for storage while also retaining the adjacent historic lift.
Challenges & Accomplishments
A new rooftop deck and rear stair were part of the design team's vision for the building.
The rooftop deck was strategically placed at the rear of the building to eliminate visual impact from the street. Based on feedback from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the deck design was revised to simplify the railing and stair platform to meet the Standards for Rehabilitation.
