GOOD NEIGHBOR

This adaptive reuse project fluidly consolidates and transforms two existing buildings at the intersection of West Clay Street and Summit Avenue. Good Neighbor, an organization devoted to providing mental health & developmental disabilities services, jumped on the opportunity to expand their office capacity and training capabilities by establishing a new home base in the heart of Scott’s Addition. The interior is dappled with vibrant and energetic yellow, conforming with Good Neighbor’s brand identity. New skylights and storefront punctuate corridors and gathering spaces, allowing natural light to flood in to amplify the sense of scale, warmth, and openness throughout.

Previously, the historic single story portion of the project was compartmentalized into rooms which were rented out to an assortment of instrumentalists and miscellaneous musical groups. In order to meet tax credit requirements and celebrate the unique existing features of the 1930s construction, it was a priority to preserve and accentuate the lofty exposed natural wood ceilings and beams, textured masonry walls, and a large garage door above the main entry facing the new reception area. In the new design, the historic building was designated for larger common spaces including open offices, communal kitchens, touch-down benching, and lounges.

The newer two story building included in the scope of this project was formerly segmented into a multitude of company offices. Embracing the constraints of scale, including more intimate ceiling heights and narrow hallways, this area was redesigned to host smaller spaces including private offices, conference rooms, phone booths, and restrooms. Programmatic division between the two buildings intentionally embraces the contrasting age and scale of the spaces. Where the buildings previously joined by way of a single door in a narrow passageway, a large beam was installed to cohesively connect and open up the transition across the threshold. Regarding the exterior, the historic building masonry was left exposed while the newer building was painted to reinforce the contradicting presence of each unit.

Location: Richmond, VA
Date: 2020
Size: 14,600 SF