Elizabeth River - Norfolk, Virginia

RiverPark Condominium
Downtown Norfolk is a waterfront city laden with potential. The downtown is defined by the Elizabeth River, one of the deepest natural ports on the U.S. east coast, and is striving in its redevelopment toward a well balanced mixed-use community rich with opportunities for commerce, entertainment and living. It is accessible, vibrant, and has become a destination for family living and leisure.

This project, Riverpark Condominium, adds balance to the city's Housing Initiative to increase the downtown residential opportunities. As an urban redevelopment infill, the plan is respectful and faithful to the public nature of the project.

Comprising an entire city block, the project fronts on one of downtown's boat basins remaining from its heritage of the shipping/trade era of the mid 1800's. This site offers an optimum panoramic view of Norfolk's Harbor and an opportunity to be a part of the public activities associated with the water's edge.

The plan was bold and ambitious at the outset and involved special considerations and team cooperation. This included careful planning with Norfolk's Redevelopment and Housing Authority (the land holders), City Public Officials, the Planning Commission, Norfolk's Design Review Committee, the city's out of town master planners located in Pittsburgh, Zoning, Permits and Inspections Departments, and of course the developer, located in Connecticut, along with their builder.

Special waterfront planning considerations revolved around respect for urban view corridors to the water from inner city vantage points, flood plain design, and pedestrian scale details for a four story building. All to be considered while maximizing the use of space within the property boundaries as well as consideration of public space for the impact of such a large footprint. Careful planning was given to vehicular access and parking, both on and off site to handle the increased residential density.

Lastly, careful detailing of the buildings' facade to balance a fresh architectural style respectful to many of the surrounding vintage structures so much a part of Norfolk's Heritage.