Independent Business Owner - Airbnb Operator
Current
6578 Main Street, Llc
Gloucester, Virginia
After the purchase of the property, I designed and renovated a ca. 1954 structure which had served as the Courthouse Barber Shop until 2011. The building required a full renovation including all plumbing, electrical, HVAC as well as an addition in the rear of the building to accommodate current ADA compliance. The street level was converted to professional office space and the second level converted into a one-bedroom AirBnb apartment. Besides the physical location, the existing building did not have significant historical relevance so the design intention was to use a traditional tumbled brick with window treatments and cornice moulding to give an aged appearance. The metal siding and steel stairs in the rear reflect a more modern architecture to clearly delineate the addition. The second floor windows on the front facade have been enlarged to reflect a more appropriate scale to the building and also give an enhanced view from the apartment. A key element of the design was the courtyard space created in the alley way and behind the building. A boundary line adjustment and various easements were required to acquire additional property from the neighboring property owner to accommodate the pergola, walkways, and landscaping. This area has become a shared use space; a concept absent from Gloucester Main Street currently. The building is currently fully leased.