A Challenging Interior Fit-Out
Among the most challenging aspects of the retrofit was incorporating cutting-edge medical and physical therapy space within the building, including extensive equipment and a large therapy pool located on the third floor. The pool, installed by crane, required a special structure and waterproofing containment design. With the ceilings and
structure exposed throughout the medical spaces, the designers created a box-within-a-box concept for the examination rooms to retain acoustical privacy. In the orthopedics area, each physician has his or her own pod, centrally located around one of three x-ray rooms to create an efficient workflow. A monumental open stair was inserted between the third and fourth floors to link the orthopedics practice with the physical therapy practice below. Vivid colors reminiscent of the old fabric samples distinguish certain rooms within the pods and assist in wayfinding throughout the practice.
In the oldest portions of the building, dating as far back as the circa-1828 picker house, Dr. Hermann’s vison for a multi-tiered restaurant space has been fully realized. On the first floor, an upscale restaurant welcomes diners into a warm, inviting space with large windows clearly recalling the building’s industrial heritage. On the ground floor below, an expansive, 3,750-square-foot banquet hall and events venue serves multiple purposes, including meetings and weddings. Set close to the river, the banquet hall is located within a floodplain and is flexibly designed with “wet floodproofing” measures to withstand storm events. The space features concrete floors, raised mechanical and electrical systems, and easily removable stainless-steel furniture. Another restaurant, which will also offer panoramic views of the Dan River, is planned for the second floor.
A museum showcasing the history of the textile mills in Danville will soon occupy the first floor of the medical portion of the building. Dr. Hermann takes pride in the building’s new role as it accommodates modern medical practices within a historic space that has meant so much to the city during the past century. “This building has the ability to touch everybody with restaurants, a large medical practice, and hospital-led clinics and teaching facilities. People that would not normally come to the River District are now coming and discovering something they didn’t expect,” he says. “The architectural innovation in combining the historic elements, technical and functional medical necessities, and exciting design features make this project truly unique.”
Retrofit Team
Architect and Interior Designer: Dewberry, Danville, Va.; Dodie Hudson, CID, project manager; Larry Hasson, AIA, DBIA, architect
Mechanical and Electrical Engineer: Dewberry
Structural Engineer: Dewberry
Environmental Engineering and Surveying: Dewberry
Historic Preservation Consultant: Sadler & Whitehead Architects PLC, Richmond, Va.
Landscape Architect: Callaway & Associates, Greensboro, N.C.
Restaurant Architect: Architectural Partners, Lynchburg, Va., and Alem Dickey Keel Interior Design, Greensboro
Storefront Installer: Piedmont Glass, Danville
Window Installer: LG Flint, Lynchburg
Materials
Carpet: Shaw Contract
Luxury Vinyl Tile: Armstrong Flooring
Windows: Marvin Windows and Doors
Storefront: Kawneer
Specialty Ceilings: Infusions Accent Canopies Panels and Soundscapes Acoustical Canopies from Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions
Paint: Sherwin-Williams
HVAC: Trane and Daikin
Building Automation System: Tridium Niagara by Honeywell
Photos: Dave Huh, Dewberry