Hess
Financial.
A clean, restorative take on a unique downtown building.
This project reimagined a longtime Harrisonburg landmark with a thoughtful balance of preservation and reinvention. Our team led the exterior transformation, landscape design, and interior design and decoration, creating a cohesive experience that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings.
The exterior was designed to strengthen the building's relationship with its neighborhood. New landscaping softens the architecture and creates a more intentional connection to the streetscape, while a sculptural monolith serves as the project's defining feature. Inspired by the geology of the Shenandoah Valley and the enduring character of the original structure, the monolith anchors the site with a quiet sense of permanence. It gives the building a recognizable identity while reinforcing its connection to the natural landscape and architectural history that surround it.
Inside, the goal was equally deliberate. The space was refreshed with clean lines, modern materials, and a brighter, more functional layout, but without losing the warmth that made the previous space so familiar to the community. Every decision was guided by the desire to create an environment that feels fresh without feeling unfamiliar, welcoming without feeling dated, and refined without sacrificing comfort.
The result is a building that feels renewed rather than replaced, preserving the spirit of a local favorite while creating a space prepared for its next chapter.
