Linde Lofts was one of our first projects in what would become the Railroad District. In just a few years, we invested over a $100 million in multiple mixed use projects in the district. The Peanut Factory was our largest project to date in the district. We were drawn to the Railroad District because we could see that it was a neighborhood in transition. The area had recently been designated a National Historic District and most of the buildings were becoming functionally obsolete. Existing industrial users were vacating the area for new buildings with larger clear spans that accommodate modern manufacturing and warehousing equipment. Also, the location was fantastic, situated between a well-established retail corridor, a nice residential community, and a growing ODU college campus. We could tell right away that the area was ripe with redevelopment opportunities. Another plus was the former industrial use meant adequate utilities were already present. After we had completed our first couple of projects we worked with other businesses in the area to establish the Railroad District Business association. With in a few years the mayor, at his state of the city address, informed the public and the press that a new neighborhood in Park Place, The Railroad District, had been formed.

Peanut Factory lofts was challenging adaptive reuse of what was at one time the largest peanut brittle factory in the world. The Old Dominion Peanut company had operated in the area since 1913. Over time the operation had grown and took over the adjacent properties and converted former dry-cleaners and a wheel bearing factory into production space for peanut brittle and the warehousing for unprocessed peanuts and completed peanut brittle. Evidence of the 2007 fire that shut the factory for almost a year still remained, and was on of many challenges encountered during the renovation.

The Crossing is located across the street from Peanut Factory and has 5 unique commercial spaces that bring a vibrant feel to the neighborhood. This 16,000 square foot project required finding the perfect blend of commercial tenants. Performing 5 custom build-outs for the new businesses while also preserving the historic fabric of these early 20th century buildings was challenging but a big win for the neighborhood.