by Charles Hendricks | Jan 25, 2017 | Historic Renovation, Multifamily Design, project update
The apartment renovation in downtown Harrisonburg is coming to completion. These downtown Harrisonburg apartments had seen some overwhelming neglect before our client purchased it. We did not find the damage until construction started, but I can honestly say, I have no idea why this building was still standing. Working with Bryan Nesselrodt Construction, we designed a solution to put this HUMPTY back together again.

We retained the historic character of the building by exposing the brick walls and refinishing the limited existing flooring that survived the structural repairs.

These units have all the modern amenities that have come to be expected in downtown living. From being right across the street from amazing restaurants to having full kitchen, baths, and laundry facilities in each unit, they are “just right” for young professionals.



Plus, if you’re in Harrisonburg on the First Friday of any month, come by the Gaines Group office for a tour of The Depot and see more downtown Harrisonburg apartments and projects!
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 27, 2016 | architecture, Multifamily Design
It is always interesting working in older buildings
It is always interesting working in older buildings. Older buildings always have unique discoveries and untold stories that create the solutions that exist today. From handrails to mailboxes from days of old, these buildings have more character than we find in most new construction. They also have hidden surprises that can delay construction or add to the cost of construction.

An acoustic ceiling and open rail stair tells stories of transformation over time. The old was actually preserved behind a new covering protecting it from damage.
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The signs in this building tells more about what happened than any of the architectural details. There must have been many exciting events over the years in these hallways. Fortunately the building survived all the parties, late nights, loud neighbors, and even a fire to come back to life again.

The damage was severe and we found even more surprises during construction. It was a true challenge to save this downtown gem and bring it back to life. The new apartments are full of light and life. This kind of downtown transformation is changing our city one brick at a time for the better.
Here is a look at the finished project.
by Charles Hendricks | Oct 30, 2015 | Multifamily Design, project update

Goose Creek Apartments in Fishersville, Va is a community with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in every direction. Adjacent to the Murphy Deming College Health Sciences and a 1/2 mile from August Health, this community has everything. Apartments have stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, electric fireplaces, spacious closets, and vaulted ceilings in several units. The community has a large swimming pool, open fire pit seating area, walking trail, multi-purpose sports field, club room, private theater, business center, fitness room, and game room.







Previous Posts HERE and HERE
by Charles Hendricks | Apr 8, 2015 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Multifamily Design, project update
Project Update: Goose Creek Apartments Fishersville

Progress continues at Goose Creek Apartments in Fishersville, Virginia. This apartment community features incredible views, durable materials, and all the amenities you have come to expect in luxury apartments.

The Goose Creek apartment community includes a clubhouse that has a movie theater, work spaces, and entertainment room. There are garages available for residents that need a little storage or want to protect their cars from the weather.

This $32 million multi-family community is adjacent to the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences and across the street from the Augusta Health Medical Facility. There are 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units, a multi-purpose sports field, nature trail, fitness center, and pool with splash pad.

by Charles Hendricks | Aug 26, 2014 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Multifamily Design
August 26, 2014
The Apartments at Goose Creek to Provide 204 Class A Apartments to Augusta County
FISHERSVILLE, VA, – Denstock LLC, a Charlottesville, Virginia based real estate investment company, announced today that it has closed financing and started site work on The Apartments at Goose Creek, a $32 million multi-family community located in Fishersville, VA, immediately adjacent to the recently completed Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences and across the street from the Augusta Health Medical Facility.
“The Fishersville area has been identified as one of the County’s primary growth areas,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Larry Wills. “Augusta Health and Murphy Deming currently anchor the Life Sciences business cluster in the area and we’re excited to see Denstock add a needed housing element to this community,” added Wills.
“Denstock is very excited about the future prospects of the Goose Creek project. The area demographics combined with Augusta Medical Center, the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences and the County’s commitment to facilitate the establishment of new businesses along the Lifecore Drive corridor all reflect an emerging thriving market,” said Rob Stockhausen, a Managing Director of Denstock LLC.
“The professional workforce as well as the growing student population in the Fishersville area is in demand of a new housing option,” said Jeff Moore, Board of Supervisors representative for the Wayne Magisterial District where the project is located. Moore continued, “We have seen the Denstock model in other communities and we are pleased to welcome the development style to Augusta County.”
“We are thrilled to finally be able to start construction of The Apartments at Goose Creek. This project would not have become a reality without the support and efforts of the County of Augusta. We are looking forward to becoming a member of the Augusta County community,” said developer Denise E. LaCour, also a Managing Director of Denstock LLC.
Designed by The Gaines Group, PLC, an architectural firm based in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, the 204 unit garden style apartment complex will offer 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units with high quality finishes, such as granite counter tops, and 60 garages. In addition, The Apartments at Goose Creek will offer extensive outdoor amenities including a nature trail, multi-purpose sports field, and a pool with splash pad. Residents will also enjoy a luxury club house with a fitness room, business center, game room, private theatre, club room with kitchen, and a BBQ patio and pool. Complementing the extensive amenities offered at The Apartments at Goose Creek are the unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. 
“We have worked with the developer on previous projects and the high quality of construction, the attention to detail and sensitivity to surrounding architecture are hallmarks of her commitment to provide Class A apartments that blend well with the community, ” said Dennis M. Lynch, Vice Chairman of KBS, Inc., the general contractor for the project.
Denstock Property Management will lease and manage the property. Financing is provided by Berkadia.
CONTACTS:
Denico Development Co.
Contact: David Granville
Phone: (434) 971-8996
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.goosecreekapts.com
by Charles Hendricks | Jul 25, 2013 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Harrisonburg Architect, Multifamily Design, project update

BEFORE
Duke Gardens (which I introduced in this post) is almost done and the details are coming together just as planned. In a competitive market all building owners look for advantages they can gain over the competition to get tenants in both residential and commercial. In our new multi-family projects we are able to design a timeless aesthetic that will serve for years in attracting tenants. For instance, Stone Creek Village, remains one of the most desired rental communities in Albemarle County. I personally lived there in the first building that opened years ago. Now almost 15 years later, it still looks fresh and has all the amenities expected of a high end rental community. However, if a building is left without any updates for more than 30 years, you might end up with a building that aesthetically cannot compete with other properties.
A simple facelift can bring the property back to life. Here is our attempt to do just that – let us know what you think about our design and Valley Renovators Execution of the plan.

