Modern Design in Historic Fredericksburg

MV+A is pleased to be working with Liberty Place Partners, LLC to design a significant new project on the edge of the Historic District in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The project occupies an entire city block along William Street, the primary access road to the downtown area. The project will extend the urban streetscape with a three-story retail and office building positioned on the southern half of the block. Broad building canopies enliven the wide sidewalk area with seating for two planned restaurants. Retail continues along Winchester Street, flanking the primary office entrance.

The mass of the building is broken into two complementary pieces, with a different treatment of red brick on each facade. Facing Winchester Street, the third floor of the building is set back slightly, highlighting bold brick cornices and detailing reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th century commercial buildings within the district. The William Street facade treatment is more modern in character, evoking a vertical mid-20th century factory aesthetic, wrapping around onto Douglas Street.

The northern half of the block contains a 5-story independent parking garage, providing public parking to facilitate the development of the western end of the commercial district. The pre-cast structure will be clad in red brick with cast stone trim. Each facade is detailed to respond to the character of the specific street that it fronts. Facing Amelia Street, a low stone retaining wall and raised garden creates a park-like setting for local residents and passersby.

Liberty Place brings 21st century planning and design to Fredericksburg, while fitting comfortably into the city’s Historic District. The largest project to be built in the downtown business district, it will continue the organization of ground floor retail with offices located above, traditionally found in Historic Fredericksburg.

Lynn Murphy

MV+A TEAM FEATURE

Lynn Murphy has worked with MV+A for over twelve years, moving with the office from Bethesda to DC in 2013. Lynn is easily considered one of the “originals” at the firm and is an easy go-to person when it comes to MV+A policies, procedures, and funny anecdotes. Lynn is also MV+A’s resident pool shark, she plays on two teams in the Amateur Pool Association.

ON POOL AND ARCHITECTURE

“There are a lot of similarities between pool and architecture, especially the precise nature of both. Of course, there is the geometry of it, using angles to get the balls in the pockets, but there is also the team environment – being able to ask your friends/co-workers for their opinion.”

ON WORK AT MV+A

Throughout the years, my proudest work on a project would have to be Rodin Square.  The project looks great but was very tough since there were so many things to consider, especially the CA part of it. I helped with the Whole Foods Market as well, and I had never worked on a project of that size before.”

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