Francis Apartments

Francis Brothers Hardware Store was a local icon for almost 80 years. When the brothers closed in 2014, the building’s first floor begged to be adapted to apartments. The second floors were built as apartments. Local developers rose to the challenge and created high-ceiling, light-filled apartments out of the first floor retail space. The second floor simultaneously received substantial renovations in the style of the original apartments, with oak floors, plaster walls, two-panel doors, and wide trim.

A 1970’s infill between the two main buildings was re-opened to create a courtyard for tenants. The site was renovated with large landscaped areas which define the parking and drives. The work was designed to satisfy the requirements of the National Park Service’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.

Location: Marion, VA
Date: 2016
Size: 12,000 SF