Hotel Virginia Apartments

The 1917 structure was historically an unembellished Italianate style saloon and hotel
located at the edge of the Sand Bar District. Today this area is an extension of downtown
filled with government and business.

Enduring countless misguided renovations over nearly a century left the structure almost
unusable without significant renovations for building code, life safety and accessibility.
Seizing on the opportunity, the architect contacted a developer in neighboring South Dakota
who specializes in historic redevelopment and who had collaborated on projects previously.
The vision was for the downtown's first multi-unit urban loft-style living units and a small
commercial space to occupy the former saloon storefront.

Prior facade overlays were peeled away and painted brick cleaned to reveal the original
facade. The historic storefront had long since been removed, but was renewed with careful
adherence to historic guidelines ensuring both a local facade grant and federal historic tax
credits for the project.

Still barely visible via a painted-on sign on the storefront facade, the original name – Hotel
Virginia – was re-invoked while lofts were reintroduced to the structure that had historically been a hotel. The stout timber beam and column supports are revealed and combine with original plaster and exposed brick walls to provide a trendy urban appeal that is contrasted with the conveniences of modern living. Ductwork and conduit is exposed for both ease of construction and to compliment the urban appeal while wood trim provides a contrasting cozy feel. Floor plans are arranged for open living with high ceilings to allow natural light to flood the interiors and dynamic views of the outside urban environment thru plentiful windows complete the feel.

Location
Casper, Wyoming

Owner
McCarthy Properties
Steve McCarthy,
(Retired) President
605-787-4685

Contractor
MAC Construction
Steve McCarthy,
(Retired) Owner
605-787-4685

Role
Architect of Record

Personnel
Lyle Murtha, Principal Architect

Scope
Re-Purposing (Interior)
Rehabilitation (Exterior)
Design-Build

Size
19,200 Square Feet

Cost
$1.9 Million

Completed
2014/2015