Right Around the River Blog

BrownGreer Finds New Home in Historic Cedar Works Warehouse

Post Date: 09-04-2012

Here's one for the history books, Richmond: Our historic Cedar Works Warehouse has finally broken ground for renovation -- and we couldn't be more pleased by the development!

Over the years, finding the perfect use for this awesome late-1800s space at our community's main entrance was crucial to us, as the building features 38,000-square-feet of exposed brick, wood beams, tall ceilings and other noteworthy details (just like our Cedar Works building next door). Cedar Works Warehouse is also one of the last historic buildings left for renovation on our property. So, when Richmond-based law firm BrownGreer decided to not only move into the Cedar Works Warehouse, but to buy and renovate the building, too, we knew a match was made in renovation heaven.

When searching for their new building, Founding Partner Orran Brown knew the firm wanted something beyond the “standard office building” that could serve as an inspiring workplace for their attorneys and staff. They hoped to find a downtown office with an interesting history and heritage, plentiful parking and easy access for out-of-town clients. But after struggling to find their ideal space and turning down ideas to build a new facility on vacant land, Brown decided he “wanted to reclaim a building and put it back to productive use.”

Brown found the perfect opportunity to do so after touring the Cedar Works Warehouse. Even more, Brown and his team were thrilled to discover that Rocketts Landing developer WVS Properties offered a vision for the building’s future that reflected BrownGreer’s high professional standards, distinguished taste and dynamic culture. And they felt that Rocketts Landing’s balance of stability and vibrant energy perfectly matched the firm’s personality and perspectives.

BrownGreer is currently working with H&A Architects and transforming the Cedar Works Warehouse from an empty brick building into a light-filled corporate headquarters that beautifully combines the old and the new. The firm wanted to ensure their employees and clients would enjoy ample natural light, so the design incorporates new three-story, glass-walled rooms along the building’s east side.

Their scheduled date of completion is March 31, 2013 and the firm hopes to finish moving into the space by the end of April. Brown pointed out that to help them reach their desired deadline, WVS Properties even started renovations before BrownGreer officially closed on the building — a choice that Brown feels represents the trusting, collaborative relationship his firm has formed with the developers.

We can’t wait for BrownGreer to officially move in next year, so we can also see how fantastic Cedar Works Warehouse will look all dolled up. But, until then, we’re just thrilled to welcome BrownGreer to the Rocketts Landing family!