This 52,000 square foot renovation of an existing 1928 four-story concrete-framed factory created a new home for the Richmond Ballet's professional company, offices, support spaces and school of dance.  The Ballet sought to create a landmark facility that embodied and communicated the contemporary and artistic values of the organization, while maintaining strict adherence to the construction budget of the financially conservative non-profit.  Thus, "The Ballet Factory", inspired by the existing building, budget, and design potential.  

To contrast the weight and solidity of the existing concrete and masonry structure, a new lightweight structure of steel and glass was designed to literally hang off, or 'dance' on, the face of the existing concrete frame, embodying the motion, tension, energy and dynamic of dance. Interior spaces are organized in an animated plan where light pours into the studios, and offers views of dancers within.   The Ballet features a high volume pair of studio spaces to serve the professional company. This space is convertible to a 250 seat studio theatre for intimate performances to smaller audiences. BCWH designed and coordinated the dance floors, performance lighting, ballet barres, mirrors, performance drapery and support space features in close collaboration with the Ballet staff.

BCWH collaborated with The Children's Museum of Richmond to Master Plan future renovations to their facility. The front exterior may be renovated in the future to include additional outdoor educational and exhibit space, as well as a green roof exhibit to include an exhibit viewing platform.

BCWH helped the Cub Scouts develop a camp for children and parents who may not have ever camped that provided a positive camping experience. The camp is designed to accommodate 400 campers, parents and staff personnel.  

The Administration Building and Dining Hall or "The Lodge" was influenced by National Park Service's timber and stone structures. This structure has deep overhangs to shelter and foster gathering around the exterior as well as interior of the dining hall and trading post. This building has a prominent location in the camp at a central high point in the landscape.  

Other building "types" the Scouts included at the camp were developed based on their annual program themes: Additional Participant Housing, Yurts, Railroad Car Sleepers, Western Fort Bunkhouse, Hogan Sleepers, "Tree Houses", Teepees, Tents, "Castle" Pool & Nature Center.

The Victorian-era mansion and 100 acres of rolling farmland known as Maymont opened to the public as a park and museum in 1925. Since then, millions of visitors have enjoyed this beloved urban oasis. In 1971, Maymont was listed on the National Register and the Virginia Landmarks Register of Historic Places.    BCWH, in collaboration with exhibit design specialists Cambridge Seven Associates of Boston, designed the Robins Nature and Visitors Center at Maymont. The nature center serves as the "front door" to the historic park as well as an environmental education center. Exhibits interpret Virginia's environment and the fall-line habitats of the James River in Richmond, where a great diversity of plant and animal life thrives. The center also includes instructional spaces for interactive learning, as well as a gift shop, café, office and conference room.   With its careful detailing, the nature center gives expression to the natural environment that Maymont celebrates.  The natural materials used are of the highest quality and can be found in the historic buildings on the site.

The Peter Paul Development Center is an outreach and community service ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, service Church Hill and neighboring communities in the East End of Richmond.   BCWH designed the John Coleman, Jr. Building, a multi-use facility that includes an industrial-grade kitchen, a gymnasium, classroom space, a computer lab, and work rooms to support an array of enrichment activities. Thoughtful design and flexible spaces reflect the diverse scope of the Center's mission.   Low-maintenance Construction materials were specified without sacrificing aesthetics or quality. This way, as much of the Center's budget as possible goes towards the direct support of those they serve, rather than to upkeep of the building.

SPARC inspires young people, ages 5-18, to reach their full potential through quality training in the performing arts. SPARC helps young performers develop life skills and responsibility, and helps Richmond grow its future leaders. BCWH is proud to be helping SPARC create their new performing arts education center.  BCWH consulted with SPARC to develop a master plan for the renovation of the facility including responses to Change of Use and code compliance as well as accessibility.  Work completed to date includes the administrative office area, a teaching studio, the first phase of a 100 seat black-box theatre space, scene shop and other support spaces.  Conceptual designs have been developed for the completion of the theatre, expansion in the second floor areas and site and landscaping improvements.  Already SPARC is taking full advantage of having its own home as it hosts educational and performance opportunities for SPARC students and the community.   

The Jewish Community Center on Monument Avenue in Richmond remained occupied during all phases of the 100,000 SF construction of renovations and additions. The additions provided a new family pool, fitness center, preschool classroom, new offices for the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, and expanded lobby space. Other aspects of this project include classroom and locker room renovations, code upgrades, mechanical system upgrades, and accessibility/life safety improvements.   The design features a new central "street" through the middle of the complex assembly of existing buildings. The "street" provides entry from Monument Avenue and the parking area, while serving as a light-filled orientation and gathering space.  Accessible, open, flexible spaces and transparency / visibility characterize the renovated center.

BCWH engaged HOPE church leadership and community in an extensive collaborative master planning process which included a comprehensive review of the church's history, values, identity, ministries, program needs and anticipated growth. This process led to the development of several "Planning Values" that were to be incorporated in every aspect of the design.   BCWH wanted Hope Church to have the flexibility to implement construction on any of the four main areas of the site in whatever sequence and priority was suggested by future ministry needs and growth.  We called this "dynamic phasing." In fact, the intention is that most any area could be developed in any sequence according to ministry needs and available funds.  The intended flexibility and adaptability of the design of the spaces will also support conversion and retrofit of existing spaces to serve new program functions as the rest of the facility is developed.   BCWH and HOPE have successfully completed design and construction of phase one of this long range master plan.

BCWH was commissioned by Winfree Baptist Church to evaluate their current pre-school facility and suggest improvements to their administrative space, ADA accessibility, and propose full renovations of their classrooms.  The school has 7 classrooms serving over 50 students daily and also serves as the youth education center for the church on Sundays.   The resulting project includes a new administrative area and Parent Resource Center, fully renovated classrooms, and new finishes throughout. BCWH provided assistance in furniture selection and procurement.