GARC

Grateful to be included in Coastal Virginia Business Magazine’s 175 Most Influential People in Coastal Virginia. And congrats to all our fellow honorees — it’s a great group of people shaping this region. Ten years of GARC has been ten years of learning from the people and places of this region.

Stopped by our recent warehouse-to-residential project in Portsmouth recently and found a little oasis. Residents filled the central lightwell with plants - it’s now the mail/package room and the heart of the building.

About one year ago, we adopted Lily, the American bison and received a stuffed avatar as part of the adoption—she’s become part of the team, keeping us company at the office, joining us on hikes, and reminding us of the importance of connecting to nature.

Lily holds a special place in our hearts. When we began designing the Macon and Joan Brock EdVenture Campus, her former habitat stood right where the new facility is now under construction. At 26 years old, she’s a true Virginia Zoo legend—calling this place home since 2000. Today, she enjoys a serene waterfront pasture along the Lafayette River—a perfect, peaceful upgrade for our senior star.

If you’re visiting the Virginia Zoo, stop by and say hello to Lily. We certainly will.

Sneak peek of our latest adaptive reuse projects—transforming a former warehouse into a vibrant multifamily community.

Leveraging Historic Tax Credits, the design preserves key architectural character—exposed brick walls, original wood rafters, and lofty ceilings—while introducing modern interventions that elevate livability and market appeal.

A central circulation spine, illuminated by skylights, light wells, and layered lighting, brings daylight deep into the interior and creates an open, airy atmosphere that evokes an outdoor experience. The result is a space that blends authentic historic character with contemporary comfort and efficiency—offering a distinctive living experience for today’s renters seeking unique urban living environments.

Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful design and strategic use of incentives can turn underused assets into long-term community and financial value.

Client: Lightwell Development, LLC
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