Harris Building II

Loveless Porter was selected to transform a long-vacant lot into a vibrant, mixed-use project in Downtown Manassas, Virginia, just 30 minutes from Washington, DC. Located steps from a Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak station, this transit-oriented project will deliver residential and retail space that contributes to the vibrancy of this Northern Virginia neighborhood.

We worked with the site owners to create an architectural design that is compatible with the historical, cultural, and architectural aspects of the project’s surroundings, giving close consideration to the Historic District Design Guidelines.

Our design features a clean and elegant contemporary aesthetic that will complement and enhance the beauty, significance, and value of the adjacent historic structures as well as the entire downtown urban fabric. The building as proposed will provide no separation between existing buildings and no setback to maintain a continuous street wall that will enhance the pedestrian experience.

The traditional material of brick will be used in contemporary fashion through the careful selection of dark red, neutral gray, and natural white tones. The dark red brick has been selected for the left module to quietly complement the mid-tone red of the adjacent building, home to The Bone restaurant.

The white brick for the right module will create a stark contrast between the existing Harris Building and the new addition while matching the adjacent white windows, trim, and cornice. The center module will be a neutral, mid-toned, and earthy gray that will contribute to the overall contemporary feel of the entire composition as will the dark, varying proportioned windows, and the dark awnings, trim, and cornices.

Awnings, recessed balconies, transparent railings, potential planters, lighting, and other details yet to be designed will create a lively and intimate urban experience.