Transforming a former automotive oil-change garage into a craft coffeehouse and brewery required vision—and the result is a space that perfectly balances industrial character with coastal charm. COVA Brewing Company, serving the East Beach and Ocean View neighborhoods, opened in the summer of 2020, redefining the brew house concept in Hampton Roads. Offering coffee in the morning and craft beer in the evening, COVA brings the best of both worlds under one roof. “It’s the best of both worlds,” says co-owner Scott Bateman, who founded COVA alongside Susan Bateman, Phil Smith, and Karla Smith.
The design approach preserved the garage’s industrial framework while reimagining it for a social, inviting atmosphere. WPA designers adjusted the original 18-foot automotive bays to 8-foot bays, shifting the scale from car proportions to human proportions. Glass garage doors flood the space with natural light, while rear doors allow easy equipment movement and front doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Interiors, designed in collaboration with Paxton Buckingham, balance modern aesthetics with coastal comfort, featuring crisp finishes and warm wood accents.
At the heart of the space is a seven-barrel brewing system, supporting a retail and taproom experience where guests can pour their own craft beverages from self-serve taps. COVA serves fresh-brewed coffee and pastries in the morning, transitioning to light sandwiches, snacks, and signature beers in the afternoon. Situated on an acre of land, the site accommodates outdoor seating and service, an asset that became especially valuable during the pandemic.
Beyond architecture, WPA also designed COVA’s brand identity, marking its first branding initiative. The COVA logo features an underscored “OV”, representing its Ocean View location within the greater Coastal Virginia community. The seahorse mascot, a nod to the coastal setting, incorporates a hops-filled belly and a hidden OV curl in its tail. The color palette was carefully selected to complement both the interior aesthetic and the surrounding environment.
COVA Brewing Company is a testament to imaginative adaptive reuse, blending Norfolk’s industrial history with a vibrant social experience.
