The adaptive reuse of a former U.S. Post Office at the Virginia Beach oceanfront has transformed the space into a dynamic second location for Smartmouth Brewery, long a fixture in Norfolk’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Many features made the old Post Office a natural choice for the new Pilot House brewery and tasting room: tall ceilings, wide-open bays, ample windows for natural light, terrazzo floors, sturdy concrete slabs, and a wide, covered loading dock—ideal for brewing operations and outdoor seating. Spanning an entire block, the property offers a formal presence with excellent pedestrian access on 32nd Street, while also providing ample parking and flexible outdoor programming opportunities. (The brewery’s 33rd Street Party events have become wildly popular.)
Before its transformation, the building had been converted into a CrossFit gym and office space, leaving behind elements available for reuse, including interior storefront glass, natural wood doors, and perforated sheet metal details.
Design Challenges & Solutions
The primary design challenge was organizing the space to accommodate both a small-batch 10-barrel brewery systemand a large tasting room that could be divided for private meetings and events. This flexibility was essential for hosting simultaneous activities without disrupting normal operations.
The design solution included a roll-up glass garage door to separate the space when needed, along with a concealed barn door that divides the bar—ensuring both areas have access to taps and space for beertenders to serve.
