While much of Norfolk’s architectural heritage has been lost over time, this 1950s gem—Norfolk’s only example of the International Style, first developed in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s—has been revitalized as the new home of the D’Art Center and The Atlantic Permanent Apartments. Just as importantly, a significant historic building has been preserved.
Originally built in 1955, the former Atlantic Permanent bank headquarters now serves as a vital link between the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Chrysler Museum Perry Glass Studio, and the NEON District. The first level provides much-needed space for 20 working artist studios, classrooms, an event and outreach area, and a gift shop. The upper floors have been converted into 14 one-bedroom apartments, each up to 750 square feet, with third-floor units featuring rooftop patios and views of the Ghent and Downtown neighborhoods.
The building, constructed with glass and brick independent of its concrete structure, exemplifies the International Style. Notable features include a cantilevered brick “pop-out” on the Boush Street façade. Large glazing panels, previously obscured by reflective film, will be restored to allow natural light to flood the interiors, highlighting the building’s original design elements that blend interior and exterior materials like brick and marble.
WPA also developed a resiliency plan, as The Atlantic Permanent sits within a flood zone and could not be raised above flood level.
