1717 Innovation Center

Crafting a signature, collaborative workspace while maintaining the charm of a historic building.

Based out of a 100 year-old, 5-story heavy-timber former tobacco warehouse in the growing Shockoe Bottom region, the 1717 Innovation Center is a community-driven business incubator, housing the non-profit Start-Up Virginia.

Download Project Profile

Business Incubator

Market: Corporate

Location: Richmond

Size: 37,860 SF

Year Completed: 2018

APPROACH

Seeking to respect the historic tradition and character of the building while emphasizing the modern building additions, the project strikes a visual juxtaposition between the new and old to celebrate its inherent history and storied past while paving way for new means of innovation and development. The state-of-the-art facility features six floors including 25 private offices for startups, shared, co-working and mentoring spaces, meeting rooms, common areas and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.

MEASURING OUTCOMES

Since the renovation, 1717 has become the community hub it set out to be. The openness and inviting nature of the communal meeting spaces throughout the project encourage collaboration. After only six months in the space, StartUp Virginia had a noticeable increase in engagement, with 160 new mentors and 61 new startup companies.