THE UPDEGRAFF BUILDING

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Hagerstown, MD

P R O J E C T   D E S C R I P T I O N

This historic four-story building in downtown Hagerstown was acquired by Blackthorn Capital Partners with the intent of redeveloping the ground floor for commercial space and the upper floors for market rate apartments.  Blackthorn contracted GDA to assist them with this effort and secure historic tax credits in addition to architectural and engineering services. This circa 1880 building was built as a clothier factory on the upper floors and a retail on the first floor.

GDA determined that the new building core should be split whereby the elevator shaft would be on the building’s exterior and the new staircase would be on the interior. This decision maximized the number of historic windows and daylight entering the interior. Much of the upper floors were found as they were when the last of the clothier manufacturing shut down. The natural wood floors, wood windows, plaster and tin ceilings were all featured in the new apartments. Heavy timber beams, and iron columns were restored and expressed. 

The first-floor improvements include a bagel shop in the front section and a micro-brewery addition and tasting room in the rear with outdoor seating and dining. Exterior work included the restoration of the original Updegraff ad, restoration of masonry, new roof, windows and doors.


Client: Blackthorn Captail Partners LLC
Contract Officer: Hank Brown
Location: Hagerstown, MD
Status: Complete
Cost: $7.1million