Cavalier Hotel
The Cavalier Hotel, a symbol of opulence on the Virginia Beach oceanfront since its inception in 1927, has emerged anew from a transformative $48 million restoration. Once the East Coast's premier resort, hosting luminaries of the Big Band Era alongside celebrities and U.S. Presidents, its innovative Y-shaped design and neo-classical aesthetics have been meticulously preserved, heralding its resurgence as a historical icon.
Revitalized through a meticulous preservation effort, the Cavalier Hotel reemerges as a Virginia Beach icon, weaving historical elegance with modern luxury to offer guests an experience that is uniquely “Cavalier”.
The restoration, a four-year endeavor of extraordinary care and craftsmanship, addressed both the building's structural challenges and its aesthetic decay. Artisans painstakingly revitalized its original ornamental plasterwork, wood moldings, and terrazzo flooring, while introducing modern amenities such as a craft bourbon distillery, a luxury spa, and a fitness center. The intent was to imbue the Cavalier with a contemporary spirit that remains deeply rooted in its historic and architectural legacy, offering a guest experience that is distinctly "Cavalier."
- Sector: Civic + Community
- Scope: Historic Preservation
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- 2018
- 130,000 SF
- Photos curtesy of © Robert Benson Photography
- Photos curtesy of © Yuzhu Zheng
- Gold Award for Architecture Design, Restoration & Renovation, MUSE Hotel Awards, 2023
- Award of Merit for Excellence in Historic Preservation, AIA Virginia, 2019
- Merit Award for Architecture, AIA Hampton Roads, 2019
- Honor Award, Renovation Category, Virginia Beach Planning Commission Design Awards, 2019
- Best Renovated or Historic Rehabilitation Project, Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate, 2018
- Regional Best Projects, Renovation/Restoration category, Engineering News-Record, 2018
- Honor Award of Excellence in Historic Restoration, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Virginia, 2018
- Allegiance Award, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Virginia (2018)
- Overall Excellence in Construction, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Virginia, 2018
- Award of Merit, Renovation/Restoration, Engineering News Record MidAtlantic, 2018
The exterior rehabilitation focused on the brick masonry and cast stone ornamentation, safeguarding the building's structural integrity. The iconic Y-shaped guest tower, originally comprising 195 rooms, has been reconfigured to house 85 rooms, including 26 luxury suites, while preserving the historic circulation paths, stairs, and building core.
