Preserving History While Building the Future

Located in Richmond’s historic Manchester district, The Navigator is a six-story, 177-unit multifamily community that represents the city’s continued evolution—where industrial heritage meets modern urban living. Once a manufacturing hub, Manchester is now one of Richmond’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, known for its industrial-style apartments, proximity to the riverfront, and walkable city lifestyle. 

Eager to contribute to the area’s ongoing revitalization, Catalyst Development Company and Blackwood Development sought to create a vibrant residential destination that honored the district’s character while offering contemporary amenities and conveniences. 

A Vision Rooted in Preservation

From the outset, Catalyst and Blackwood recognized the importance of balancing progress with preservation. The development site’s location within a historic corridor presented a unique opportunity — to design a building that seamlessly integrated modern living spaces while respecting Manchester’s architectural legacy. To achieve this, Catalyst and Blackwood partnered with Bohler for comprehensive land surveying, permitting and entitlements, and site civil engineering services. 

Collaborating to Navigate Challenges

Working in a designated historic district meant navigating an intricate web of preservation standards and infrastructure constraints. Bohler’s team worked hand-in-hand with the City of Richmond and various reviewing agencies to overcome several challenges:

Complex Utility Coordination:

The site’s combined sewer system and the presence of an unmarked gas line created unforeseen challenges. Through real-time collaboration with city utility departments, Bohler’s team adjusted the design to resolve conflicts and maintain compliance. A stormwater collection vault was ultimately integrated into the underground parking deck to meet municipal stormwater standards.

Preserving a Historic Railroad:

During construction, a historic railroad was discovered that needed to remain intact. Bohler implemented creative grading and site design strategies to accommodate the preservation boundary while maintaining accessibility and efficient site circulation. To meet ADA standards, Bohler’s engineers carefully adjusted elevations and site features to achieve compliance — without altering the site’s historic character.

Meeting Historic Lighting Standards:

Because the project was within a protected historic district, the City required specific lighting fixtures and configurations. Bohler coordinated directly with Richmond’s lighting designers to align the project’s design with preservation requirements while ensuring safety and functionality.

Delivering Value

By maintaining open communication with city officials and applying innovative design solutions, Bohler helped Catalyst and Blackwood navigate a highly regulated, historically sensitive environment without delaying the project’s timeline. 

The Navigator stands as a testament to how modern engineering can complement historic preservation. Through adaptive design, proactive coordination, and strategic problem-solving, Bohler enabled the project to move forward efficiently — delivering a contemporary living experience that celebrates Richmond’s past while building for its future.