Located in a 100-year-old, five-story heavy-timber former tobacco warehouse in the growing Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, the 1717 Innovation Center is a community-focused business incubator and home to the nonprofit Start-Up Virginia.

The design approach honors the building’s historic character while highlighting the modern interventions added throughout. By intentionally contrasting old and new, the project showcases the structure’s rich past while creating a forward-looking environment for innovation and growth. The facility spans six floors and includes 25 private startup offices, shared coworking and mentoring areas, meeting rooms, collaborative spaces, and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.

The project also served as a case study for the Rockwell Collection by Knoll, demonstrating how adaptable furniture solutions can support a wide range of flexible space layouts to meet evolving needs.