Nestled along "The Narrows" of the Elizabeth River
in Norfolk, Virginia, Riverview Lofts holds a storied past that dates back to
its establishment in 1920 as The Virginia Ice & Freezing Warehouse. A
testament to early 20th-century commercial architecture, this warehouse was
strategically positioned to serve Norfolk's bustling seafood industry. Adjacent
to leading oyster and seafood processing plants, including the renowned J.H.
Miles & Co., it played a pivotal role in supplying oysters to the
world-famous Campbell Soup Company.
During its heyday, Norfolk stood as a powerhouse in oyster
and seafood production in the United States, with Riverview Lofts' predecessor,
The Virginia Ice & Freezing Warehouse, serving as a cornerstone of this
thriving industry. As the city's first fish freezing facility and the
second-largest cold storage warehouse on the Eastern Seaboard, it boasted an
annual ice production of 300 tons and stored up to a staggering 500 tons of
fish onsite.
Designed by the distinguished architect B.F. Mitchell, known
for his work on the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, The Virginia Ice & Freezing
warehouse has retained its original historic features and architectural
integrity over the years. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience and
endurance, representing the most intact and best-preserved cold storage
warehouse in the City of Norfolk.
At Riverview Lofts, we take pride in preserving this rich
heritage while offering modern, luxurious living spaces that honor the legacy
of the past. Explore our community and experience the timeless charm of
Riverview Lofts, where history meets contemporary elegance.