Hospitality brands have a unique way of giving old buildings an intriguing afterlife. These historic buildings began life as auto-dealerships and body shops, and most sat vacant for decades when they’re original purpose died. Thankfully, with a little imagination, they were reborn as hotels, restaurants and cafes. Here are the stories of the second lives of five former auto-shops in Virginia.
1. Magpie Diner Harrisonburg, VA
Originally built in 1950’s, the run down ‘Big L’ tire service station was transformed in 2020 into the Magpie Diner & Bakery. A co-working space, named the Perch, occupies the upper floors of the building. The creative reuse of the building inspired further development in a zombie warehouse next door, which is now home to Liberty Street Mercantile, a building which hosts a florist, coffee roaster, book store and event space.
Photo from: Magpie Diner
2. Oakhart Social, Charlottesville, VA
Oakhart is a wood-fired restaurant in the reincarnated C&R Auto Service station in Charlottesville. After a brief stint as a pho restaurant, Oakhart opened in the old garage in 2014, and retains some of the rough and rustic elements of the garage, thanks to whitewashed brick walls and retro signage. Reclaimed 150 year old Douglas Fir wood flooring was used for the bar and table top.
Photo from: Oakhart Social
3. Patty O’s Cafe , Little Washington, VA
Three-star Michelin chef, Patrick O’Connell, opened up this cafe close to his popular Inn at Little Washington restaurant. The cafe and bakery opened in 2021 in a restored 1950’s gas station and features interior design from Pierre-Yves Rochon.
Photo from: Haus Matter
4. Patton room, Lexington, VA
The 18-room boutique Hotel, The Georges, opened in downtown Lexington in 2014, and a few years later they purchased a vacant auto showroom next door, to revive into an event space. Originally built in 1936, the former auto repair shop is now known as the Patton Room.
Photo from: The Patton Room
5. The Lofts at Downtown Salem, Salem VA
The history of the Lofts dates back to 1924, when the building opened as the New Central Motor Company. After decades as an auto-dealership and body-shop, the building sat vacant for nearly 20 years, before being given new life as an 18-room boutique hotel with apartment-style rooms. The historic rehab retained the exposed brick walls and some original hardwood flooring and paneling.
Photo from: Downtown Roanoke