Buhrman-Pharr Phase One
Buhrman-Pharr Lofts – Phase One
212 Laurel
Texarkana, AR 71854
Owner: Family Service Agency
Developer: Vanadis 3
Architects: Fennell Purifoy Hammock Architects
Contractor: Dave Grundfest Company
Lease Information: 870-216-4343
AWARD WINNING TEAM:
In January 2009, the Historic Preservation Alliance bestowed an
"Honorable Mention for Excellence in Preservation Through Rehabilitation"
award to Charles Deville, executive director of Family Service Agency, for his work on the rehabilitation of Buhrman-Pharr Loft Apartments.
Scope: Each of the building’s four floors now house ten apartment units accessed through a generous atrium space that showcases the building’s original heavy-timber construction. Special care was taken to restore unique historic elements – in particular, the roof-top water tower and the exterior hardware sign (two of the building’s most distinguishing features.) Entirely new elevators and windows were installed, and the property also has new plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.
Today, thanks to the efforts of Vanadis 3 and its client, Family Service Agency, the historic Buhrman-Pharr Hardware Store in downtown Texarkana is back in operation. Constructed 92 years ago as a retail and warehouse building, the historic structure now has a new use: loft apartments.
The Result: Construction work began in late January 2006 and was completed by the end of the year. The project cost for this 75,000 square-foot renovation was $5 million dollars. Community leaders and Texarkana residents are excited about the positive economic impact that Buhrman-Pharr Lofts is having on their downtown, and they are pleased that their city’s historic fabric is being preserved. Additionally, within the next three years, the project team hopes to restore two of the other buildings that occupy the site (See Phase Two).