The Ladybird Hat Factory is a historical warehouse at 140 Virginia Street on the Canal in Downtown Richmond, Virginia.

uy5m6929

The developer, Fulton Hill Properties, took a rundown factory and refurbished it into a modern office space with a gigantic spiral staircase entrance.

uy5m6971

uy5m6963

Gepetto craftsmen reclaimed the antique posts from the warehouse and milled them into a three story spiral staircase encircling a waterfall.

uy5m6957

For each tread a template was formed to custom cut the wood blocks before installation into the iron framework.

uy5m6941

The handrails are custom milled to fit the irregular arc of the spiral.

uy5m6953

The completion of the project demonstrated the unique abilities of Gepetto MIllworks to apply handmade craftsmanship where computer design could not predict the needs of the project.

uy5m6932

Gepetto was able to work within the Developer’s budget.

uy5m6937

Run your hand down the railing as you descend from your appointment in the building and feel the joy of being surrounded by the natural presence of wood materials and quality craftsmanship.

uy5m6945

In the above handle, a steel bar was inserted into the center of the wood to provide extra structural stability in a high wear area.

uy5m6967

uy5m6913

Gepetto Millworks are uniquely positioned to provide you with modern quality finished wood projects incorporating a fusion of antique or organic elements in your architectural project!

Lynchburg Historic Restoration and Building Services

How to plan historic restoration in Lynchburg, VA: assessment, Certificate of Appropriateness review, tax credits and in-kind millwork for windows, doors and stairs.

Historic Handrails and Decorative Porch Builders: A Guide

How to specify historic handrails and decorative porch railings: reading the evidence, matching era and materials, code heights, and choosing a builder.

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Windows

What the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards require for historic windows: repair first, in-kind replacement, documentation for review, and energy upgrades.

Historic Column Replacement: Choosing the Right Builder

How to decide between repairing and replacing a historic column, what to document first, which materials hold up, and what a qualified replacement builder should do.

Transom and Sidelights Restoration for Historic Entrances

How to assess, free, repair and match a historic transom and sidelights: glazing, stained glass, paint and lead safety, and when to bring in a millwork specialist.

Curved Stair Repair: Assessing, Mending and Matching

How to assess and repair a curved staircase: treads, risers, stringers and handrails, the code limits that apply, typical costs, and when to call a millwright.