H.J. Holtz & Son has been in its “new” North Chesterfield location for nearly 18 months, and the renovation of the space is nearly complete. Nearly.
When company president Rick Holtz found a larger building for the growing company in spring 2023, he knew renovations would be necessary. He also knew it wasn’t wise to try to do everything at once; he wanted the team to occupy the space and feel their way into how it could best be used. And he didn’t want the in-house work to affect how the company serviced clients.
“We had to keep our eye on the ball: doing the work our clients need us to do,” he says.
While the project is not yet complete, the new location is looking – and feeling – comfortable and functional.
“It’s coming together,” Holtz says.
A former body work shop, the building has 12,000 square feet in a long, rectangular configuration. Administrative tasks are housed at one end, with a reception area that will soon feature a Holtz Built desk and a row of three individual offices. A door connects the administrative wing to a spacious, light-filled room with moveable standing desks. An adjacent conference room seats 14 around the table with ample wall space for brainstorming on butcher paper. A large screen allows for computer presentations.
Beyond, the building is largely open, with tables and shelving that can be rearranged to accommodate furniture, cabinets, or windows in varying stages of production. Two spray booths and a designated priming space allow multiple paint jobs to be managed simultaneously.
The carpentry division is at the far end of the building and is enclosed by a wall of windows that was moved from the company’s Scott’s Addition location. The wall helps to contain dust generated by woodworking equipment and creates a sound barrier that benefits both those working within the carpentry area and those outside.
The Holtz team framed the spaces and made the woodwork and trim. A subcontractor handled drywall, and John Calhoun of Cardinal Electric, a regular partner, took care of electrical. Pye Interiors of Charlottesville – whose principal designer is Linda Pye, Rick Holtz’s sister – advised on light fixtures, furniture, and overall decor.
“We’re pretty happy with how it’s shaping up,” Rick Holtz says. “And it will be great when it’s all finally finished.”