Winner of a 2023 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Architecture Award for innovative design and its contribution to the community as a “vibrant space for entrepreneurs and creatives,” the CODE (Center of Developing Entrepreneurs) Building was designed to provide Charlottesville’s finance and tech workers with work space options that are supported by interior and exterior alternatives, as well as ample power supply, food, and coffee. This nine-story mixed-use building, featuring an iconic architectural design, is situated on the west end of the historic Downtown Mall. The complex features office and co-working spaces, an auditorium, retail options, rooftop terraces with greenery, outdoor workspaces, and underground parking.

F&R conducted a subsurface exploration program, geotechnical engineering evaluations, and construction recommendations for the building. Due to the quality of work F&R provided during the design phase, the team was also awarded the special inspections and materials testing contract. The CMT/SI services included continuous inspection of tieback installations, concrete tests and inspections, monitoring and testing of compacted fill materials, evaluations of subgrade soils, monitoring of cast-in-place concrete, masonry testing, special inspections of structural steel, and ultrasonic testing during construction of the 213,000-square-foot building. F&R also provided periodic inspections for the green roof installation to verify compliance with project documents. This included inspecting the substrate and roofing material components, as well as the rooftop drainage and planting media. F&R’s engineers and technicians also completed extensive compaction testing for underground utility lines along the surrounding streets.