Demolition of Smith-Rogers Building Begins This Week

NORFOLK, Va.– April 28, 2026

WHO: City of Norfolk and the Chrysler Museum of Art

WHAT: The Smith-Rogers building has been approved for demolition

WHERE: The building is located at the corner of Mowbray Arch and Botetourt St. in the Ghent section of Norfolk.

WHEN: Beginning this week (week of April 27), neighbors should expect to see construction fences erected around the property, including the parking lot located on Botetourt St.

WHY: EVMS put the property up for sale in early 2019. The Chrysler Museum of Art, in conjunction with the City of Norfolk, purchased the property. The Museum has used parking lots on the property since 2023, when construction on the Perry Glass Studio began. The $3.2 million purchase was funded through a partnership between the Museum, the City of Norfolk, and a donation from Oriana McKinnon, who will be the namesake of the property. A specific use for the property has not yet been determined, but its acquisition could provide the Museum with a significant asset to plan for future growth.

HOW: A thorough inspection revealed materials, including asbestos, that require specialized removal procedures. Many structural updates would be required to meet current building codes and safety protocols, so demolition was determined to be the safest and most financially responsible option. The City of Norfolk is managing this project. They have selected Demolition Services, Inc., to work with Alpine Ridge Contracting, which will complete the asbestos abatement. Construction crews and vehicle traffic will enter and exit via two designated gates on Mowbray Arch and Botetourt Street. Work hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MORE: Neighbors should expect to see construction fences erected around the property, including the parking lot located on Botetourt St. During this time, there may be temporary traffic adjustments and increased noise.

Chrysler Museum of Art contact:
Ashley Grove Mars
Director of Communications
media@chrysler.org, 757-333-6312

City of Norfolk contact:
Diane Holmes
Programs Manager, Department of Neighborhood Services
diane.holmes@norfolk.gov, 757-823-4223

Updates and news will be posted to chrysler.org/news.

####

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART
The Chrysler Museum of Art brings art and people together through experiences that delight, inform, and inspire. Internationally recognized for its collection of more than 35,000 objects, including one the largest glass collections in America, the Museum also includes free admission, the state-of-the-art Perry Glass Studio, a full-service restaurant, shop, theater, works on paper space, and oversees the historic Myers House. The Museum boasts an ambitious schedule of exhibitions, events, and programs, and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusion through its innovative gallery host program. For more information, visit chrysler.org. Follow on social media @ChryslerMuseum to receive the latest updates.

####

For more information or interview assistance, please contact Tanya Kaish Keller, Public Relations Advisor, 757-618-3655 | mejanepr@gmail.com