Staunton, Virginia, a city celebrated for its historical charm and vibrant culinary scene, has recently welcomed a unique lodging experience in its Wharf district. Above the well-loved Byers Street Bistro Staunton Va, Gibson’s Warehouse has opened its doors, offering a boutique hotel that blends history with modern comfort.
For nearly a year, the Wharf district of Staunton has witnessed significant renovations at 19 Middlebrook Avenue. Jeff Ramsey, the owner of Byers Street Bistro, has transformed 3,000 square feet of office space situated above his established restaurant into an intimate boutique hotel. Ramsey, who has owned the building for four years and operated his restaurants, Byers Street Bistro and J. Rugles, within it for almost two decades, saw an opportunity to revitalize the space and contribute to Staunton’s growing hospitality offerings.
The location, accessible via an entrance on Middlebrook Avenue facing the train station, boasts a diverse past. Before its current transformation, the space housed Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company before they relocated in 2017. Faced with limited demand for large office spaces and the unsuitability for retail, Ramsey conceived the idea of creating a small hotel. Instead of dividing the area into smaller office rentals, he envisioned self-contained living spaces, leading to the birth of Gibson’s Warehouse.
Gibson’s Warehouse features four distinct studio apartment suites, each designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Each suite includes a king-size bed, a private bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen, providing guests with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Privacy is ensured with individual secured doors for each room, accessed through a shared main lobby. Ranging from 600 to 650 square feet, these rooms offer ample space. Guests also benefit from shared laundry facilities located within the lobby, adding to the convenience of this boutique hotel experience in Staunton VA.
These studio apartments are currently available for both short-term and potentially longer stays. Ramsey is managing bookings through the hotel’s website and platforms like AirBNB, catering to overnight visitors and those seeking extended stays in Staunton. With nightly rates ranging from $87 to $200, Gibson’s Warehouse offers a range of options to suit different budgets. Guests receive a keyless entry code for easy access to their rooms via the shared lobby on Middlebrook Avenue. Each room comfortably accommodates up to two people. The immediate popularity of Gibson’s Warehouse upon opening its rentals underscores the demand for unique lodging options in Staunton, and its prime location above Byers Street Bistro is undoubtedly a draw for visitors.
A Building with History: Gibson’s Warehouse
The building itself is steeped in local history, designed by the prominent Staunton architect, T.J. Collins. Between 1891 and 1911, Collins left an indelible mark on Staunton, designing and remodeling nearly 200 structures. Gibson’s Warehouse, named after Right Reverend R. A. Gibson, was constructed between 1904 and 1909. Historically, it served as a hay and fertilizer store, later transitioning into a farm implement store, reflecting the area’s agricultural past.
The Wharf Area, where Gibson’s Warehouse is located, was once a vital hub for shipping and receiving in the Shenandoah Valley. Historical records, including Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, reveal wooden walkways that extended across Middlebrook Avenue from the railroad tracks, facilitating the movement of goods into the warehouses. The rear of the building historically overlooked stables, now the Wharf parking lot. Lewis Creek, which once flowed behind the buildings, was later channeled and paved over to create Byers Street, further shaping the landscape of this area.
By the mid-20th century, the Wharf area faced decline, with buildings falling into disuse. In the 1960s and 1970s, urban renewal plans even threatened demolition. However, Gibson’s Warehouse was initially renovated in 1983, only to suffer a fire in 1987. Despite being slated for demolition after the fire, the building was rescued, purchased, and thoughtfully rehabilitated, leading to its current iteration as Gibson’s Warehouse, a unique boutique hotel above Byers Street Bistro Staunton VA.
For those interested in experiencing this unique Staunton lodging, Gibson’s Warehouse is located at 19 Middlebrook Ave. Further details and booking information can be found at GibsonsWarehouse.com or through AirBNB. Discover a blend of historical charm and modern comfort in the heart of Staunton’s Wharf district at Gibson’s Warehouse, your perfect base for exploring all that Staunton and the surrounding area has to offer, with the added convenience of being steps away from the culinary delights of Byers Street Bistro.
