Friday, November 21, 2008

Health and Wellness at The Chamberlin





In addition to our waterfront resort lifestyle, The Chamberlin offers an on site state of the art Health and Wellness Program with Sentara. The Hygeia Health Club is reminiscent 0f a fine health spa and features a host of amenities and services. Some of thes features include our Sentara Wellness Coordinator who offers personal coaching, training and classes. The Cardio Fitness Center includes the Keiser equipment which is gentle on the joints and helps strenghten muscles. The Chamberlin heated indoor swimming pool with it's poolside menu offers aquadic classes. The waterfront walking trail along the seawall offers daily relaxation. These are just a few reasons to stay fit at The Chamberlin.

If rehabilitative therapies or additional nursing are needed we offer our "Peace of Mind Package". Sentara Health Care Services offers these services in the therapy gym or the privacy of your Chamberlin apartment home. You can remain safer and more independent in the comfort of your own apartment. Your Sentara Program Manager can help organize your care.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Chamberlin's Day at the Beach






On September 22nd the newly restored Chamberlin had it's day in the sun...literally. Hired by Trilogy Design Group, a professional sand sculptor resurrected The Chamberlin out of sand in only six short hours. The project was inspired as part of an ad campaign for the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. Drucker & Falk's Managing Director, Wendy C. Drucker, took part all day including hauling water up and down the beach and carving the windows herself. Drucker & Falk, LLC serves as the management team on The Chamberlin and played a central role in the restoration project.


At the end of the day The Chamberlin made entirely of sand served as the backdrop for a photo shoot which included Wendy Drucker and Marie Deloach, a Human Resources Admininstrator for Drucker & Falk, LLC.We couldn't help but share a couple of photos with everyone. Enjoy.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Opening Specials Available Now


The Chamberlin opened it's doors just three short months ago. Since that time our new residents have settled in to enjoy a life of luxury in the most beautiful setting available to Hampton Roads residents. The club dining program has been a big hit along with happy hours in the piano lounge and swimming in the heated indoor pool.

We invite those of you who are interested in living at the newly restored Chamberlin to visit soon for your grand tour. We are offering special introductory pricing and
incentives for a limited time only. Affordable apartment homes are starting now at only $1845 per month with significantly reduced entrance fees. Tours can be scheduled Monday-Saturday from 10-4 pm. Group tours are now being offered during Sunday Brunch as well at 12 pm. and 2 pm....See you soon!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Governor Tim Kaine visits The Chamberlin





Governor Timothy M. Kaine arrived at The Chamberlin this morning, August 20th to sign the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority's (FMFADA) plan for reuse of the Fort Monroe property when the U.S. Army vacates the base in September 2011. The FMFADA has created a plan that protects the property's historic character, maintains full public access, creates a large-scale park, and calls for adaptive reuse of existing buildings and allows new development within strict guidelines.

Governor Kaine acknowledged The Chamberlin as a fine example of what can be acheived under these guiding principles,a sentament that was shared by The Chamberlin's charter members and residents seated in the front row. The Chamberlin's elegant and historic Dining Room served as the perfect backdrop for this historic event, one that was quoted by Kaine himself as being "a goose bump moment."

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Share Your Story- A Treasure Reborn

My parents took us to the Chamberlin every summer and I will always
remember the wonderful salt water pools, the elegant and delicious
dining, the mimosa trees and catching fish on the pier. We went to
Buckroe Beach for the amusements at night and saw plays on the rooftop
garden. I'm so glad it's being renovated. It's too much of a treasure
to lose. I would love to be able to live there all the time!

Martha Faber
Richmond, VA

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Photo Gallery





Furnishings Begin to Arrive- 12 Days Until Opening






Only twelve days remain until the first Chamberlin residents begin to move in. The building is bustling with energy and excitement. Truckloads of furniture, rugs and draperies are being brought in at a feverish pace. You can quite literally watch the transformation throughout each day. Apartments continue to lease quickly as the news of our pre-opening special offer spreads. This special offer includes $500 off of the monthly rental rates. The grandeur and elegance of the building is what our visitors are raving about. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so without further adieu I am happy to share these photos taken just minutes ago. Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Share Your Story- Warm Biscuits with Orange Marmalade

When I was a young boy in Richmond, VA in the 1950's and early 60's our family would have a week of summer vacation at the Chamberlin Hotel and we would go to Fort Monroe (across the street) and Buckroe Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. I would love to have breakfast in the glorious main dining room, overlooking Hampton Rhodes, and Lester was our waiter year after year. Oh, the biscuits with butter and orange marmalade. I miss those times.........


From: Robert E. Gentry, MD

City: Knoxville

State: TN

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

PUTTING ON THE FINISHING TOUCHES


Much progress has been made! Many of the contractors have finished their work and we are close to the finish line of a two year restoration. The restored 'terrazzo' floors in the historic grand lobby turned out beautifully! In addition to the grand lobby, The Chamberlin offers many beautiful common areas for waterfront dining, leisure, recreation and so much more! Interior designers will soon be placing elaborate furnishings and accessories, giving the special 'finishing touches' in time for our June opening.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Spectacular Sunset Views!


You really must see it to believe it! Every day...all day the ships sail by. Air craft carriers, submarines, battleships, and other amphibious ships pass right before our eyes. It strikes all of us here as breathtaking. We simply can't get used to it. Private yachts and boats whirl past in beautiful patterns along the water. When the sun sets the real show starts. The horizon is dotted with twinkling lights and the sky turns the most beautiful blaze of orange. This photo was taken by the Marketing Director's husband during a recent trip to The Chamberlin.

There are many spectacular places at The Chamberlin wherein residents will be able to enjoy the amazing water views. The Solarium on the 9th floor leads out to the rooftop plaza. The plaza will feature planters and comfortable furnishings, perfect for gathering with new friends. The new sea wall will feature a 10' wide walking path which wonders along the water's edge. In fact, most of the building's amenities, common areas and apartments feature water and sunset views. We think the views might be one of the most special features of The Chamberlin. We'll let you decide.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Share Your Story- 4th of July Memories

How exciting!! I spent many summer vacations at the Chamberlin with my son, Carey, in the 70's and 80's. We used to go the week of the 4th of July every year. Then with my grandchildren. We were so sad when it closed. We drove down last summer with the grandchidren to see it and reminisce. It was still a work in progress then. I plan to come down and take a tour very soon. Looks very inviting as a place to retire and enjoy past memories at the same time. The surrounding area is lovely with the old historic homes and the Casemate Museum is extraordinary. We used to enjoy walking along the sea wall at night after dinner in the lovely dining room. Thanks to everyone who made this renovation possible and keeping many old, wonderful memories alive.

Jackie
Richmond, VA

Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Sun Rises in Our Charming Channel Bistro



Our charming Channel Bistro is likely to be one of the favorite and most visited
places inside The Chamberlin. Each morning complimentary coffee, cappuccino and tea will be served from the granite bar currently being installed. Waterfront cafe seating provides the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise, read the morning paper and chat with friends. Architectural details such as the brick archways and palladium windows have been thoughtfully preserved in this cheerful and lively space.

After breakfast, join your friends and neighbors at the Hygeia Health Club for a fitness class or water aerobics instruction designed by your personal Wellness Coordinator. Fresh baked goods, salads and sandwiches along with items from the grill will be available daily for breakfast and lunch.

Officers Club - A Tribute to Fort Monroe






Residents will soon be able to enjoy an evening cocktail from the comfort of The Chamberlin Officers Club. The granite bar and sophisticated pendant lighting has been installed. Hardwood flooring in a dark walnut finish was completed early this week. The cozy space will be outfitted with a billiard table, 42" plasma television and poker table along with the staffed bar. A waterfront location providing spectacular sunset views each evening creates the perfect venue for relaxing and socializing with friends. Perhaps most of all, this club room serves as the prime location for watching the ships pass by.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Share Your Story- Feb 24- Memories from 1942

Your conversion brings many memories. During 1934-1936, I was an enlisted man in the 2nd Coast Artillery at Fort Monroe attending the West Point Prep School. After I graduated from West Point in 1942, I attended the Coast Atillery School at Ft. Monroe and, through courtesy of Capt. George Rhoades (USN) then resident manager during the war, lived there during June and July with my new bride. It was hot! No air conditioning. I recall looking out across the water one night toward the Norfolk Naval Base and the surface was like a plate of glass. Not a ripple.

Submitted by: Wyley Baxter, Col.,USAF (Ret)

Share Your Story- Feb 24- Vacation Memories

My immediate and often extended family vacationed at The Chamberlin every year from the time I was 7 until I was in college. Ah, the memories. As an adult, I went back often. The last time I was there was October 2001, and security at Fort Monroe understandably was tight. I was one of a small handful of guests staying there and the only food available came from the vending machines. I'm not quite old enough to retire, but The Chamberlin certainly will be at the top of my list of places to check out when I do. I wish you great success!

Submitted by Jerry Stone
Roanoke, Virginia

Share Your Story- Feb 25- Hats Off

What a Grand job you have done in restoring this wounderful property back to its beauty. I can not begin to express the joy it brings not only to those who have grown up with the Chamberlin, but to those who have a special connection with it as well. My grandfather was dining room manager many years ago, My grandmother retired as comptroller after the Chamberlin was sold in 1999 and I worked as a desk clerk for 5 years. To be able to see the hotel brought back with so much thought over the historical importance as well as a need to be able to service others touches me and my family deeply. When you step off the elevator and see the tall columns, high ceilings, marble floors, the spectacular views from the dining room of the water and ships and then to be able to retire to your room at night looking thru the window at the moon reflecting off the water, it doesnt get any better. I would have never thought that some one would have been able to give the Chamberlin the face lift that she needed to bring her back. Hats off to all the men and women who have put a great deal of time, thought, and love into the Chamberlin so that many more generations can enjoy her beauty.

Submitted by Aaron Johnson

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Chesapeake Dining Room Comes Back To Life




Crews work this week to finalize fine details in The Chesapeake Bay Room. Visitors this week see new and exciting details as the building comes to life. Among them the original dance floor, solid brass chandeliers, sconces and fine architectural details. The Private Dining Room available for residents, thier guests and family members is almost complete with the same luxuries as the main Dining Room. Custom paint details are in progress on walls, trim and wainscoating. Sunlight bathes this space through the numerous restored palladium windows. Polishing on the terrazo flooring leading to the Dining Room will begin next week as well. A grand detail that brings back so many fond memories for Hampton Roads locals.

Today, state-of-the-art, stainless steel kitchen equipment arrives and is being placed in the vast gourmet kitchen. Around the corner, the Channel Bistro takes shape. The brick arches that define this space have been painted and soon the Coffee Bar will be in place.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Share Your Story - Best Friends Meet at Chamberlin Pool

In February, 1967 I participated in the Greater Peninsula SwimmingAssociation winter swim program. Our practice was at pool at The Chamberlin, which at that time, was the only indoor pool on thePeninsula. The pool was filled with salt water, had a lovely greentinge to it and burned yuour eyes. because swim goggles were yet to beinvented. It was at one swim practice that I met a tall girl, close to my age, who was a great swimmer. She and I shared a lane and at times, in order tonot do so many laps of butterfly, we would go underwater at the deep end and hide from the coaches. We were to become swimming soul mates. Several weeks after we initially met, I was riding my bike in my neighborhood and I saw my swim friend and did not understand why she was in my neighborhood. Afterall, I assumed that she lived in Hampton, not down the street from me in the Hidenwood neighborhood of Newport News. This was the beginning of what is now a 40 year friendship. My "friend" Jane, moved back to Newport News a year and a half ago and lives less than a mile from me. While we have always kept in touch, were in each others weddings, we have not lived in the same town since we left for college in the fall of 1976. Jane and I reminess often about the Chamberlin and I cannot wait to show her the fabulous renovation that is being done on the infamous pool. It is no longer filled with salt water, and no longer has a deep end, but will be as beautiful as it was in its heyday. Jane and I to commemorate our 40th anniversary of meeting each other areplanning a weekend trip without husbands, significant others and children! The final celebration will be to have the opportunity to swimin the Chamberlin pool just one more time.

Hard Hat Tours Begin

The moment has arrived. Sue Moniak, Executive Director and Joan Woodson, the Chamberlin's Marketing Director are settled into what will soon become home to a lucky 2oo+ residents. The temporary Marketing Office is now open and hard hat tours have begun. The response has been outstanding and pre-leasing is now in full swing. With the first of the apartment suites already reserved we are encouraging all those interested to contact us today and schedule a personal tour.

Hard hats are required and construction is still in progress. However, a beautifully furnished two bedroom model is available to view along with several other of our over 50 floor plans. The Chesapeake Dining Room is quickly taking shape. The original dance floor has been restored along with all of the amazing architectural details and paladium windows. In fact, the historic areas which will include the Poe Library, Monroe Market, Channel Bistro, Piano Lounge, Officer's Club and much more have visitor's raving.

With each new visit a story or memory has been shared. We've heard countless recollections of school dances, special brunches held in the Chesapeake Dining Room and even first kisses shared on the rooftop. Read some of our favorites or share your own in the SHARE YOUR STORY section of our Web site.