the public school building

Hotel Fauna is the anchor property of Fauna & Flora, the re-imagined former school complex in Bedford, Virginia. The former Bedford Middle School will now be known as Flora, housing 58 one and two-bedroom market-rent apartments; The Public School building will become the 30-room Hotel Fauna. Managed by Retro Hospitality, the hotel will include a large restaurant, bar, and event space in the former gymnasium/auditorium.

Fauna & Flora draws inspiration from the native plants and animals of the region and celebrates the natural history and beauty of Bedford and its surroundings. Campus features will include a green roof and rooftop deck at the apartment building, magnificent views of the Peaks of Otter, native plantings on the campus grounds, an interactive human-size bird nest, and nods to native species throughout the interior design.

Waukeshaw is working closely with designers and experts to ensure that the newly imagined hotel is historically appropriate based on National Historic Register standards. The property plans to become a part of the highly respected Historic Hotels of America.

The gymnasium at the Hotel Fauna is also a key destination on the Bedford Boys Homefront Tour. On February 7, 1941, the Bedford Boys attended a dance and farewell party in the gymnasium where most of them had attended high school. For many, it would be the last time they would walk through its halls. The class of 1944 erected a plaque outside of the school to remember and honor those who attended the high school and were killed in World War II.

We look forward to working with the National D-Day Memorial to continue to honor their memory in the re-imagined space.