A 119-year-old apartment complex in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk has a new owner who plans to elevate the property while keeping its historic charm.

Lightwell Development, a New York City-based real estate development firm focused on historic tax credit renovation work, bought Pelham Place at 521 Boissevain Ave. in September for $9.15 million. The firm’s principal owner, Tim Foley , is known for his rehabilitation work in Hampton Roads . He grew up in Northern Virginia and resided for a time in Ocean View.

“Anytime we blend luxury with the historic, it’s really exciting,” Foley said. “People are really drawn to that. They want the modern conveniences, but they like the touch of antiquity.”

His latest project, Pelham Place, was built in 1906 along West Olney Road between Stockle

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