Richmond City Hall

Architect: Ballou and Justice, renovation by SMBW architects
Date: 1971
Address: 900 East Broad Street

While opinions of City Hall cover a vast range, the particularity of its image is difficult to ignore. Built in 1971, it was the tallest building in Virginia for four years. Deteriorating structural conditions of its facade of marble and granite prompted a re-cladding of the exterior by local firm SMBW. This resulted in an award winning project of an aluminum-based facade, keeping the original intent and personality of City Hall while improving on its structural concerns.

The building sits on a four story plinth of black marble, raised above the street level and contained by planters. A large glass canopy is suspended over the entrances, drawing the pedestrian under and into the center of the building. As a form, it is a fairly straightforward skyscraper of uniform sides, divided into quadrants internally. But the structure manages to stand out distinctly on the Richmond skyline through the recognizable recessed windows and emphasized spandrels, an image enabled by the detached perimeter columns from the exterior curtain wall system. The overhanging roof, service box above and antenna give it the vague appearance of a slowly moving massive ship on the horizon.

In total, City Hall contains more than 800 employees; 18 departments and agencies in addition to offices for the city government, mayor, city council and school administration comprise the 21 story building. Some of the best views of the city can be found from its lookout on the top floor, publicly accessible and free of charge.

M.F.A.

Sources:
Hart, S. (n.d.). Born again: A new skin offers a new start. Architectural Record, Retrieved from http://archrecord.construction.com/features/green/archives/0505edit-1.asp