The Source for Richmond Architecture and Design Information

Current: First Unitarian Universalist Church Wins Award from AIA

Each year, the American Institute of Architects’ Virginia Chapter presents its Test of Time Award to a building between 25 and 50 years old that has served its tenants and the wider community admirably. This year’s winner is the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Richmond’s Carillon District designed by the notable late architect Ulrich Franzen.  …

Modern Architectural Sculpture in Richmond, 1927 – 1960

This article comes to us from guest writer, Robert Winthrop. Winthrop is partner at Winthrop, Jenkins, and Associates, a Virginia based architecture firm specializing in historic renovation. Historic buildings have also been his focus in numerous writings and lectures. As author of The Architecture of Jackson Ward, Cast and Wrought: The Architectural Metalwork of Downtown Richmond, Virginia, …

Interview: Walter Parks

This winter, Don O’Keefe and Mario Accordino interviewed architect Walter Parks at his office in Jackson Ward. Since founding his studio in 1993, Parks has worked on projects ranging from single family homes to large, mixed-use structures. He is most well known for the many urban multi-family housing buildings which his firm has designed across …

Portfolio: Modernism of Willow Lawn

Willow Lawn Shopping Center opened in Richmond’s Near West End in 1956. The development was a new frontier in the city, giving concrete form to the postwar American Dream of middle class suburbanity. In the mall’s periphery a new type of suburban landscape was being developed. Offices, hotels, and apartments were created, replicating the economic …

In Support of Pear Street

  A controversial new development has been proposed in the East End. The development, commonly known as Pear Street, is sited in Shockoe Bottom at the eastern terminus of Tobacco Row, a street of large tobacco warehouses which has been converted into a mixed use neighborhood. The site is currently zoned for industrial use so …

Virginia’s Favorite Architecture

Recently, the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects conducted an open poll to determine the commonwealth’s most beloved buildings. The result is “Virginia’s Favorite Architecture,” a list of 100 well known structures around the state. Richmond had a deservedly good showing, earning 23 of the overall spots. Here are three more Richmond structures …

Opinion: ChildSavers Building

Architect: Philip Johnson, renovation by Baskervill Dates: 1968, renovation in 2007 Address: 200 North 22nd Street Philip Johnson’s WRVA radio station, now the ChildSavers building, goes beyond padding Richmond’s architectural resume with an illustrious name. The building functions as a beacon of creativity and innovation in one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods. The materiality of concrete …

Interview: Burt Pinnock

    This spring ArchitectureRichmond’s Don O’Keefe met with Burt Pinnock at the office of BAM Architects in Scott’s Addition. The following interview is an edited version of that conversation centered on Pinnock’s development as an architect, his work as a founding partner at BAM, and his ongoing commitment to community based development. Pinnock also …

Current: A New Building for McGuire Woods

McGuire Woods, a law firm headquartered in downtown Richmond with 19 offices worldwide, has recently announced a new Headquarters building is to be constructed. The building’s site is a full block south of cary between 8th and 9th streets. It will be somewhere from 15 to 20 stories tall. This block is currently occupied by …

Retail Design in Richmond Part I: Need Supply and Black Swan Books

Need Supply Co. Architect: BAM Architects Dates: 2007-2010 Address: 3100 West Cary Street 23221 Black Swan Books Architect: BAM Architects Dates: 2003 Address: 2601 West Main Street Since 1996, Need Supply Co. has dealt in boutique women’s and menswear from its store in Richmond. Over the years, it has developed a large online presence. Recently, …