Architect unknown c. 1770. 1870s, alternations 1015 Bainbridge Street The imposing two-story red brick mansion crowning a knoll near the intersection of Bainbridge and Eleventh streets is the oldest and largest house in Manchester. It was built in the mid-18th century by John Murchie, an early trustee of the town of Manchester (the jurisdiction later …
This article was made possible by a generous donation to ArchitectureRichmond’s recent Kickstarter Campaign by Richmond-based Piperbear Properties. ArchitectureRichmond’s staff and supporters would like to thank the people at Piperbear for their support for and interest in Richmond’s architecture and history. The facade of the Billups Funeral Home is classical confection that melds Greek, Roman and …
At its opening in 1928, the Byrd Theatre was enthroned as the king of Richmond’s movie houses. Despite the better part of a century of developments in film technology in the theater, on the set, and in the editing room, the Byrd’s crown remains undisturbed, if slightly dulled by wear. The theatre’s single grand screening …
1822 4th and Hospital Streets As the 18th century drew to a close, space grew scarce in St. John’s Churchyard, Richmond’s de facto resting place. Anticipating this demand, the City of Richmond invested in property in an underdeveloped area north of the Court End section of downtown, then a fashionable residential area. The site sat …
Clive Wilkinson 2008 103 South Jefferson Street The VCU Brandcenter is the graduate advertising program of Virginia Commonwealth University. Founded in 1996 as the Adcenter, the program is frequently recognized as the top graduate advertising program in the country. Its success, growth, and high profile prompted an expansion and renovation in 2008. Clive Wilkinson of …
Hathaway Tower Thomas A. Gresham, Brown and Gresham Associated Architects 1972 2956 Hathaway Road Deep in southwest Richmond lies the suburban crossroads known as Stratford Hills. Strip malls line the roadside, dotted with shops: a florist, a grocery store, a breakfast spot, a tattoo parlor, check cashing. Silently presiding over the comings and goings is …
Architect: Wiley Anderson Date: 1900 Address: 1211 Porter St Most of the architectural fabric that once made Porter Street the most fashionably attractive residential street in Manchester had fell victim to the wrecking ball by the 1970s. But one proud and important survivor is the Central United Methodist Church that anchors a corner of Porter …
Architect (Restoration): Walter Parks Architects Date: Late 19th to early 20th century Address: 311 S. 11th Street In the vicinity of the 1100 block of Byrd Street, just east of the gleaming office towers of Riverfront Plaza and the Williams Mullins building, downtown’s topography shifts dramatically. This almost 100 foot change signals the dividing line …
Architect: Marcellus Wright & Partners Date: 1965 Address: 2000 Riverside Drive A modest skyline of mostly apartment buildings is fast changing the silhouette of Manchester. Half a century ago, however, while this district was in serious decline, in 1965 in the adjacent neighborhood of Springhill, South Richmond received a shot of verticality with completion …
Architect: Baskervill and Son Date: 1956 Address: 3600 West Broad St Known as the Traveler’s Building to many, the ship-like structure that towers over I-195 was originally home to the Seaboard Air Line Railroad Company in 1958 and afterwards hosted various office tenants, including Traveler’s Insurance. The building served primarily as offices for the Virginia …