The Source for Richmond Architecture and Design Information

William Byrd Apartments

2501 W Broad St Marcellus E. Wright 1925 Though it now shares the street with nearly deserted surface parking lots and fast food chains, the William Byrd Apartments stand as a relic of urban commerce and mass transit. Conceived as a bold commercial node to pair with the newly opened Broad Street Station across the …

Lava Lofts

Carl Ruehrmund, renovation by Hower Studio 1905, 2012 renovation 310 N. 33rd St. Compared to its diminutive neighbors, the Lava Lofts is a monument. In more urbane company, the building might not be so compelling, perhaps not even notable. But as it is, Lava Lofts is exemplary of a certain kind of urban relationship in …

Archibald Freeland House

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 …

Billups Funeral Home

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 …

Byrd Theatre

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 …

Shockoe Hill Cemetery

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 …

Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter

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

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 …

Central United Methodist Church

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 …

The Locks

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 …