
As one of the oldest major cities in the United States, Richmond features stunning examples of the various architectural styles that have been popular through the years. Get a new appreciation of the city's rich historical heritage when you view these classic buildings, only minutes from Richmond homes for sale.
- Virginia State Capitol - 1000 Bank St., Richmond, VA 23218
Any discussion of architecture in Richmond begins with the magnificent Virginia State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark. Founding father Thomas Jefferson designed the building in 1785 with assistance from French architect Charles-Louis Clerisseau. In addition to being the second-oldest working statehouse in America, the Capitol is the first structure in the country to be designed in the style of first-century Roman temples.
- Egyptian Building - 1223 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23298
Ancient pharaohs would have been justifiably proud of Richmond's Egyptian Building, located on the campus of VCU's Medical College of Virginia. Signature features of this style include the massive pillars at the entrance and the so-called battered walls, which are thicker at the bottom than at the top to give the illusion of height. Imhotep is considered the first physician of the Western world, so it's appropriate that the Egyptian Building is used for the medical school's classrooms and offices.
- Wills House - 407 N. 27th St., Richmond, VA 23223
Once home to a wealthy local merchant who owned the entire block, Wills House is the oldest residence in the historic Church Hill North neighborhood. Many of the original beaded boards still remain in this Federal-style building, which dates back to 1812 and is still in use as a private home. Just two doors down is Wills Store, believed to be the oldest commercial building in Richmond.
- Putney Houses - 1010-1012 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23298
In stark contrast to the nearby Egyptian Building sit the Putney Houses, once owned by father-and-son shoe manufacturers of the same name. The Italianate style marked a loosening of the restrictions found in more rigid architectural forms, such as Greek. Distinctive features of these Italianate homes include low-pitched roofs, round-head windows, and arcaded porches. Today, the restored houses serve as offices for VCU.
- Markel Building - 5310 Markel Rd., Richmond, VA 23230
Looking like something from the world of The Jetsons, the Markel Building evokes polarized reactions from most viewers. The circular structure, wrapped with unbroken pieces of textured aluminum measuring 555 feet in length, is thought to have been inspired by the sight of a foil-wrapped baked potato. However, the material is significant due to the heavy presence of Reynold's Metal in Richmond.
- Altria Theater - 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond, VA 23220
Back in the early 20th century, when entertainment venues were designed as "palaces," the Altria Theater still stood head and shoulders above the rest. Seven years of planning, two years of construction, and $1.65 million went into the completion of the building. Since its successful restoration in the mid-1990s, the Altria Theater has hosted a wide range of events, including Broadway productions, comedy shows, musical concerts, graduations, and lectures.
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