MAIN BUILDING, RICHMOND COLLEGE
In the former block bounded by Ryland, Franklin,
Lombardy and Broad streets, Richmond
Built 1855, 1873, and 1876; demolished c. 1920
Photograph: Virginia Historical Society
The University of Richmond, now located in Richmond's far West End, traces its history to 1830 when a Baptist
seminary was opened in Powhatan County. In 1834 the school relocated to a former residence, "Columbia," a building
still standing at the northeast corner of Lombardy and Grace Streets. What would become the college's landmark edifice,
Main Building, was built in at least three phases beginning in 1855. The first building was designed by Thomas Alexander
Tefft, a Providence, R. I. architect; it resembled an Italianate villa, with three floors set atop an English basement. In
1873, a tower and central section were added. Finally, in 1876, the southernmost wing completed the ensemble. The
five-part structure, fronting Ryland Street and on axis with Grace, was unified by a mansard roof. The central tower
was crowned with a two-story, top-heavy confection in the French Second Empire style. Following the building's
demolition, Grace Street was extended through its site.
Next: Virginia Hall
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