Masonic Temple (Richmond, Virginia) Explained

Masonic Temple
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:December 14, 1982[1]
Designated Other1 Number:127-0296
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Location:101-107 W. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia
Coordinates:37.5461°N -77.4436°W
Built:1888-93
Architect:Jackson C. Gott
Architecture:Richardsonian Romanesque
Added:February 10, 1983
Area:0.3acres
Refnum:83003305
Nrhp Type:nrhp
Nocat:yes
Nrhp Type2:indcp
Partof:Broad Street Commercial Historic District
Partof Refnum:87000611
Designated Nrhp Type2:April 09, 1987

The Masonic Temple in Richmond, Virginia is a Richardsonian Romanesque style building built during 1888–1893, designed by Jackson C. Gott. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

It is a prominent building in downtown Richmond.

Its NRHP nomination asserts that the building is the finest example of Richardsonian Romanesque style architecture in the state, and others have asserted that at its time of construction it was "one of the 'most magnificent examples of modern architecture in the South.'"[2]

The design by Gott was one of 17 submitted in a design competition.[2]

The building was used for a 1905 function attended by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. It was used by the Masons until 1971. In 1982 the Richmond Foundation for the Arts acquired it with intended purpose of its serving as an arts center for the region.[2]

At some later date the building housed a catering venue,[3] office building[4] and apartments.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 19 March 2013.
  2. Web site: Robert P. Winthrop . National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: The Masonic Temple . November 4, 1982 . 2010-06-16 . Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission. and Accompanying photo at Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission, undated
  3. http://renaissanceva.com/ The Renaissance Conference Center website
  4. http:/ /www.loopnet.com/Listing/16607583/107-West-Broad-Street-Richmond-VA/ loopnet.com listing for the Renaissance Building.