Medical Arts Building (Newport News, Virginia) Explained

Medical Arts Building
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:June 12, 2002[1]
Designated Other1 Number:121-0223
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Location:2901 West Avenue, Newport News, Virginia
Coordinates:36.9797°N -76.4344°W
Architecture:Greek Revival
Added:September 14, 2002
Area:less than one acre
Refnum:02001001

Medical Arts Building is an American historic medical office building located at Newport News, Virginia. It was designed by architect Charles M. Robinson and built in 1928. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Description

It is a four-story, nine bay by ten bay, rectangular brick building with Greek Revival style decorative elements. It has a heavy galvanized metal, denticulated cornice with a denticulated pediment over the projecting center section. The flat roof is fronted by a tall, brick, parapet wall topped by cast concrete. The front entrance is flanked by pilasters that support the entablature with the incised name Medical Arts Building. Above this is a shallow denticulated cornice that crowns the entire composition and carries a cast iron balustrade or false balcony.[2]

History

The building was historically used as a commercial building and featured several doctors and dentists offices as early as 1931. Several of the original doctors offices had segregated waiting rooms for nonwhite patients, this was one of the few locations in the area nonwhites could go for medical care. By 1971 at least two of the original doctors offices still remained. In later years tenants would include the Seaman's union, several attorneys, and an insurance agency.[3] The historic building has since been converted into senior living apartments.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 19 March 2013.
  2. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Medical Arts Building . Ashley M. Neville and Sarah Meacham. February 2002. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo
  3. Web site: 121-0223 Medical Arts Building . 2022-06-13 . www.dhr.virginia.gov . en-US.
  4. Web site: Medical Arts Senior Apartments - Newport News, VA . 2022-06-13 . Apartments.com . en.