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Housing and Neighborhood Preservation
Richmond, VA 23219
(804)646-6344
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Richmond’s East End is the city’s birthplace. It was
among its hills overlooking the James River that William Byrd II, who owned the
land, founded his new settlement, and named after a city in England that had a
similar view of the Thames River.
The most recognized of these hills is Church Hill,
named for its many churches, the most renowned of which is St. John’s Episcopal,
site of Patrick Henry’s speech. The surrounding neighborhood, also known as
Church Hill, is Richmond’s oldest, and its antebellum homes, gas lamps, brick
sidewalks, and national historic status make it the City’s most famous as
well.
However, there is more to the East End than the
historic district. New developments north of Broad, such as Jefferson Mews and
Charity Square, are adding to the diverse character of the area, and an ongoing
revitalization process is bringing many older homes back to life. Libby Terrace
offers spectacular views of the James River, Tobacco Row, and downtown.
The Fulton area, south of Church Hill against the
county line, offers quiet streets, small frame and brick houses and a close-
knit community. A strong sense of family and local pride exists throughout the
East End; neighbors look out for each other and many families have lived in the
same house for generations.
For a great sample of what Richmond has to
offer—history, beauty, family and opportunity—look no farther than its East End.
Church Hill
The Church Hill neighborhood embodies the historic
nature of Richmond. Included in its boundaries are most of the original 32
blocks of the town laid out by Captain William Mayo in 1737.
Overlooking Shockoe and downtown, Church Hill is
Richmond’s first historic district. Among its many historical attractions is St.
John’s Episcopal Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “give me
liberty or give me death” speech, and Chimborazo Park, site of the Civil War’s
largest military hospital.
The area around St. John’s Church is the oldest intact residential district in the city. It features restored
antebellum homes ranging from modest cottages to the magnificent mansions of
some of the neighborhood’s original residents, the managers of Shockoe Valley =
factories. These handsome places reflect influences of Federal, Greek Revival
and Victorian architectural styles in their construction. Intricate iron
grillwork, made locally, frames porticoes fronting wide streets and decorates
long verandas, some leading to lush gardens.
Complementing the older structures are developments
such as Jefferson Mews on Jefferson Street and Charity Square on 25th Street.
Locations such as Libby Terrace offer breathtaking views of the James River.
Renovations to Main Street Station at the foot of Church Hill will bring
passenger trains and other transportation services near the doorsteps of
neighborhood residents.
Several parks offer attractive green spaces and, thanks
to the hilly location, many homes have views of the river or the city skyline.
Gas street lamps and brick sidewalks on certain blocks add to the area’s
historic ambiance.
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Fulton
Richmond’s Fulton neighborhood is one of its hidden treasures.
Located southeast of Church Hill along the banks of Gillies Creek and on the heights
overlooking downtown and the old Manchester docks, Fulton offers the quality housing and community
spirit of years gone by.
The neighborhood features a wide variety of housing
styles, from American Four Squares to Cape Cods. There are even a few Craftsman
Cottages scattered along its streets, as well as several old farmhouses. Though
the area is historically rich, most of the houses were constructed between the
1930s and 1950s and are a mix of brick and frame construction. Residents of the
community have a strong sense of civic pride and are very involved in local
associations.
Among the local sights are the National Cemetery, where
veterans from the Civil War to the Persian Gulf War are buried, and Powhatan
Hill Park, which offers a playground, a community center and magnificent views
of downtown and the south side of the city.
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