The Fan District is actually quite a large area of the city of Richmond Virginia and is enclosed by Boulevard to Belvedere Street and then Main Street to Broad Street – take a look on the map and you’ll see for yourself.  It is so large that several other districts of the city are actually swallowed up or encroached on by the Fan, which incidentally derives its moniker from the fan-shape created by Monroe Park which sits at the southern end of the area and from which the roads “fan” west creating the district.

When you are on the ground, the buildings and architecture initially give a uniform appearance with many properties built prior to 1880 and after 1920 – the end of the American Civil War and of Richmond’s seat as capitol of the Confederacy has led to a divergent set of themes in building styles which can be seen when you pay close attention to the delicately designed facades, wrap around porches and genteel rooflines.

It pays to plan ahead when you are visiting the Fan District so you may easily navigate to places and points of interest without hesitation and delay.  Remember some of the properties we are providing here are in fact private residences, but this does not stop you from admiring them while some do allow visitors.

The Warsaw
Harvie & Main Street

The Warsaw used to be known as St Sophia of the Little Sisters of the Poor and was originally built in the Second Empire style in 1830 by William Anderson and was originally known as the Warsaw.  Post –Civil War, the building was bought in the 1820’s and a much larger building was erected which took in the original structure we see today.In the 1970’s this property was part of a real estate speculation and was converted into condos.

Stonewall Jackson School
1520 West Main Street Richmond Virginia

This is constructed in the Italinate style and was originally a schoolhouse to cater for a growing Richmond and increased population.  Today you can gain access to the building as it is now a combination of office space with a restaurant.

The Mosque - Renamed to Richmond’s Landmark Theater
6 North Laurel Street

Today the theater is the venue of choice for Broadway shows and concerts as well as used as lecture hall using a variety of function rooms as well as a huge 18,000 square foot ballroom.  The 3,500 capacity theater was purchased by the Acca Temple of the Mystic Shrine in 1940 and this belies the Exotic Elements applied with an exquisitely apportioned interior decorated with tile mosaics from home and overseas while the stunning centerpiece is the simply breathtaking 75,000 square foot dome which is covered in gold leaf.

Fox Farm
2221 Grove Avenue Richmond Virginia

Built in Federal Revival style, the property was originally run as a dairy when it was purchased in 1868 by John Fox – the locals quickly referred to it as Fox farm though it is not a farm in truth.  Charles Gillette, a well known landscaper bought the property in 1923 and embarked on a remodeling of the home producing the current building and also enclosed a garden.Currently the residence is not open to public visitors and is a private residence.

The properties we have highlighted take in the true variety that lies beneath what at first sight is a homogenous, urban landscape.  Richmond has been variously a capitol, since it’s inception a major trading and mercantile hub as well as being home to immigrants and cosmopolitan influences which have resulted in a truly interesting style of period properties which are individual and all have their own story to tell.

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