The Commonwealth Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Commonwealth Club
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | 319-415 and 400-500 W. Franklin St., Richmond, Virginia |
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| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival, Italian Renaissance Revival |
| Part of | Commonwealth Club Historic District (ID83003301) |
| Added to NRHP | April 7, 1983 |
The Commonwealth Club is a special private club in Richmond, Virginia, USA. It's a place where people, mostly men, could meet and socialize. The building you see today was finished in 1891. It stands at 401 West Franklin Street and is a key part of the Commonwealth Club Historic District.
Many people think the Commonwealth Club is one of the most beautiful buildings in Richmond. It also represented a time of big changes and growth in the Southern USA, known as the New South movement. Every year, the club hosts the Richmond German Christmas Dance. This is the oldest debutante ball in Virginia, a formal dance where young women are introduced to society.
Building Design and History
The Commonwealth Club wanted a unique building. At first, they looked for plans from local architects in Richmond. But they couldn't find a design that felt modern enough. So, the club decided to look outside Richmond for ideas. They wanted a style that was popular across the country.
The building was planned for a spot that was high above the street. The club wanted a fashionable design. But they also wanted the building to show Richmond's Southern charm. They chose a company called Carrère and Hastings from New York City. This company was one of four firms they considered.
Unique Architectural Style
The Commonwealth Club building looks different from many other buildings in Richmond. It has deep red bricks and brownstone trim. You can also see special clay decorations called terra cotta cartouches.
The building mixes two main styles:
- Colonial Revival: This style looks back to older American designs. It helped show a connection to history and tradition.
- Richardsonian Romanesque: This style was popular across the country. It showed that Richmond could afford the latest and most fashionable architecture.
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources officially calls its style Italian Renaissance Revival. This means it has features inspired by old Italian buildings.
