A Municipal Gothic Revival Architectural Marvel
The former Richmond City Hall occupies an entire downtown city block rivaling any municipally designed executive branch within the United States and Europe. Designed by Elijah E. Myers, the trophy Gothic Revival design features a unique symmetrical appearance. The 195-foot clock tower on the left side of the façade gives an impression of asymmetry. The completed masterpiece functioned as Richmond’s City Hall from 1894 until the 1970s.
Two historic buildings, the former 1818 city hall and the Edmund Randolph House, an 1800 octagonal-ended structure were demolished to prepare the site. The 1853-constructed First Presbyterian Church was relocated.
Detroit based Myers was selected in 1884 following a design competition. The project was bid twice due to the lowest bids being significantly above the designated budget. A lower bid emerged in the second round, but the city council remained with Myers proposal. It was rumored that Myers paid a bribe of $1,500 to ensure that his design would be fully adhered to. It was larceny well invested.
During his era, Myers was a well-respected professional having designed the state capitol buildings in Colorado, Idaho, Michigan and Texas. The spectacular interior atrium completes the aesthetic package and over time would arguably justify the extravagance and cost overruns.
His completed version became the tallest locally until being surpassed by the First National Bank Building.
Despite the extravagance and polish, the building’s future became in jeopardy during 1915 upon the popularity of the Beaux-Arts architectural style. Renewed threat for demolition surfaced during the 1970s, but a solution became the restoration of the edifice in the early 1980s. The building is currently employed for office use.