Corby Hicks

With both Industrial and Residential Historic Districts, Carver is another of Richmond’s historically significant neighborhoods located near the City’s center and adjacent to VCU.  The area (roughly 54 square blocks) is bordered by Lombardy Street to the Northwest, Belvidere Street to the Southeast, Interstate 95 to the Northeast and Broad Street to the Southwest.

Carver began to take shape in the early 1800’s when John Buchanan began to break up the 500 acre estate and sell the smaller parcels. By the middle of the century, many of Richmond’s working class (tradesmen, merchants and skilled laborers) had begun building homes for their families. The first homes were mostly built as attached brick rowhouses — some with storefronts — in the Italianate style with several examples of the Greek Revival and Queen Anne styles following shortly thereafter. Additional rowhouses, detached homes and some of the larger buildings came along late that century and in the early 1900s.  

The industrial district was built on the Western side of the neighborhood between 1890 and 1930.  These structures were built in a variety of architectural styles including Art Deco, Colonial Revival, Gothic Revival, Italian Renaissance, Queen Anne, Romanesque and Second Empire. One notable industrial structure was the Eagle Brewery which would eventually become the Richbrau Brewery which still exists today.  The original brewery drew its water supply from the nearby Buchanan’s Spring.

Given its close proximity, Carver has been strongly influenced by VCU and its community in more recent years. The Stuart C. Siegel Center was a significant catalyst for change when it was opened in 1999.  The University’s phenomenal growth since then — not to mention lots of national attention since the basketball team’s string of NCAA tournament appearances — has continued to encourage investment in the area. Local and national retailers like Starbucks, Kroger, Dunkin’ Donuts and others have filled in long overlooked commercial spaces along Broad Street. Most recently, Whole Foods has made a significant investment in adapting another existing structure just a few blocks away from Carver. Several developers have also converted several of the larger historic industrial buildings into condominiums. 

Things to do:

Stuart C. Siegel Center – Take any opportunity you get to go see a legit NCAA basketball game in a small but great venue.

Edo’s Squid – Just Broad on Harrison Street, this locally-owned italian restaurant is must visit on your culinary to-do list.

First Fridays Art Walk – Mark the first Friday of every month on your to visit what has become a Richmond institution.

Sugar Shack Donuts – It may not qualify as your healthiest option in Carver but it is well worth a visit on your cheat day.  

Another Northside neighborhood that was overlooked until recent years is Rosedale.  Rosedale is located on the west side of Hermitage Road just North of the I-64 / I-95 overlap, East of I-95 and South of Bryan Park.  

It’s easy to overlook the Rosedale neighborhood as you travel the Northside.  With Laburnum Avenue being the only major thoroughfare running through the neighborhood and not many reasons to turn right or left, Rosedale will be in your rearview mirror before you know.  There are those that would argue limited through traffic is a good thing when it comes to a neighborhood and I’d agree… less traffic on these smaller streets makes for a pedestrian / family friendly neighborhood.

Unlike the adjacent neighborhoods of Bellevue, Laburnum Park and Sherwood Park, most homes in Rosedale were built between 1930 and 1960 with a few exceptions built earlier around the turn of the century.  The most notable exceptions are located along Hermitage Road in the Hermitage Historic District (designated by the City, Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places).

Lewis Ginter’s “Rosedale Lodge” is also tucked away on the Western edge of the neighborhood.  Ginter built the lodge in 1896, not only as a favor to the Deep Run Hunt Club, but to draw more interest in the adjacent neighborhoods he was building. After changing hands several times over the years, the home is now in private hands.

The majority of Rosedale homes (those built in the 30’s and later) were constructed on parcels of less than a half acre and were much smaller than their historic neighbors.  One story cottages and bungalows as well as two story Colonial Revival and Tudor homes ranging between 900 and 1800 square feet were the norm. Many homes have been renovated and expanded to exceed 2000 square feet in recent years.

The rapid growth of nearby Scott’s Addition, commercial / retail investment, and residential buyer interest in all things Northside, has shined a light on Rosedale and created new demand for homes in the neighborhood.  Here are a few popular spots nearby:

PARK365 (formerly ARCpark) – Two and a half acres of playground for kids of all ages and abilities.  

The Diamond – Minor League baseball is just blocks away at The Diamond.

Kitchen 64 – It’s a popular spot for brunch, lunch and/or dinner on the covered patio.

Bryan Park – Azalea gardens, frisbee golf, tennis, trails for riding or walking, playgrounds, ponds… there’s a little something for everyone.

Roy’s Big Burger – A walk-up burger joint offers a bit of nostalgia just up the street on Lakeside Avenue.

Though it’s not one of the oldest neighborhoods in Richmond, Windsor Farms is home to some of Richmond’s most architecturally significant (and valuable) properties. The neighborhood is located on the southern side of Cary Street Road between Old Locke Lane, the Powhite Parkway and the northern banks of the James River.  

First conceived in 1926 under the leadership of well-known Richmonder, T.C. Williams, Windsor Farms is one of the first Richmond communities designed with the automobile in mind.  The overall design, however, was created to resemble an English village with a large central green space and circular streets radiating out from there. Deep setbacks, large yards, brick and stone sidewalks as well as large oak and magnolia trees contribute heavily to that aesthetic. Sticking to that English theme, architectural styles are mostly Colonial Revival, Tudor and Cape Cod. 

It was also Mr. Williams that acquired Agecroft Hall in Lancashire, England, had it disassembled and shipped to Richmond.  He chose to reconstruct the building on a 23 acre parcel overlooking the James River. At roughly the same time, Alexander and Virginia Weddell purchased the salvaged materials from another antique English structure in Warwickshire that they used to construct the Virginia House next door.  These two homes immediately gave Windsor Farms two architecturally significant and stately English homes and set the tone for homes that were built in the following years.

From the moment you enter Windsor Farms today, it is clear that residents have stayed true to the neighborhood’s original design intentions over the years.  Large, grand homes on large well-manicured lots remain the norm.  

Things to do:

Carytown – Just around the corner.  There are lots of options. Here are a few:  The Daily Kitchen & Bar, Can Can Brasserie, Burger Bach, The Byrd Theater, Plan 9 Records, Chop Suey Books, Mongrel, World of Mirth 

Virginia House – Owned and operated by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the house is available for special events.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Located in the nearby (and aptly named) Museum District.  The VMFA is world class museum with superb collections usually reserved for museums in much larger cities. It’s worth a visit!

Often overshadowed by the more well known Northside neighborhoods of Bellevue and Ginter Park, Sherwood Park is a hidden gem.  The area is filled with charming, mostly brick homes along sleepy, tree-lined streets. The adjacent historic campuses of Union Presbyterian Seminary and Veritas School also contribute to the neighborhood’s appeal.  Its borders are formed by Westwood Avenue to the North, Brook Road to the East, Interstates 64/95 to the South and Hermitage Road to the West.

Sherwood Park (like other Northside neighborhoods Ginter Park, Laburnum Park and Bellevue) was originally conceived in the late 1800s as a streetcar community by well-known and accomplished Richmond businessman, Lewis Ginter. Ginter hired renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, Sr. to design the neighborhood but, sadly, times changed and other forces watered down Olmstead’s vision before it could be fully realized.  However, another decision Ginter made did turn out to be very significant and meaningful to Sherwood Park and Ginter Park — he convinced Union Theological Seminary to the move to the area by donating 11 acres of land for a new campus. Union began construction of the campus in the mid 1890s. It now stands as a beautiful example of Tudor Revival architecture and one of the most recognizable historic properties in Richmond.

Ginter’s focus shifted from Sherwood Park to Ginter Park over time as he saw more potential in the growing interest of more affluent families in the Ginter Park development.  Still, some lots in Sherwood were sold prior to 1900 but residential development did not begin in earnest until the mid 1920s. The first home was completed in 1929. As more outside forces such as the Great Depression and the construction of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike further slowed progress, the bulk of the homes were built between 1930 and 1960.

As interest in city living has renewed in recent years and Northside has become a popular destination for home buyers, Sherwood Park is poised to flourish again. It’s easy to see with just a quick drive through the neighborhood… construction dumpsters and contractor trucks scattered from block to block are the telltale signs of growing investment in the area. Supporting entertainment / retail / commercial development in other areas only blocks away (such as The Boulevard corridor and Scott’s Addition) has also been a strong catalyst.

Things to do and see nearby:

Union Presbyterian Seminary – It’s nice to have such a striking campus with such handsome architecture just a stone’s throw from home.

Lewis Ginter Recreation Association – A historic gem now a busy summer favorite for nearby residents.

Early Bird Biscuit Company – Tasty biscuits and pastries on Bellevue Avenue. Yes, please.

MacArthur Ave – The place to be in Northside. Several popular restaurants, a coffee shop, yoga studio, a small market and a wine shop draw many from both nearby residents and folks from other parts of the City.

Little House Green Grocery – Local, organic, natural and high quality food in small convenient (and green) package.

Flying Squirrels Baseball – The San Francisco Giants Double-A affiliate plays just blocks away at The Diamond.

The Carillon neighborhood is yet another Richmond historic district. In fact, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Located on the northern side of the James River between Byrd Park, Powhite Parkway and the Downtown Expressway, the neighborhood is easily accessible from several popular City neighborhoods, retail and dining destinations, and many outdoor recreational activities.

Like several other areas of Richmond, the land that now makes up the Carillon neighborhood was originally owned by William Byrd II until his passing in 1744. The land changed hands several times over the next (roughly) 150 years and was used for mostly agricultural purposes until the City created Byrd Park and built the reservoir in 1884. The addition of streetcar lines shortly thereafter helped bring residential development to the area.  

The neighborhood takes its name from the most visible structure in the area — the World War I Memorial Carillon located on the western edge of Byrd Park. Standing at 240’ tall with fifty-three bronze bells, the historic Georgian Revival bell tower can be seen and heard from several points in the City. It was dedicated in 1932 (after years of planning and delays) as a memorial to the more than 3500 Virginians that gave their lives during World War I.

Though there are a few examples of 19th century architecture, most structures in the neighborhood were built during the first half of the 20th century or later. Many modestly sized homes in various architectural styles — Colonial Revival, Italianate, Ranch, Tudor Revival and Minimal Traditional — were constructed utilizing brick, stone, stucco, terra cotta and wood. Today, many homes have retained the charm of their original designs but have added square footage and/or porches over the years.

Given its proximity to Byrd Park, Maymont and the river, there are a myriad of activities and events to choose from. Byrd Park offers 200+ acres of park land, walking / running / biking trails, pedal boating at Fountain Lake, and more. Regular concerts are held at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater during the summer months… not to mention the very popular annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks show. Maymont’s formal gardens, arboretum, nature center and zoo are also just around the corner.

Things to do:

Arts in the Park – One of the top art shows in the country happens every May. Get it on your calendar.

Maymont – Historic mansion tours, formal gardens, events, zoo, nature center and more.  You could spend a whole day here and not see it all.

Dogwood Dell – The summer concert series (June – August) has a little something for everyone.

Pumphouse Park – A beautiful old Victorian Gothic pumphouse that’s worth a visit for the architecture alone but there are also trails and occasional events.

Carytown  — sometimes referred to as “the mile of style” — takes its name from its location on Cary Street which was named after Colonel Archibald Cary in 1927. The district has become one of Richmond’s most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. Dozens of local restaurants, boutiques, shops, bakeries and (more recently) a few national retailers fill out several blocks of mostly historic structures along Cary Street with a charm and appeal that just isn’t found in modern malls. Located between the southern side of the Museum District and the Downtown Expressway, 195 and The Boulevard form the western and eastern borders respectively.

The Byrd Theater — a State and National Historic Landmark — was actually built several years before “The Cary Street Park and Shop Center” that would become the original catalyst for the Carytown shopping district we know today. Opened in the late 1930s, the park and shop was Richmond’s first strip mall. The concept quickly became popular and drew many more locals to the area. Retailers and other businesses recognized the opportunity and expanded to many other blocks along Cary Street over the next 30 years.

Carytown also hosts several fashion, wine and film events throughout the year as well as The Watermelon Festival at the end of every summer.  These events have become an important part of Carytown’s personality and typically draw large, diverse groups of both City residents and tourists.

Carytown also hosts several fashion, wine and film events throughout the year as well as The Watermelon Festival at the end of every summer. These events have become an important part of Carytown’s personality and typically draw large, diverse groups of both City residents and tourists.

Here are a few places to check out while you are there:

The Daily Kitchen & Bar – A meal without the guilt… the menu is built upon healthier organic, local ingredients and includes a little something for everyone. Check it out for brunch, happy hour and/or an outdoor meal when the weather’s right.

Can Can Brasserie – This French style brasserie is yet another popular Richmond hotspot for brunchers and people watchers.  Pop in for a pastry and coffee if you’re not up for a full meal.

Burger Bach – Some of the best burgers you’ll find in Richmond.  

The Byrd Theater – $4 movies in a historic venue without the half hour of previews on the front end. Need I say more?

Plan 9 Records – Part of a dying breed of old school record shops that is still going strong in Richmond.  

Chop Suey Books – The polar opposite of Barnes & Noble… small, locally-owned and a personality all its own.

Mongrel – How to describe such an interesting gift shop? I’m not sure I can do it any justice if I try. Trust me… it’s worth a visit.

World of Mirth – A throwback to a time when people bought toys in toy stores rather than stopping in a “big box” for a gallon of milk, a chain saw, underwear and a set of legos.

Carytown Homes For Sale:

The Museum District is another uniquely Richmond neighborhood built upon history, architecture and community listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Surrounded by several popular neighborhoods (including the Fan, Carytown, and Scott’s Addition), it is within several blocks in just about any direction of restaurants, breweries, shopping and other popular hotspots. The district’s borders are formed by Boulevard on the East, Ellwood Avenue to the South, 195 on the West and Broad Street at the Northern edge.

Like many areas of Richmond, the Museum District was originally farmland which later became a crucial asset during the Civil War. The Robinson House – now part of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) campus and under restoration – was originally the primary farmhouse on the land.

In 1885, “Robert E. Lee Camp No. 1” was set up there and on the surrounding 36 acres now bound by Grove Avenue, Sheppard Street, Kensington Avenue, and the Boulevard. A few other structures from that era still stand today including the camp’s restored Gothic Revival chapel.

There were many interesting twists and turns over the years leading up to the residential community we see now… One resident (Oliver Schoolcraft) even built a horse racetrack between what is now Grove Avenue and Cary Street. It was the addition of horse-drawn, steam and eventually electric streetcar lines that made the area attractive for suburban development. Several notable Richmond figures (including Major James H. Dooley and Joseph Bryan) formed the West End Land Development Company in 1889 and laid out plans for a large development. Residential construction began in earnest in the mid 1890s and carried on through the early 1940s. Brick rowhouses, detached townhouses, churches, schools and apartment buildings were built along tree lined streets in a variety of architectural styles including Classical Revival, Tudor Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Craftsman, Art Deco. The City annexed much of the neighborhood in 1904 as growth continued and the neighborhood became more “urbanized”.

Today, the neighborhood is a thriving community that embodies much of what makes Richmond such a great place. Many of the historic homes and larger structures have been renovated, revitalized and/or adapted for modern use without compromising the architectural charm. Sidewalks are regularly filled with children playing, residents walking pets and catching up with each other, runners and casual site seers.

Places to visit:

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – A world class museum with amazing permanent and visiting collections typically only found in much more well-known museums in much larger cities. Enjoy the art, relax on the lawn or by the waterfall, have lunch by the pond… just go!

Virginia Museum of History & Culture – Spend some time getting to know more about Virginia’s history.

Black Hand Coffee Co – Enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel on a lazy Sunday morning in this cozy little neighborhood coffee shop.

Belmont Butchery – How great is it to have a renowned, old school butchery in the neighborhood??

North End Juice Co & North End Ice Cream – These neighbors serve up more than just juice and ice cream! They’ve got sandwiches, salads, poke, and more.

Akida Japanese – It might look like a hole in the wall, but this place delivers some of the best sushi in Richmond.

Lemon Cuisine of India– If sushi’s not your thing, try Indian! This place is right on Broad street, just at the edge of the Museum District, and is both authentic and delicious.

Homes For Sale:

$749,950

2913 Ellwood Avenue Richmond, Virginia

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,608 SqFt 0.060 Acres

$724,950

2917 Ellwood Avenue Richmond, Virginia

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,608 SqFt 0.060 Acres

$699,950

2915 Ellwood Avenue Richmond, Virginia

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,528 SqFt 0.060 Acres

$529,900

2805 Monument Avenue U1 Richmond, Virginia

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,000 SqFt 0.170 Acres

$275,000

3410 Monument Avenue U104 Richmond, Virginia

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,136 SqFt

$232,900

3115 Patterson Avenue U5 Richmond, Virginia

2 Beds 1 Baths 852 SqFt 0.020 Acres

$209,500

2810 Kensington Avenue U8 Richmond, Virginia

2 Beds 1 Baths 941 SqFt 0.020 Acres

$162,500

3020 Patterson Avenue U10 Richmond, Virginia

1 Beds 1 Baths 500 SqFt 0.010 Acres

$157,000

3513 Hanover Avenue UC Richmond, Virginia

1 Beds 1 Baths 655 SqFt 2.190 Acres

$151,000

3020 Patterson Avenue U7 Richmond, Virginia

1 Beds 1 Baths 480 SqFt 0.010 Acres