RVA Neighborhood Spotlight: Church Hill

Did you know that Church Hill is considered the first and oldest neighborhood in Richmond? The story began when William Byrd II was granted the land by King James. Upon arriving in the area and seeing the view of the James River from atop the hill, he was reminded of his native Richmond-on-Thames. In 1737, he commissioned a survey and laid out a plan for what would become the City of Richmond.

Did you know that you can find a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty in Chimborazo Park? The Boy Scouts of America dedicated the replica in 1950 “as a pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty to the United States of America.”

Did you know that St. John’s Church became an important part of the American Revolution in 1775 when Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech in front of the likes of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Richard Henry Lee and several others. We all know what happened from there… as it was not long after that the Declaration of Independence was drafted and the United States of America was born.

LOCATION

Its boundaries are a matter of debate but most consider the edges of the Church Hill district to be 32nd Street to the east, M. Street to the north, 21st Street to the west, and Franklin Street and Williamsburg Road to the south.Other adjacent neighborhoods often referred to as Church Hill are: Chimborazo, Fairmount, Peter Paul, Union Hill and Woodville. The zip code for this area is 23223. You can also get a fantastic view in the East End overlooking the city from its lofty perch.

HISTORY

The district draws its name from St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was built in 1742, by the founder of the city, William Byrd II. Byrd named our city because the view of the James from Libby Hill so closely resembled the English version known as Richmond Hill, which adorns the banks of the Thames River.

REAL ESTATE

Most homes are pre Civil-War. These days Church Hill has become fertile ground for community innovators, developers and builders. New modern architecture has begun to find its place alongside the historic, while many builders are reviving the Art Deco, Colonial Revival, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne structures that were so long overlooked. A stroll down the streets reveals row housing, townhouses, ornate wood porches, lavish scroll-work, and facades with combinations of stone and brick. Creative retail, unique restaurants – even an old school soda bar – and community-oriented spaces are contributing to the positive growth.

THINGS TO DO

– There are four parks in close proximity to Churchill: Patrick Henry, Libby Hill, Jefferson, and Chimborazo.

– The geography allows for spectacular sunsets, some say the best is viewed from Libby Hill, which also affords a view of the James River.

– Also home to the “hospital on the hill,” a former Civil-War hospital is open to the public as a museum.

– Robinson Street Theater is a renovated theater that offers arts-based programs with intent to restore healthy community.

– The closest Farmer’s Market is the 17th Street Farmer’s Market, also the oldest market in Richmond.

EATS

Hill Café – comfort foods in a cozy setting
Alamo BBQ – a little bit of Texas right here in Virginia
Roosevelt- award-winning, southern style restaurant
Cobra Burger – one of the best burgers in town!
Metzger Bar and Butchery – new takes on European fare
Liberty Public House – Family style eatery located in a revived art deco theater
Proper Pie Co – delicious pies of all kinds… what more could you ask for?
Sub Rosa – stone-milled grains baked inside a wood fired oven

While it could still be called a neighborhood in transition, the neighborhood has matured dramatically over the last few years. The pace of renovation projects, new construction homes and neighborhood businesses has almost become frenetic. Church Hill is quickly becoming one of Richmond’s most desirable and visited neighborhoods by all types, but especially by those that appreciate the history within an almost small-town urban setting just outside downtown.

See below the current listings in or near Church Hill: