Jefferson Hotel, Main, Jefferson, Franklin & Adams Streets, Richmond, Independent City, Virginia

Significance: The Jefferson Hotel is one of the nation's outstanding examples of late-nineteenth century eclectic architecture and was designed by the well-known firm of Carrere and Hastings, architects of the Ponce De Leon Hotel in St. Augustine, Florida. In many ways it fulfilled the command of its patron, Major Lewis Ginter, the the architects to provide Richmond with the finest hotel in America. Aside from its architectural merit, the hotel as originally completed contained many advanced technological devices such as service telephones, complete electrical lighting, complete central steam-heating, and both hot and cold running water for each of its 342 guest rooms. It should be noted that among the fine appointments still contained in the building are an exceptional collection of late-nineteenth century academic paintings as well as the famous life-size marble statue of Thomas Jefferson by Richmond sculptor Edward V. Valentine. The planning and circulation of the hotel were well thought out to serve the hotel's various functions. There were three principal entrances: the Franklin Street entrance, known as the "Ladies Entrance," for those attending social functions; the covered side entrance used by carriages; and the Main Street entrance quite properly meant for businessmen. The Carrere and Hastings-designed public rooms in the upper or north end, now part of the private Rotunda Club, survive generally intact and display a diverse range of styles.
Survey number: HABS VA-840
Building/structure dates: 1895 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1901 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1895 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1901 Subsequent Work