127-6182

Chamberlayne Gardens

Richmond (Ind. City)

VLR Listing Date

2007-03-07

NRHP Listing Date

2007-05-02

NHL Listing Date

NA

NRHP Reference Number

7000390

Richmond’s Chamberlayne Gardens is an apartment complex constructed 1945-46 by Norfolk architect Bernard Betzig Spigel. It is the oldest apartment complex built in Richmond through the assistance of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in its drive to provide affordable housing after World War II for the rapidly expanding urban middle class. Chamberlayne Gardens is a particularly good example of garden apartment design, which became more popular in the late 1930s and 1940s. The complex showcases many distinctive characteristics of garden apartment design, including central courtyards and the use of abundant natural lighting indoors. Of the FHA-funded apartment complexes constructed in Richmond, Chamberlayne Gardens was the largest, covering two full city blocks, and it retains much of its late 1940s fixtures and character. It is now one of Richmond’s few remaining testaments to the important and influential demographic changes that occurred following World War II.

Last Updated: June 2, 2023

Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.

Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

Photo credit: Calder Loth, 2021

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

More Listings In Richmond (Ind. City)

127-7231

Shockoe Hill Burying Ground Historic District

Richmond (Ind. City)

127-7767

Clovelly

Richmond (Ind. City)

127-7209

St. John’s United Holy Church of America

Richmond (Ind. City)