Albert S. Potter Octagon House

The Albert S. Potter Octagon House is an eight-sided residential structure with a cupola rising from its roof, located within the Carolina Village Historic District. The walls feature a combination of shingle and clapboard siding, with decorative cornices emphasizing the building's corners and roofline.

The building was constructed in 1857 and embodied architectural principles from Orson Fowler's influential 1848 publication on octagonal residences. This design movement was a short-lived trend that promoted innovative ideas about space efficiency and economical construction methods.

The building reflects 19th-century practicality, when craftspeople integrated their workshops directly into their homes for convenience and efficiency. The cupola's elevated position provided both natural light for detailed watchmaking work and a distinctive landmark visible throughout the neighborhood.

The building sits in a quiet part of the neighborhood and is easily visible from the street, with its unusual octagonal shape noticeable at a glance. Walking through the area is the best way to appreciate the full context of the house within its historic surroundings.

The octagonal shape was an experimental design concept at the time of its construction, promising to revolutionize movement and spatial flow in homes. While many such houses have not survived, this building has maintained its fundamental eight-sided form for over 150 years.

Location: Richmond

GPS coordinates: 41.46325,-71.66156

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:13