James Monroe Building

The James Monroe Building is an office structure in downtown Richmond with 29 floors reaching approximately 140 meters in height. The structure defines the business district at North 14th Street through its vertical presence and contemporary facade.

The building was completed in 1981 and held the title of tallest structure in Virginia until 2007, when The Westin Virginia Beach surpassed it. This height dominance made it a defining landmark for the city over more than two decades.

The building shows early 1980s design language through its clean geometric forms and functional layouts. The architecture by Ballou, Justice & Upton reflects a style that was common in American office construction during that period.

The structure has adequate elevator capacity and parking facilities in an integrated garage, making access convenient for visitors and workers. Its location on a major street provides good connections to the rest of the business district.

Original plans included a second tower at the north end, but economic difficulties in the 1980s prevented its construction. This never-built structure would have significantly altered the appearance of the district.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1981

Floors above the ground: 29

Elevators: 12

GPS coordinates: 37.53628,-77.43011

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:21