Southern Seminary Main Building

The Southern Seminary Main Building is a brick and frame structure with a slate gable roof topped by round towers. Multiple levels of wooden galleries and Palladian windows characterize its appearance across the property.

The structure was built in 1890 as Hotel Buena Vista and later repurposed as an educational facility when it became part of a seminary in 1907. This transition came after consolidating three separate seminary campuses into one location.

The building blends Queen Anne and French Renaissance architectural styles at the intersection of Ivy and Park Avenues. Its distinctive design shapes how the surrounding neighborhood looks and feels to visitors walking through the area.

The building sits on an expansive property that forms part of the Southern Virginia University campus. Access is typically available through main entrances along Ivy and Park Avenues for visitors and students.

The building features three tiers of wooden galleries that wrap around its structure in a distinctive arrangement. These covered outdoor spaces with multiple round towers topped by different roof styles create an uncommon architectural detail in the region.

Location: Buena Vista

Part of: Southern Virginia University

GPS coordinates: 37.74000,-79.35060

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:40