Two Hundred Block West Franklin Street Historic District

The Two Hundred Block West Franklin Street Historic District is a neighborhood with 13 buildings from the 19th century showing Greek Revival, Federal, Beaux-Arts, and Queen Anne architecture. The three-acre area sits along West Franklin Street and contains notable structures such as Queen Anne Row, the Cole Diggs House, and the Smith-Palmer House.

The district gained official recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. In 1994, the district's boundaries were expanded to include additional buildings and structures under protection.

The district shows how residential homes transformed into commercial spaces over time, reflecting the economic development of downtown Richmond. Visitors can see these changes today in how the buildings are used and their modified facades.

The district sits strategically between downtown Richmond and the Fan neighborhood, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors can view the buildings from the street and explore the different architectural styles on a short walk.

The Carter-Mayo House was designed by renowned architects Carrère and Hastings and displays exceptional craftsmanship of its time. This building shows how high-quality architecture of the era was woven into a residential neighborhood.