West Franklin Street Historic District

The West Franklin Street Historic District is a neighborhood with 71 buildings dating from the period between 1870 and 1920 in central Richmond. The architecture blends Greek Revival, Romanesque, and Italianate styles across roughly 11 acres.

The neighborhood received its National Register listing in 1972 and was expanded in 2009 to include additional blocks. This expansion recognized the importance of more structures in preserving the district's historical character.

The street name references Benjamin Franklin and Richmond's early American roots. Today the buildings host university offices, places of worship, and cultural institutions that bring activity and purpose to the neighborhood.

The neighborhood is accessible on foot and has informational plaques throughout that explain details about individual buildings and their architectural features. It is best explored during daylight hours when the architectural details are clearly visible.

Among the notable buildings are Franklin Terrace, the Ritter-Hickock House, and First Independent Church, which display Victorian and Neoclassical features. These three structures showcase the architectural variety that defines this area.