Constructed in 1882, the Richmond pump house was built to pump water uphill from the canals to the Byrd Park Reservoir, the city’s main water supply.
Why was such a utilitarian structure built in such an ornate style? It looks like a medieval monastery with an open air ball room on top. This was built to pump water, for goodness sake! I asked an old veteran builder familiar with Richmond's past and his answer underwhelmed me at first. "Its just the way they did it back then." But, you know, that's true. During Reconstruction, I am convinced that it was decided that no expense would be spared to plant impressive civic structures to salve old wounds. Like Monument Boulevard, but many other parts of the city as well.
For many years, this complex has sat abandoned, taking on undergrowth and adding to its mystery. However, there has been growing interest in preserving and restoring the structure. But I happen to like its disheveled appearance, waiting to be explored (with a hard hat).
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