This is the very basic foundation of details known to me at this point on this handsome row of buildings. They were constructed in 1889 and developed by prominent area resident, John C. Shafer, a close friend of Lewis Ginter. They are modeled in the Second Empire style with striking mansard roofs. In the 20th century ownership of the row was acquired fully by the Catholic Diocese, who owned them (except for one) until VCU purchase them. The street address of the row was considered Floyd Avenue until the completion of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in the early 1900’s. Until the Cathedral, other notable landmarks in the area included Monroe Park and an Episcopal Church on the site of the future Landmark Theatre, and of course other various residences.
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