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Miller and Rhoads Department Store (former)
1915, Charles M. Robinson. 1933, alterations, Carneal, Johnston and Wright. 1922, Grace St. elevation, Starrett and Van Vleck. c. 1950, additional floors, Grace St., Carneal and Johnston. 517 E. Broad St.
The 1933 sandstone “Syrian” Art Deco facade of this Richmond-based former department store was a stylish update of an earlier building: “Naturally, we wish to keep up to the forefront and to be as modern as possible,” said the store's president at the dedication. The Broad Street facade and its more sedate but no less handsome classical fronts facing 5th and Grace streets are part of the fabric of downtown's fading retail district. The wealth of Art Deco fronts waits to be rediscovered and cleaned. As of this writing the building stands empty, as the city of Richmond considers razing the landmark to establish a large public plaza on the site.
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