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Law and Commerce Building

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1912–1918, Miller and Mahood. East side of Federal St. between Commerce and Raleigh sts.

Bluefield's first entry in the world of neoclassical commercial architecture was built to serve a dual purpose, as its name indicates. Lawyers and shopkeepers alike presumably enjoyed the bowling alley in the basement. Above the streetlevel commercial spaces, where ashlar pilasters separate large display windows, the five office floors are faced in buff brick. An elaborate terracotta cornice with acroteria crowns the building, emphasizing projections established below.

Writing Credits

Author: 
S. Allen Chambers Jr.

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