After recovering old photos in VCU's Special Collections and piecing back together the original 800 block of Park Avenue, I was able to determine that two houses that stood at 810 and 812 Park Avenue were parcels that were originally John C. Shafer’s that were sold to Gilbert J. Hunt

1. After piecing back together the original
800 block of Park Avenue, I was able to
determine that two houses that stood at
810 and 812 Park Avenue were parcels
that were originally John C. Shafer’s that 806
were sold to Gilbert J. Hunt:
February 1, 1888
Deed Book 134B, p. 299 808
$10,000 812 810
North side of Park Avenue between Shafer
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and Laurel Streets
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This deed probably included more lots
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than just 810 and 812, which will be
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verified with the next trip to the Records
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Room.
But the most interesting aspect of these
two lots is evidence in old photos of the
original homes that suggest their style;
a match to the style of the rowhouses at
811-819 Floyd Avenue! From a 3 bay
side hall plan with 3 story bay window,
mansard roof with dormers, cornice line,
and even porch, they are essentially they
same.
Could there have been an attempt by
Gilbert Hunt to design a mirrored row of
this style on either side of of the triangular ������
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lot on which the Cathedral of the ������ �
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Sacred Heart would one day be erected? �������
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