Gilbert J. Hunt is identified as the most likely builder-contractor for 811-819 Floyd Avenue based on the following evidence: In 1889, the same year the row was constructed, Hunt purchased most of the 900 block of Floyd Avenue and began construction on his own residence across the street. The row houses also have similar materials and porch designs to Hunt's residence. Hunt built many other homes in the area and had experience with design and drafting. Benjamin W. Poindexter and Noland & Baskerville are identified as less likely possibilities. Poindexter's known commissions in the area occurred several years later. Noland & Baskerville did little work in

1. Chart of Possible Builder-Contractors for 811-819 Floyd Avenue
KEY: • High possibility • Mid possibility • Low possibility
Name Supportive Evidence Opposing Evidence
A. B. Chandler Built many rowhouse residences in the late 1880s-90s in the No other known supportive evidence.
lower Fan area
Gilbert J. Hunt In 1889, the same year of construction as Shafer’s row, Hunt No other known opposing evidence.
purchased most of th 900 block of Floyd Avenue from John C.
Shafer and began construction of his own residence at 901 Floyd
Avenue, which is just across Cherry street. Likihood for some
sort of a trade for services? Photograph of the south side of
the 900 block of Floyd Avenue, show similar materials AND the
same PORCHES. Hunt built many homes nearby, was recognized
for his design and drafing capabilities, and was listed as an
architect in the 1909 Richmond Directory, so he also could’ve
been the sole designer on the project as well.
William B. Newell Built many rowhouse residences in the late 1880s-90s in the No other known supportive evidence.
lower Fan area
William J. Ready Built many rowhouse residences in the late 1880s-90s in the No other known supportive evidence.
lower Fan area
George G. Ryan & Erected over forty Fan Area residences, most of them along No other known supportive evidence.
Associates, Floyd Avenue, ca. 1890.
Trexler & Elmore Built many rowhouse residences ca late 1880s-90s in the Fan No record of construction (at least provided in Fan Historic
area including Franklin, Harrison & Lombardy Streets, Hanover District Nomination Form) of construction on Floyd or Park
Avenue. Execute some of Carl Ruehrmund’s designs. Avenues.
Peter J. White Noted work with architects of the period, including Carl May be too late a contender. Most NPS nomination entries take
Ruehrmund, throughout the Fan, including Harrison Street, place after 1900, except for a “possible” design at 1212-1216
Park and Grove Avenues, as well as drawing the plans for several Park Avenue in 1892, which is still probably too late.
entire blocks in the Fan.

2. Chart of Possible Architects for 811-819 Floyd Avenue
KEY: • High possibility • Mid possibility • Low possibility
Name Supportive Evidence Opposing Evidence
Benjamin J. Black Was designing & building in the area in the late 1880s. Only No other known supporting evidence.
remaining example is his own home at 1300 Floyd Avenue, built
1889.
Marion J. Dimmock Was commissioned for residential work on Franklin Street. Dimmock was a very successful architect, regularly published
in national journals, and who’s work included civic and
ecclesiastical commissions, as well as larger homes.
Walter R. Higham Had office space in the Shafer Building, where John C. Shafer Moved to Richmond in 1889, much of his work in Richmond
owned the building & occupied the first floor. takes places after this date.
Albert F. Huntt Was commissioned for many residential projects in Richmond, No other known supporting evidence.
including town homes on Franklin Street, including 921.
Noland & Baskerville Some work along Franklin Street, as early as 1891. Very little work before 1900 other than a few remodeling
projects. No Floyd Avenue or S. Cathedral Place projects found
in The Baskerville & Sons Records, 1894-1951, VHS, that match.
Harvey L. Page Possible recommendation from friend, Lewis Ginter. Unlikely Shafer would’ve commissioned an expensive D.C.
architect for an investment project.
Benjamin W. Poindexter Was commissioned for residential work at 920 W Franklin Poindexter was a very young architect, and his Franklin Street
Street, early-mid 1890s. Was noted for drawing the plans for commissions are several years after completion of Shafer’s Row,
some entire neighborhood blocks in the Fan, with partner C. K. perhaps too late for consideration.
Bryant.
Charles H. Read, Jr. Was commissioned for 826 W. Franklin Street in 1892, directly No other known supporting evidence.
across the street from John C. Shafer’s residence.
Carl Ruehrmund Was building residences along Franklin Street between 1888, No other known supporting evidence.
and many residential row houses throughout the Fan through
the early 20th century.
Albert L. West Commissioned for many residential project along Franklin Street No other known supporting evidence, and no indication of a
in the late 1880s-1890s, including 912, 914, and 922. connection in Stephanie Jacobe’s thesis on West.