The document provides a chart comparing possible architects and builder-contractors for rowhouses in Richmond, Virginia built in 1889. Gilbert J. Hunt is highlighted as the top possibility for builder-contractor due to purchasing nearby land from the developer at the same time and building his own home in a similar style. For architect, Benjamin J. Black, Marion J. Dimmock, and Albert F. Huntt are noted as higher possibilities due to commissions in the area at that time period, while others are less likely due to the timing of their work or lack of evidence. The charts provide supportive and opposing evidence for each contender.

1. APPENDIX C:
Possible Architects and Builder-Contractors
VCU-Owned Buildings
811-819 South Cathedral Place
The following catalogue offers a comparative chart of the most likely architect and builder-contractor possibilities for
the rowhouses on South Cathedral Place (Floyd Avenue). The first page lists possible architects for the project, and the
second page lists possible builder-contractors, both pages listing the contenders in alphabetical order. Each entry is
marked with a colored block indicating the strength of a match, followed by a notation on any supporting evidence and
a notation on any opposing evidence.
All photos by author.

2. 61
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, such as 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 a developer 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.

3. 62
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. Likelihood 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 could’ve been the sole
designer on the project as well.
William B. Newell Built many speculative rowhouse residences in the late 1880s- No other known supportive evidence.
90s in the lower Fan area
William J. Ready Built many speculative rowhouse residences in the late 1880s- No other known supportive evidence.
90s in the 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 on Floyd or Park Avenues (at least
area including Franklin, Harrison & Lombardy Streets, Hanover provided in Fan Historic District Nomination Form).
Avenue. Executed some of Carl Ruehrmund’s designs.
May be too late a contender. Most NPS nomination entries take
Peter J. White Noted work with architects of the period, including Carl place after 1900, except for a “possible” design at 1212-1216
Ruehrmund, throughout the Fan, including Harrison Street, Park Avenue in 1892, which is still probably too late.
Park and Grove Avenues, as well as drawing the plans for several
entire blocks in the Fan.