What does penthouse life in historic Richmond really look like, and what historical connotations lie within the walls of luxury?
With a downtown comprised primarily of corporate buildings and surrounding neighborhoods rooted in 19th and early 20th-century infrastructure, the modern concept of a penthouse is a rare sight for many Richmonders. When we saw Richmond’s latest urban luxury listing, we knew it was worth a closer look.
The history behind the home
So, Shockoe Slip? listed by Long + Foster Real Estate, this 4,656-sqft condominium may not sit atop a soaring high-rise, but the interior comes straight from the drawing board of quintessential Manhattan-style penthouses — panoramic city views, raised interior ceilings, custom features, and high-quality materials.
Yet, grounded in Richmond fashion, this modern-day home traces its foundation back to 1870, along the cobblestone streets of Shockoe Slip — a time in which luxury wasn’t on the table and catastrophe catapulted the area into fiery destruction.
The construction of this East Cary build — now penthouse — followed five years after the historic Evacuation Fire that leveled the Shockoe neighborhood, likely as part of revitalization efforts.
Where do modernity and history settle on the spectrum when it comes to luxury living in Richmond? Where do they settle in this East Cary Street space — built out of catastrophe, and now thriving in luxury?
Stepping into modernity
Take a look inside the Shockoe Slip penthouse, an intriguing transformation in modern-day real estate.
The penthouse traverses a unique layout through two brick buildings along Shockoe’s commercial strip. Three stories lead up to an encompassing rooftop + private greenhouse.
Inside, drop light ceilings and floating staircases channel the airiness of a gallery museum — for now, showcasing the current residents’ artistic additions.
The listing price? $1.99 million.
Note from the editor
As someone who’s formerly lived in a factory-turned-apartment-complex in Shockoe Slip, I’m not unfamiliar with Richmond’s modern twists on long-standing infrastructure — although I was due for a history lesson — but I never would’ve guessed the level of luxury that existed down the block from me.
I’m curious if this listing came as a similar surprise to others; let me know your thoughts.
