Originally constructed in 1904 as the Hotel Richmond, the Barbara Johns Building occupies a prominent site adjacent to Capitol Square and now serves as the home of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. Following decades of use and a major mid-century renovation, the building required a comprehensive approach to restore its historic character while supporting the demands of a modern government workplace.
Client
Virginia Department of General Services
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Photographer
Glenn Suttenfield
Size
175,000 sq. ft.
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture
CPL led architectural, interior design, and landscape architectural services for the 175,000 sq. ft. rehabilitation. The project was guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, balancing preservation of significant historic features with upgrades necessary for contemporary use, performance, and sustainability.
The design process began with a detailed investigation of the building’s original construction and subsequent alterations. Physical exploration and archival research were conducted in parallel to identify character-defining elements and understand how the building had evolved over time. This work informed decisions about what to restore, what to reinterpret, and how to integrate new systems without compromising historic integrity.
Key interior spaces were carefully restored to reflect their original design intent. The monumental two-story marble lobby, anchored by three stained-glass skylights bearing the Hotel Richmond crest, was preserved as a central organizing feature of the building. On the ninth floor, the former ballroom—altered during the 1966 renovation—was returned to its original volume by removing an inserted floor and drop ceiling, allowing the two-story pilasters and decorative plaster cornice to be fully restored.
At the same time, the building was upgraded to support modern workplace needs. New systems were integrated throughout, including high-efficiency mechanical equipment, improved lighting and updated infrastructure to support daily operations for the Attorney General’s office. Sustainable strategies were incorporated to achieve LEED-NC Gold certification, including high-reflectivity roofing, low-emitting materials and the use of recycled and regionally sourced products.
For staff, the rehabilitated building provides a functional and efficient workplace within a setting that reflects the history and significance of the site. For the public, it preserves an important civic landmark and reinforces its role within the Capitol Square context.
The project demonstrates how careful analysis, coordination, and design can extend the life of a historic structure while supporting its continued use as an active part of the community.
