The Prestwould Condominium is one of Richmond’s most distinguished historic residential buildings, located on West Franklin Street in the heart of the Fan District. Long considered one of the city’s most elegant addresses, the Prestwould is often described as Richmond’s equivalent of a classic Fifth Avenue apartment building—a refined urban residence defined by architectural pedigree, generous scale, and historic prestige.
Before Monument Avenue became Richmond’s most celebrated boulevard, West Franklin Street was the city’s premier residential corridor, lined with grand townhouses and architecturally significant buildings. The Prestwould continues that tradition today as one of the most recognizable and respected condominium buildings in central Richmond.
The Prestwould was designed by Alfred Charles Bossom (later Lord Bossom), a prominent British-born architect whose career spanned both architecture and public service.
Bossom was educated at University of Cambridge, where he studied architecture before establishing an international architectural practice in the early 20th century. His work included major commercial buildings, institutional structures, and large-scale residential projects.
His architectural style often blended classical proportion, disciplined design, and durable masonry construction, qualities that made his buildings both elegant and enduring. Bossom’s work was known for creating buildings with:
Carefully balanced classical façades
Strong masonry construction and refined detailing
Large windows and dignified architectural presence
Spacious interior layouts designed for formal urban living
Later in life, Bossom returned to England and entered public service, becoming a Member of Parliament and eventually being elevated to the British peerage as Baron Bossom.
The Prestwould reflects the architectural sensibility that Bossom brought to his projects—formal, elegant buildings designed to convey permanence and sophistication.
Constructed during Richmond’s early 20th-century period of architectural prosperity, the Prestwould reflects the qualities that defined the finest pre-war apartment buildings in major American cities.
Residences in the building are known for:
Generous ceiling heights
Large windows and abundant natural light
Formal living and dining rooms
Hardwood floors and traditional moldings
Spacious floor plans rarely found in modern condominium construction
These architectural features give the Prestwould the gracious scale and elegance associated with early luxury apartment living.
Situated on West Franklin Street, the building enjoys one of the most desirable locations in Richmond’s historic urban core. Residents are within walking distance of many of the city’s cultural and neighborhood landmarks, including:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Carytown
Byrd Park
Monument Avenue
The surrounding neighborhood combines historic architecture, walkability, and proximity to Richmond’s cultural institutions, making it one of the most desirable residential settings in the city.
The team at Park27 Real Estate (formerly Small & Associates) has represented buyers and sellers in the Prestwould for many years and has developed a deep understanding of the building’s layouts, architectural character, and buyer demand.
As of April 2026, Park27 is proud to represent the first fully permitted and comprehensive renovation within the Prestwould in many years. The project demonstrates how these historic residences can be thoughtfully updated while preserving the architectural scale and craftsmanship that define the building.
Because of its architectural pedigree, historic significance, and limited number of residences, units at the Prestwould rarely come to market. When they do, they attract buyers seeking large-scale historic residences combined with the convenience of condominium living in Richmond’s Fan District.
For those who appreciate architecture, history, and location, the Prestwould remains one of Richmond’s most iconic residential buildings—a landmark residence that reflects the city’s architectural heritage while continuing to offer refined urban living.
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