Once upon a time I wrote a series on little white book every Wednesday about event locations in Richmond. I'm resurrecting RWW. Although today's post comes sans inspiration board, I hope you'll be inspired by this space as much as I am and see its potential like I do. Several of us had the opportunity to tour the space last week - it's normally closed to the public- and it was surreal!
Pump House was built in 1882; it provided drinking water for the city, but the builder had an the ingenious idea to build a open air dance floor on the top floor. Guests arrived by waterway and would make their way to the grand dance hall in their magnificent hoop skirts* to enjoy a night of dancing on the canal. So dreamy...
Although Pump House has fallen in disrepair, you can see what it was and what it could be. Just check out those Gothic windows and grand archways that look over the canal. There's new energy and enthusiasm for Pump House now, as it goes through renovation. And there's rumor that it might be available for rental one day. Here's to hoping...
{first image via Virginia Department of Historic Resources; image #2, 3 and 4 courtesy Chris Lacroix; last image by me}
*For more info, visit here.