RICHMOND, Va. — Main Street Station, an iconic Renaissance Revival landmark in Shockoe Bottom, has been a distinctive part of Richmond’s skyline for nearly 125 years. However, it was not only its historical significance that captured the attention of Jess and Justin Walker but also its role in a pivotal moment of their love story.
On August 30, 2004, the remnants of Hurricane Gaston unleashed a deluge upon Richmond, leading to severe flooding in the Shockoe Bottom area.
Jess and Justin, who had just met a few days earlier during orientation at Virginia Commonwealth University’s pharmacy school, found themselves in the midst of this unexpected weather event.
While waiting outside the old VCU medical campus gym for a friend, Jess encountered Justin, who offered her a ride.
Jess accepted the offer. But what began as a simple act of kindness soon turned into a dramatic ordeal.
As they drove, Justin, unfamiliar with the city, mistakenly turned onto Broad Street instead of heading toward Jess’s home in The Fan district.