In early 2024, the General Assembly of Virginia—active since 1619 and the oldest continually meeting legislative body in the United States—launched its first legislative session in a new home designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) in collaboration with Glavé & Holmes Architecture.
This first purpose-built home in the General Assembly’s history addresses unique legislative requirements in a 14-story, 414,000-square-foot facility, carefully designed to meet the needs of legislators, staff, and citizens of Virginia who witness and participate in the legislative process. The building and its surrounding site address a project brief that called for seriousness of purpose balanced with relaxed and inviting public access, all in support of effective governance.
In addition, the design incorporates historically significant façades from Clinton and Russell’s 1912 Life Insurance Company of Virginia building. By integrating the façades into the new structure, RAMSA was able to retain the historic cornice line that runs throughout downtown Richmond’s Capitol Square.
Facing Historic Capitol Square…