Shockoe & Wall Art #23

I had a Monday going spare so I took a walk down towards Shockoe Bottom.

Part of a mural by Andrew Hem at Virginia Hair.

At Main Street Station: 

http://realisticwedding.files.wordpress.com

Richmonders are pretty proud of it. Originally built in 1901, its exterior architecture (Second Renaissance Revival style, apparently) is impressive to see when passing by, behind on the In'erstate. I thought I'd take a look then at the inside too. It's seen fire & flood over the years but is still in good shape & decor. People get married here sometimes, no wonder.

"Once a bustling transportation hub, the station was closed in 1975 due to a decline in passenger rail service. The historic reopening of Main Street Station in 2003 marked the culmination of years of renovation to this landmark building, and the return of passenger train service to downtown Richmond." 

 

How to prepare for your travels in style. 

Gritty & industrial this is not.

Model waiting room seats & original gates.

http://www.greatamericanstations.com/Stations/RVM

 

Fun fact!   

 In 2004, Main Street served as a backdrop for Alias, as the British Embassy in Vienna.

........................

 
I walked on to the Capitol, opting for a self-guided tour indoors. (Help yourself here!)


There was a good exhibit in the entrance way, about Jefferson's architectural influence over the building and Virginia's part in Secession, leading to the Civil War.


The docents were keen to tell me of the "magnificent" statue (George Washington by Houdon in the Rotunda) but I liked this old room "The Old House",
I think now purely on show for visitors, the best. 

Retracing my steps of last summer along the Pipeline Walkway, by the James.

"I felt purged and holy and ready for a new life."

 

 Squiggle.