Know Your City: Pump House Park

Have you ever been for a walk down by the river and found yourself looking up at an imposing Gothic building on the banks of the James? No, that’s not the Richmond Vampire’s mansion — that’s the Pump House.

Just south of Byrd Park and west of Maymont, Pump House Park features the former city waterworks . The Pump House was a source for Richmond’s water from 1883 until 1924, sending it uphill from the banks of the James to the Byrd Park Reservoir.

A prime example of the Gothic Revival style popular in the late 19th century, the Pump House was designed with more than pure function in mind.

Photo by @takeone.aerial

Designed by Richmond’s then-City Engineer Wilfred Emory Cutshaw, it featured a spacious dance hall just above the equipment room — making it one of the only buildings in the country to double as a public utility and a social hall. Until it closed, the building was a popular spot to host events.

After closing in 1924, First Presbyterian Church bought the property for just $1 in 1956. However, ownership eventually returned to the city, and it was was integrated into the James River Park System. In 2002, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places .

Friends of Pump House Park was founded in 2017 to make sure the property was kept up. In 2023, it received a $500,000 federal grant to help in its preservation efforts.

Want to help look after a local icon? Friends of Pump House Park regularly hosts volunteer events to help keep the place shipshape.

This article is part of our “Know Your City” series , where we take a closer look at hidden gems around Richmond. We’re always looking for more suggestions for where to explore. Tell us your favorites .