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.

The Pump House ceased operations in 1924. | 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.