Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 10/18/1983
NRHP Listing Date 03/08/1984
NRHP Reference Number 84003587
Roanoke’s Boxley Building was built in 1921-22, in the city’s “Golden Age of Municipal Progress,” which occurred in the decade after World War I. The eight-story building has a granite-faced first story with beige enameled brick and terra-cotta decoration above, and is topped by a deep copper cornice. It was designed by area architect Frank Stone who was in partnership with Edward G. Frye. Stone had previously worked in the firm of D.H. Burnham of Chicago and his design reflects the influence of Chicago’s pioneering tall buildings. The building was commissioned by W. W. Boxley, developer, quarry owner, railroad contractor, and mayor of Roanoke at the time of its construction. Boxley ensured the use of the finest materials available for his steel-frame structure, creating a work which is still a dominant feature of the city’s skyline, and of the listed Roanoke Downtown Historic District.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: February 19, 2021
