Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 03/20/1996
NRHP Listing Date 05/31/1996
NRHP Reference Number 96000575
An example of the architecture of roadside popular culture, sometimes referred to as “mimetic” architecture, The Coffee Pot, built in 1936, was clearly designed to attract the attention of the passing motorist. The gimmick feature of the building is the large coffee pot structure which originally had steam emanating from its spout. Such three-dimensional signs signaled the function of the place, making them amusing, unforgettable landmarks. Ironically, though it sported a coffee pot, the building originally was designed as a tea house and filling station. The basic architectural character is the rustic style popularized by National Park Service facilities, here employing unhewn vertical logs. The coffee pot itself is a masonry-formed structure. Eventually becoming a popular roadhouse where locals and travelers alike congregated for dancing and beer drinking, The Coffee Pot continues as a Roanoke entertainment venue.
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: October 15, 2021
