Campuses & Institutions

Virginia State Capitol & Capitol Square
Richmond, Virginia

Heritage Landscapes was the preservation landscape architecture member of a multi-disciplinary team for Virginia State Capitol restoration and extension at Capitol Square, Richmond, a site that has functioned continuously since 1786. Heritage Landscapes studied the Capitol Square Master Plan particularly focusing on the rich graphic record to understand the origins, evolution and character of this early public landscape. First designed by Maximillian Godefroy in 1818, the Publick Square was redesigned by John Notman in 1850 and by George Brown in 1906.  The hilltop landscape and slope provides a prominent setting for the Jefferson-designed Capitol but over-time changes to the paths, topography and plantings had lessened its visual prominence.

Beginning from a thorough understanding of history and existing conditions, the landscape design was developed to preserve extant details and recapture historic character while meeting client goals, coordinating with all team members and addressing budget and constructability issues.  An important VDGS objective was to create a more ceremonial and distinguished setting for the Capitol, within the context of overall functionality, separation of government activities from visitors, and increase in useable building space. Sustainability was incorporated through limitation of disturbance, tree protection, small green roof addition and historic materials reuse. The building extension through the south slope created the opportunity for: a new visitor entrance plaza at Bank Street; detailing of a small green roof; reconstruction of paths closer to historic alignments; selected 5% paths for ADA access; soil and turf quality improvements; and recapture of processional views of Jefferson’s Capitol.  The paving to the south of the portico, extending over occupied underground space, was designed as the Inaugural Plaza using a two-tone gray diamond granite paving pattern. The central bronze state seal was placed in a partially glass paved medallion that transmits daylight to the area below. Heritage Landscapes carried out research, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration to integrate the new work into historic Capitol Square.  Construction was completed in early 2007 as a highlight of the celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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