For Lease
Ground Floor Office in Monroe Ward - Imperial Building
422 East Franklin Street Richmond Virginia 23219
Lease RateContact Agents For Pricing
For Lease
422 East Franklin Street Richmond Virginia 23219
Positioned prominently at the corner of 5th and East Franklin Street in the heart of downtown Richmond, The Imperial Building at 422 E. Franklin Street represents a rare opportunity to lease space in one of the city’s most architecturally distinctive historic office buildings. Originally constructed in 1923, this historic office building showcases striking Art Deco design elements, high ceilings, and a commanding façade that offers both presence and prestige just steps from the Capitol complex and the city’s core business and legal districts. Formerly the headquarters of the Richmond Free Press, the property carries a rich legacy that further enhances its character and story. Ideally situated directly across from The John Marshall and Moxy Richmond Downtown, the building is surrounded by some of Richmond’s most vibrant hospitality and dining destinations, including Penny Lane Pub, Buttermilk and Honey, and Rappahannock Restaurant—all within a short walk—creating an amenity-rich, highly walkable environment for tenants and clients alike.
Ownership is planning a comprehensive renovation that will thoughtfully restore the building’s historic grandeur while integrating modern systems and amenities to meet today’s office standards. Available spaces range from approximately 1,272 square feet to 2,740 square feet. The building is elevator-served and includes the rare advantage of basement garage parking, providing both convenience and accessibility in a premier downtown location. With its combination of irreplaceable architecture, premier location, and planned modernization, The Imperial Building presents an outstanding opportunity for a company seeking a distinctive and highly visible headquarters presence in Richmond.
The space will be delivered as a warm vanilla shell with in-suite bathrooms.
ABOUT MONROE WARD
Monroe Ward is a dynamic and evolving neighborhood in the heart of Richmond, VA, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern vibrancy. Known for its walkability and central location, Monroe Ward sits between the bustling downtown district and the cultural energy of the Arts District, making it an attractive destination for professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs alike. Tree-lined streets showcase a mix of historic townhomes, contemporary apartments, and repurposed commercial spaces, creating a unique architectural landscape that reflects the city’s rich past and forward-thinking development. The neighborhood is home to a diverse array of restaurants, cafés, and bars, offering everything from locally roasted coffee to fine dining experiences. Proximity to VCU’s Monroe Park campus infuses the area with a youthful energy, while nearby cultural landmarks, such as the Virginia Repertory Theatre and the Institute for Contemporary Art, add depth to the local arts scene. With easy access to major roadways, public transit, and green spaces like Monroe Park, Monroe Ward offers a balance of convenience and character, making it one of Richmond’s most sought-after urban neighborhoods
Chris is a Richmond native and industry veteran with extensive experience in real estate investment and development. For 13 years he served as Principal and in-house Broker with Riverstone Properties, managing and growing a diverse portfolio for one of Virginia’s prominent families. This provided the opportunity to work in all sectors of commercial real estate.
Prior to joining Riverstone, Chris served as a Vice President and Project Manager with East West Partners of Virginia for 10 years. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate Development from VCU and an undergraduate degree from East Carolina University.
In 2024, Chris started his consulting company, Double C Real Estate, and joined One South Commercial as an Associate Broker to draw on his experience and help families, businesses and investors evaluate, optimize and grow their commercial real estate holdings.
Ann Schweitzer Riley has become a distinguished figure in commercial real estate, focusing primarily on sales of urban commercial properties, including office spaces, retail locations, multi-family buildings, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments. With a rich background that spans over a decade, Ann has developed a keen expertise in property sales, investment, and development.
A graduate of UVA, Ann’s journey in real estate began as a residential real estate appraiser in Charlottesville, VA. Her career path led her to roles as a legal assistant and later to Richmond in 2008, where she worked with an affordable housing nonprofit. There, she gained a passion for construction and real estate development. This foundation allowed her to excel as a real estate construction project manager and later as a corporate commercial sales agent.
Today, at One South Commercial, Ann is renowned for her sharp insights in market trends, her strategic approach to property disposition, and her ability to optimize asset value for her clients. Her comprehensive understanding of both residential and commercial real estate markets, combined with her specific expertise in commercial sales, makes her an invaluable partner to property owners and buyers alike.
Ann’s commitment to her clients and her profound market knowledge ensure tailored, effective strategies for those looking to invest in or divest commercial real estate assets.
DISCLAIMER: This offering memorandum is intended as a reference for prospective purchasers in the evaluation of the property and its suitability for investment. Neither One South Commercial nor Seller make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the materials contained in the offering memorandum. Prospective purchasers should evaluate the property independently and rely solely on such independent evaluation in determining whether to purchase the property. The offering memorandum, pricing, and terms therein are subject to change or withdrawal at the discretion of Seller and One South Commercial, as Seller’s exclusive representative. *Information provided deemed reliable but not guaranteed