Cheney Building, Hartford
The Cheney Building, located on Main Street in downtown Hartford, is a landmark example of 19th-century American architecture and one of the city's most iconic structures. Designed by the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson, it was completed in 1876 for the Cheney brothers, prominent silk manufacturers from nearby Manchester. The building is widely regarded as one of Richardson鈥檚 finest early works and a prime example of his Richardsonian Romanesque style, characterized by heavy stonework and bold, rounded arches.
Constructed using reddish brownstone with contrasting Berea limestone trim, the Cheney Building features a striking three-tiered facade. The ground level is defined by five broad arches along Main Street, originally framing shop entrances. Above that is a two-story arcade with ten grand openings, topped by a third tier with fourteen smaller arches. These repeating arches and layered stone bands give the facade a dynamic rhythm. The building is further distinguished by its asymmetrical towers at the Main Street corners, once crowned by a distinctive pyramidal roof.
Originally built as a mixed-use commercial structure, the Cheney Building included five retail shops on the ground floor with offices and apartments above. It later became home to prominent Hartford department stores such as Brown Thomson and G. Fox & Company. Today, the building鈥攏ow often called the Richardson Building鈥攈as been adapted for contemporary use. It houses a Residence Inn by Marriott, offices, a Fastsigns branch, Pietro鈥檚 Pizza, and formerly the well-loved City Steam Brewery Caf茅.
Recognized for its architectural and historical importance, the Cheney Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its continued use and preservation reflect both Hartford鈥檚 commercial heritage and Richardson鈥檚 enduring architectural legacy.
Constructed using reddish brownstone with contrasting Berea limestone trim, the Cheney Building features a striking three-tiered facade. The ground level is defined by five broad arches along Main Street, originally framing shop entrances. Above that is a two-story arcade with ten grand openings, topped by a third tier with fourteen smaller arches. These repeating arches and layered stone bands give the facade a dynamic rhythm. The building is further distinguished by its asymmetrical towers at the Main Street corners, once crowned by a distinctive pyramidal roof.
Originally built as a mixed-use commercial structure, the Cheney Building included five retail shops on the ground floor with offices and apartments above. It later became home to prominent Hartford department stores such as Brown Thomson and G. Fox & Company. Today, the building鈥攏ow often called the Richardson Building鈥攈as been adapted for contemporary use. It houses a Residence Inn by Marriott, offices, a Fastsigns branch, Pietro鈥檚 Pizza, and formerly the well-loved City Steam Brewery Caf茅.
Recognized for its architectural and historical importance, the Cheney Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its continued use and preservation reflect both Hartford鈥檚 commercial heritage and Richardson鈥檚 enduring architectural legacy.
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Cheney Building on Map
Sight Name: Cheney Building
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hartford, Connecticut
Create Your Own Walk in Hartford
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hartford is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hartford's Historical Houses Tour
Visiting old houses is like treasure hunting, where you are bound to uncover secrets of the former owners. Hartford was once home to well-known historic figures, whose abodes today have been converted into museums for future generations to explore.
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Hartford, Connecticut abounds in one-of-a-kind, artistically unique structures 鈥� homes, museums, libraries, and government halls 鈥� each with a distinctive look, appeal, and history of their own. Some of them are celebrated works by well-known architects, and display a variety of styles.
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Hartford Introduction Walking Tour
Hartford, Connecticut is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1635, this capital city of Connecticut has a long and storied history. The city offers a multitude of museums, a booming art scene, interesting architecture and excellence in cuisine.
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles