Finding Thalhimers

Thalhimers at Richmond's 6th & Broad, 1936

Hey, Richmonders: remember Thalhimers’ headquarters on Broad Street between 6th and 7th?

Before the aluminum façade was installed in 1955, Thalhimers was a series of old buildings that were gradually connected as the store grew to encompass most of the block. The aluminum panels, installed by Reynolds Metals, allowed Thalhimers to appear as a continuous, modern structure at the heart of the city. It was the first aluminum-covered façade in America.

This photo shows Richmond’s downtown Thalhimers in 1936. At the time, it was the only Thalhimers in existence. The store would expand across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee over the 50 years to come.