Carytown, Richmond, Virginia


Carytown is an urban retail district lining Cary Street at the southern end of the Museum District in Richmond, Virginia. Located near The Fan District, the district has an eclectic flavor and includes over 230 shops, restaurants, and offices. The area is also home to one of the city's institutions, the Byrd Theatre, a restored movie palace that has operated continuously since 1928.

History

Many of the shops in Carytown are located in historic buildings.
The Cary Street Park and Shop Center was built in the 1930s and opened for business in 1938. It was Richmond's first strip shopping center, and was popular due to its "park and shop" nature. As more shops developed on the surrounding property, the entire area became bustling with customers and even tourists. As with any historic area, the buildings sometimes need repair and restoration.