George Richards - Industrialist, Mayor & Now... Venue Greeter!

Our home here in downtown Dover, NJ wouldn't be the building it is -- or be here at all -- without George Richards, the late-19th-century industrialist and politician who made it his life mission to turn Dover into a business behemoth, with the Richards Building at its center. After all, it was in the third floor of the building that Richards constructed his grand office overlooking the corner of Blackwell and Sussex Street when he was elected Dover's first mayor, on the tails of his successful bid to make the town its own municipality.

You can now see the legendary captain of industry in a photo by the entrance to that huge office, which we've restored to much of its original look -- with the exception of some modern accents and amenities. The beautiful space is now open as an event venue and filming studio, and has already hosted a wide range of activities from graduation ceremonies, to film shoots, and even a clay-sculpting workshop! We're glad that George Richards can witness from the wall all the visitors entering, and the wonder on their faces as they take in the awesome Richards Room!

The photo of our building's namesake is just one of many recent historic touches we've added. Back on the first floor, our N. Sussex entrance lobby now features a light-box display of the various artifacts we’ve collected through the construction process. And down in our basement ceramics studio at The Amp, we’re cooking up some historical goodies that we’ll be sharing more of soon. One word: Finial (look it up!)

Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date, and check back here for the latest news for the Richards Building!