Exploring the Historic Architecture of Galax, VA

When it comes to small towns that defy small-town stereotypes, Galax, Virginia, exceeds expectations. Known for its music and outdoor splendor, the Historic Architecture of Galax is as much a part of the town’s personality as its famous bluegrass. The buildings are a mixed bag of styles, from Victorian-era homes with dormers, towers, and turrets to sleek Art Deco and strictly functional brick buildings. Whether you’re a historic architecture buff or just someone who loves a good slice of history, Galax has plenty to offer.

A Town Built on A Vision

Galax’s historic District reflects its origins as a carefully designed 20^th-century commercial and manufacturing center. Galax’s founders conceived a town built on a grid layout with rectangular blocks to foster equal opportunities for enterprise. This layout encouraged individuality in building designs, with merchants expressing their ambitions through the architecture of their storefronts. Most of the District’s buildings, constructed between 1920 and 1940, feature popular design elements of the era, including large plate-glass windows, recessed doorways, and intricate brickwork details like recessed panels and stepped parapets.

A casual ramble around town offers a chance to see how past and present coexist. Those classic storefronts now house modern businesses, from quirky boutiques to cozy coffee shops. You can sip an espresso in a building that’s served the community for over a century or shop for handmade goods in a space that once held a general store. It’s the kind of place where even tiny details are engaging.

Enjoying the Historic Architecture of Galax

Start with a walking tour of Galax’s National Historic Commercial District to make the most of your visit. The District is about two blocks wide and four blocks long. A stroll along Main St., with a few side stops, provides a pleasant tour. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with ample parking nearby. After exploring, enjoy a meal in one of the historic buildings, many of which have been repurposed into restaurants and cafes.

Architectural Gems Worth Stopping For

Starting near the north end of Main St., at 404 N. Main, you’ll find the Gordon and Alice Felts house. This Spanish Colonial Revival house makes a striking impression on Main Street. Senator Thomas L. Felts (for whom Felts Park is named) commissioned the house for his son Gordon. The house’s Spanish character emphasizes outdoor spaces, stucco walls with colorful accents, a red tile roof, and cast-iron window grilles.

Galax historic architecture — The First National Bank Building has become the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts.

The Chestnut Creek School of the Arts building at the corner of North Main Street and Grayson was originally the First National Bank Building, built in 1922. The bank’s architecture signaled to customers that it was reliable. The buff-colored, symmetrical brick façade and tall Classical columns project stability, just the impression needed for a developing center of commerce.

Furniture manufacturing declined in Galax in the early 2000s, so the bank closed the location. In 2006, the City of Galax purchased and renovated the building to serve as an arts center.

galax historic architecture JB Waugh building — The former JB Waugh building now houses a bookshop, gourmet, and wine shop.

Diagonally across from Chestnut Creek is Chapter’s Bookshop. This two-story brick building was erected in 1904 by Capt. J.B. Waugh, a former Confederate soldier. It was operated as a general merchandise store by the Captain and his congenial clerks, Swift and Charlie Waugh. The large plate-glass windows and recessed entryway invite shoppers into the store. The location now houses a book store, a wine and gourmet shop, and upstairs residential apartments.

Rex theater galax architecture — The Rex Theater has transformed from a movie house to a performing arts venue.

Looking down the hill from Chapters along E. Grayson St., it’s easy to see the Rex Theater’s marquee. It was opened in 1940 as a 500-seat movie house. Sleek Art Deco façades were popular then, and the building was considered modern.

When the theater fell out of favor, it stood empty for years before being purchased by the Galax Downtown Association. The Association gave it to the City, which renovated it as a performance venue.

Smith and Witherow Produce building — From produce market to department store to cafe and antique store, the Smith and Witherow building has served Galax for 100 years.

On the corner of South Main and Old Town streets sits the Briar Patch Marketplace and Café. Built in 1925 to house a produce market, the space transitioned to Globman’s Department Store in 1931 and operated continually until 1991. Globman’s was an institution during the manufacturing heydays of Galax and is still spoken of fondly around town. The building’s new owners, Martin and Shiela Warr, have improved the original façade but kept the classic recessed entryways.

Make Galax Part of Your Story

Galax’s Historic District is a story that’s still unfolding. On your next trip to Galax, the Historic District will appear different. Buildings are constantly changing hands and being renovated for new uses. So, whether you’re here for the architecture, the music, or just a great day out, Galax is ready to welcome you. Come for the charm, stay for the stories, and leave with a little piece of history in your heart.

Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.