Mechanics Savings Bank Building in the Jackson Ward District of Richmond, Virginia
HISTORIC JACKSON WARD WALKING TOUR
STOP 2: MECHANICS SAVINGS BANK
See the Jackson Ward Walking Tour web page for a map of tour stop locations.
212 East Clay Street
The Mechanics Savings Bank was the third bank chartered by black businessmen in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1902 by John Mitchell, Jr., a journalist and newspaper owner, the bank opened at another location before moving in 1910 to a new building here at the corner of East Clay and 3rd Streets. The bank went out of business in 1922.
The Southern Aid Insurance Company purchased the building in 1930 and later added a west and north wing. Founded in 1893, it was the oldest black-owned insurance company until it and the building were bought by the Atlanta Life Insurance Company in the 1980s.
Today the building is home to apartments and offices.
Stop 1: The Hippodrome | Stop 3: A. D. Price Funeral Establishment
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Last updated on May 14, 2025
