The defining structure of the Commonwealth Club Historic District, it is located at 401 West Franklin Street.

The club hosts the annual Richmond German Christmas Dance, the oldest debutante ball in Virginia.

After an unsuccessful attempt to acquire plans from local firms, the Board of the Commonwealth Club looked outside of Richmond to develop a style that reflected the momentum of a more national architectural movement.

The site proposed for the building, formerly the Palmer House, was located high above the street level.

Characterized by its deep red brick, brownstone trim and terra cotta cartouches, the building is a combination of Colonial revival and Richardsonian Romanesque styles.