The construction of Old City Hall in 1894 far surpassed original estimates, totaling a massive $1.3 million - the modern day equivalent of more than $35 million. This extravagant expenditure resulted in a 170-foot by 140-foot edifice that became the largest granite structure in the city of Richmond. It was adorned with an ornate stone exterior of detailed ashlar, two towers, buttresses, pointed arches, complete with skylit exterior, all of which served the city until 1971.