Pyramid Motors (Additional Documentation)
Also known as: 118-5237
Why it's listed
Pyramid Motors is a long, one-story automobile showroom and service building at 405-407 Federal Street in Lynchburg, Virginia, just off Fifth Street, which became a car-dealership corridor in the 1930s. Built in 1937 for Robert J. Keller, Jr.'s Pyramid Motor Corporation, it sold Fords and Lincoln Zephyrs. The yellow brick facade has contrasting red-brick bands, a semi-circular corbelled entry tower and the original circular metal canopy hung from chains. Inside, the lobby and showroom floors are Bavarian brick, and the service area has steel-joist ceilings and skylights. Its streamlined Art Deco/Art Moderne styling was meant to reflect the Zephyr's modern look, and few buildings in Lynchburg used the style. No architect has been identified. Changes include loading bays added about 1971 and showroom windows shortened with matching brick in the 1980s. The building was recognized for its architecture, with 1937 as its period of significance.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is a good local example of an Art Deco/Art Moderne automobile showroom and service facility, a style rare in Lynchburg. Its streamlined design echoed the Lincoln Zephyr sold there. The building retains good integrity with only a few changes.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 07001140, listed November 1, 2007. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 405-407 Federal St., Lynchburg |
|---|---|
| County | Lynchburg |
| Listed | November 1, 2007 |
| Reference number | 07001140 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1937 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Modern Movement/Art Deco/Art Moderne |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Current use is as a bookbinder (specialty store); the form says the building is being sold to the Lynchburg Neighborhood Development Foundation. It retains good integrity. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 37.41559, -79.15145 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 07001140.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7263256
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.