Miller, C. W., House
Also known as: Mary Baldwin College Music Building
Why it's listed
Built in 1899-1900 on a hilltop at 210 N. New Street in Staunton, this 2½-story house was designed by local architect T. J. Collins for the C. W. Miller family. Buff-colored brick and rough-cut stone form its walls, and a slate hip roof is broken by dormers, projecting bays and a round three-story tower with a conical roof. A wraparound porch with grouped Composite columns leads to a Romanesque arched entrance. Inside, a large central hall opens through carved pocket doors and spindlework arches to a broad paneled staircase, with golden oak woodwork designed by the architect, stained-glass windows and tall mantelpieces. The house was sold several times in the twentieth century, and Mary Baldwin College acquired it in 1941. It is still used for music classes. Its importance rests on its remarkable original condition and its standing as Staunton's best example of the domestic Chateauesque style, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the turn of the century.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house is Staunton's best example of the domestic Chateauesque style. It also survives in remarkably original condition, with exterior and interior matching the architect's drawings apart from minor changes. Its carved golden oak woodwork, spindle arches and stained glass are noted as especially rich.
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 79003300, listed June 19, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 210 N. New St., Staunton (Independent City) |
|---|---|
| County | Staunton |
| Listed | June 19, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79003300 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1899-1900 |
| Architect / builder | T. J. Collins |
| Architectural style | Domestic Chateauesque with Richardsonian Romanesque and classical detailing |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied and in use as a music classes building for Mary Baldwin College; exterior largely unaltered apart from removal of the conservatory's glass enclosure. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 38.15205, -79.07215 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
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 79003300.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q16895171
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.