The Imperial Building, home to the Richmond Free Press since 2001, has been listed for sale, officials confirmed. 

Jean Boone, publisher of the Free Press and president and manager of Imperial Building L.C., said the decision reflects shifts in downtown office use since the pandemic. 

“With more people working remotely, the demand for traditional office space has shifted,” Boone said. 

The three-story building, which includes underground parking, was originally constructed in the early 20th century for the Imperial Tobacco Company of England. It was strategically located across from the Hotel John Marshall and has long served as part of the city’s downtown business district. 

The property, totaling about 35,000 square feet, is being co-represented by Jennie Dotts of Long & Foster and Ned Rennolds of Virginia Capital Realty. 

The Free Press moved into the building nine years after publishing its first edition in 1992. Boone said the newspaper remains committed to Downtown Richmond despite the sale. 

File photo