5 Middlebrook Avenue: A Landmark and Legacy

At Middlebrook Wealth, we’re proud to call 5 Middlebrook Avenue home and recognize it as a place where history and progress meet in the heart of downtown Staunton, Virginia.

When Union Maj. Gen. David Hunter’s troops arrived in Staunton on June 7, 1864, they set fire to the original railroad depot and the adjacent warehouses lining Middlebrook Avenue. The destruction was devastating—but not final. Within two years, Staunton’s business community had rebuilt, laying the foundation for what would become a vital hub in the Shenandoah Valley’s agricultural economy. The brick structure that still stands today rose from this post-war renewal and became one of the Wharf District’s earliest fire-resistant warehouses.

Learn more from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

The Erskine Miller Building

By the late 1880s, the Wharf area was bustling with commission merchants, wholesale grocers, distilleries, and freight services. 5 Middlebrook—then known as the Erskine Miller Building—was constructed around 1890 with sturdy pressed brick, detailed corbeling, and distinctive arched windows. From this very building, wild game from Augusta County was packed in ice and shipped via rail to upscale restaurants in Washington and Baltimore. The scale used for weighing shipments still greets visitors in our lobby today!

Across From the Depot

Location has always mattered. Situated directly across from what is now the Staunton Amtrak station, our building once overlooked one of the busiest platforms in Virginia. Historical records note that in 1890, more passengers passed through this station than any other outside Richmond—with nearly 40 trains arriving or departing daily. This connectivity helped shape the city of Staunton into a thriving center of trade, travel, and opportunity.

Over 160 Years of Purpose

For more than a century and a half, 5 Middlebrook Avenue has proven its durability and versatility:

• Feed & Seed Store (early 1900s): The original heavy-duty scale remains functional today.

• Livery & Horse Stable: Subtle wear patterns on the pine flooring still mark its equestrian past.

• Cold Storage Warehouse: A 500-pound, rough-sawn oak freezer door is now a preserved feature in our conference room.

• Art Studio & Gallery (1970s–1990s): North-facing windows once favored by painters now illuminate modern workspaces.

• Modern Mixed-Use Hub (2000s–Present): Upstairs offices and a ground-level event space highlight this building’s continued evolution.

Turning to Page 2025

As local financial advisors based in Staunton, Virginia, we see our office not just as a place of business but as a symbol of endurance, stewardship, and intentional growth—values that also guide how we serve our clients.

Middlebrook Wealth exists to help individuals, families, and business owners navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Just as this building has faced change and emerged stronger, our goal is to help you build a lasting financial foundation—rooted in strategy, resilience, and vision for the future.

Let’s write your next chapter—together.