Built in 1922, this elegant Georgian Revival dwelling of dark-red brick was the home of architect, J. Bryant Heard, the city's most prolific architect of the 20th century.  In 1916, Mr. Heard married Bernice Sheppard of Danville and relocated here from his native Lynchburg, where he had been a colleague principally of such noted architectural practitioners as John R. Cardwell, Samuel P. Craighill, and Aubrey Chesterman.
 
By the time Mr. Heard constructed a grand new house for his family near the city limit, numerous dwellings based on his designs of Georgian Revival, Craftsman, or Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean inspiration, were rising all along West Main Street.
 
For his own home the architect took advantage of a broad lot, actually a wedge formed by West Main as it intersects with Howeland Circle. Here the house sets serenely, well back from bustling West Main Street, its Georgian symmetry emphasized by a prominent location, and enhanced today by trees at least 75 years old. Restrained mouldings, mantels and other classical appointments inside belie innovations of construction "advanced" for any era -- not only solid masonry walls, but also concrete floors for fireproofing.
 
For more than three-quarters of a century, the house remained in the builder's family -- sheltering first the architect, his wife, and their three daughters.  Following the death of Mr. Heard in 1956, and his wife 25 years later, one of these daughters, Bernice, and her husband, Charles K. Waddell, continued to maintain the family home for some years. The house left the family's estate only four years ago.
 
Since 2002, the venerable structure has been given a new lease on life in the capable hands of Bob and Fay Echols.  Recognizing its quality, Mr. and Mrs. Echols have brought to this refurbishing project their considerable experience as real estate agents, their eye for detail, and respect for architectural tradition.