Towns that once flourished when the railroad ran through them and made them an important depot, have gradually fallen upon hard times, and the glory of their buildings attests to the wealth they once represented.

Emporia, like many "railroad" towns has a lot of interesting architecture going back many years, and in the case of H. T. Klugel building, architecture that goes back to the early 20th century. According to an article in the SAH Archipedia, Emporia, "boasts one of Virginia's most arresting commercial structures." That building being the H. T. Klugel Architectural Sheet Metal Work Building, which was a factory for "ARCHITECTURAL SHEET METAL WORK" as signage on the front of the factory proudly proclaims.

"The front facade is sheathed in decorative silver and black painted worked sheet metal in an Edwardian Classicism style." (Wikipedia) The company designed custom, and unique metalworks. The NRHP: National Register of Historic Places designated this as a historic place back on 04/02/1973.

When visiting Emporia you must check out this building.