October 27, 2008
city unveils development proposals for Shockoe, Boulevard
Today the City Administration unveiled the result of a nearly year-long procurement process to develop two large tracts within the City at North Boulevard and Main Street Station.
The Main Street proposal includes a major economic development “town center” project with a possible solution for a new ballpark.
City Chief Financial Officer Harry Black said, “This is a vision of where the City can go. It is a chance to build two enormous economic engines that will generate new revenues and help power our City to better things.
“It is a vision of what is possible with careful planning, an engaged and informed public, and local ownership. It is a shared vision to make the City better and deliver on our potential. This has been a vision created not by rushed speculation, but by careful and deliberative procedure.”
Black, along with City Economic Development Director Carthan Currin and Highwoods Properties executive Paul Kreckman unveiled the plans calling for a $420 million mixed-use retail, commercial and residential development at the 67-acre Boulevard site.
Black said all of the proposals submitted by developers interested in the Boulevard project had suggested that baseball was not an economically viable solution for the property and suggested it be located elsewhere.
The Main Street Station proposal calls for a $363 million high-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented development that includes office space, two hotels, apartments and condominiums, retail, and a proposal for a ballpark, as well as protecting the cultural and historic importance of the area honoring the Slave Trail.
The Main Street Station area has received $394 million in federal, state and City investment in infrastructure in recent years to help address stormwater issues and position Main Street Station as the State’s rail hub and future home for high-speed rail.
You can view renderings of the proposal and other documents at the following web address: www.RichmondsMayor.com
Yes. For the love of God, yes. People may actually go to these games if they can just wander by after work on their way home. Hell, I’d go watch us lose every time if I can enjoy some pleasant views and a good beer on a warm day.
Of course, the James Monroe building would have to be demolished to make the “pleasant view” part correct. Still, progress. PROGRESS.
This is going to be great for all of the downtown area and I don’t even like baseball.
WOW!! This would be amazing for Richmond and the region!!
Can anyone locate the farmers market on that artist depiction?
Just 2 thoughts:
–the first is that the stadium and development fits only by eliminating almost all of Shockoe Bottom’s current businesses
–Shockoe Bottom already gets a lot of traffic. Why not develop a similar destination to this plan on North Boulevard where the concrete wasteland of the Diamond has been?
[...] Today the City Administration unveiled the result of a nearly year-long procurement process to develop two large tracts within the City at North Boulevard and Main Street Station. [via] [...]
I would be more excited about more emphasis on intermodal transportation connections to Main Street Station. How are people going to travel to and from the Station?
I still this is just one big distraction from more important City priorities. I abhor the corporate welfare involved in these proposals.
-It looks like only two current businesses would have to move as a result of the development, and I am sure appropriate accommodations will be made for them. This should bring in a great deal of business for all the rest of the businesses.
-There’s a reason why there is so much space and a “wasteland” on Boulevard… nobody wants to be there! This is probably why baseball there was never that popular. However, people do want to be downtown… look at the success of events like First Fridays and Friday Cheers.
Haha that plan says they want to put a Target store in the Bottom!
Sure would be nice to be able to buy things in the city instead of giving my tax dollars to Henrico all the damn time.
Not interested in a stadium but I must admit and I’m ashamed of it, I was thinking a Target store would be nice. I agree with John, I’m tired of my tax dollars going to Henrico and Target is one of the very few chains I frequent. Are there any businesses carry similar things as Target in the neighborhood?
I would love a Target store nearby! Even closer that White Oak.
[...] votes cast, but I wanted to get that baseball poll in place. With ongoing discussions both here and River District News, I was curious to see if there was a quiet consensus out there either way on [...]
Yes, I can see the farmer’s market in the larger image….but I can not see the building that we just renovated on E. Franklin Street between 17&18.
Doug, the Interfaith Center appears to be colored gray on page 5 of the PDF presentation, indicating an “existing structure.”
http://www.richmondsmayor.com/media/45286/otherpdf.pdf
[...] still talking about that. Regardless of whether you’re over the conversation or not, this post gives a very concise rundown of what’s in the works. City Chief Financial Officer Harry Black [...]
Here’s a good article discussing the pros and cons in real terms: http://richmondbizsense.com/big-biz/483-is-the-curse-of-diamond-duck-over-before-it-took-hold-.html
I did not realize how close White Oak is the Church Hill! I do not think we need another any closer. I am sure White Oak hires people of city residents and in that way certainly supports Richmond. If the bus routes do not already go to White Oak, they should.
Our downtown development plans should have room to allow for retail chains to open, but the retail chains should NOT be the showcase attraction for our downtown development.
[...] that we’re finally free of the Atlanta-wanna-be Braves and it looks like we might get another baseball team, it is time to raise the big question: what should be the name of Richmond’s baseball team? [...]