372 replies to this topic

[TBurban]

I really like the idea of a ballpark and mixed use development in Manchester with views of the city.  Don't get me wrong, Boulevard is great but I'd much rather have closer views of the city and riverfront than the current views from the Diamond and surrounding area. The concept you've come up with is really impressive--I like the architectural styles.

[blake_p]

I think it would be a great entertainment district there. Add some high-rise residential and commercial behind the SunTrust and UPS Freight buildings and good connections to the river and Manchester could be some serious competition to downtown Richmond.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

You know that former bridge next to the Manchester bridge? (The one with like just its legs left standing) I think that would make a great pedestrian bridge to Manchester....

and it wouldn't hurt to extend that little segment of a bridge from Brown's Island (the one that has steel steps with Civil War dates and quotes engraved on it.) Those two could make excellent pedestrian bridges and make wonderful photo ops and jogs across the river, or even an easier and greener way to walk, run or bike to the other side of the James (Manchester).

[DalWill]

I believe in four areas that can be used, shape, renovated and built into great districts on a smaller scale, the West End/Boulevard, Manchester, Shockoe Valley (to some capacity).

Boulevard-
I think we can remodel the Boulevard (or Manchester) into a LA Live-Century City influenced district with the Diamond and a new Richmond Arena, few mid-rises and about one high-rises because the area can become even better and still preserve the simplicity of the surrounding neighborhoods and current businesses

Manchester-
Convert that into a North Loop district style district with the current warehouses and business intact.

Shockoe District-
Same as Manchester but on a smaller scale with the influence of the New Orleans Warehouse district style.

Jackson Ward-
All I can say is...this area can turn to both New Orleans and San Francisco for help because they neighborhoods are very Identical to those cities.


And we can learn from these few cites in how we can shape our uniqueness and develop our character with urban design and master planning....

-NEW ORLEANS (Architectural/Historical preservation)
-SAN FRANCISCO (Architectual/Historical preservation AND IMITATION)
-PITTSBURG (appropriate urban expansion and development within limited areas).
-PHILLY, PENN (All of the above)
-ATLANTA (Appropriate Urban expansion)
-MINNEAPOLIS (Same as #3,Whom I think we favor really well. Think about...City by river, known for arts, same aerial coverage...).

Edited by DalWill, 10 January 2012 - 12:41 AM.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

DalWill, on 10 January 2012 - 12:40 AM, said:

I believe in four areas that can be used, shape, renovated and built into great districts on a smaller scale, the West End/Boulevard, Manchester, Shockoe Valley (to some capacity).

Boulevard-
I think we can remodel the Boulevard (or Manchester) into a LA Live-Century City influenced district with the Diamond and a new Richmond Arena, few mid-rises and about one high-rises because the area can become even better and still preserve the simplicity of the surrounding neighborhoods and current businesses

Manchester-
Convert that into a North Loop district style district with the current warehouses and business intact.

Shockoe District-
Same as Manchester but on a smaller scale with the influence of the New Orleans Warehouse district style.

Jackson Ward-
All I can say is...this area can turn to both New Orleans and San Francisco for help because they neighborhoods are very Identical to those cities.


And we can learn from these few cites in how we can shape our uniqueness and develop our character with urban design and master planning....

-NEW ORLEANS (Architectural/Historical preservation)
-SAN FRANCISCO (Architectual/Historical preservation AND IMITATION)
-PITTSBURG (appropriate urban expansion and development within limited areas).
-PHILLY, PENN (All of the above)
-ATLANTA (Appropriate Urban expansion)
-MINNEAPOLIS (Same as #3,Whom I think we favor really well. Think about...City by river, known for arts, same aerial coverage...).

This idea is pretty neat, especially the New Orleans type of scenario in Shockoe areas. That could be another way to bring a little more foot traffic to that general area. The only foot traffic I know of there is the crowds of drunks coming out of all the bars at 2 in the morning on Saturday nights ...... if we could do something big and nice for the Canal Walk, then I know that the foot traffic will spill over into Shockoe, but it needs some (or actually a LOT) of infrastructure improvements. I kinda like that Cathedral Walk idea connecting Shockoe and Main St. Station to the Canal Walk from the new Shockoe Revitalization Study.

[DalWill]

I thought of a new idea, Highway Caps for I95 through Jackson Ward and I64 on the Downtown Expressway (or extend Kanawha Plaza).
http://featuresblogs...y-offers-m.html

It's a really effective way to bridge the communities that were divided by the highways. And turn these highway caps into city parks or greenways of some kind.
The city could use this as a motive to promote itself as "green".

[Icetera]

DalWill, on 20 January 2012 - 07:37 AM, said:

I thought of a new idea, Highway Caps for I95 through Jackson Ward and I64 on the Downtown Expressway (or extend Kanawha Plaza).
http://featuresblogs...y-offers-m.html

It's a really effective way to bridge the communities that were divided by the highways. And turn these highway caps into city parks or greenways of some kind.
The city could use this as a motive to promote itself as "green".

I really like that.

[540_804]

I always thought capping the Downtown Expressway would be a really neat idea.

Imagine a lush greenway and park system stretching over the expressway from Boulevard to 10th Street. It would also physically 're-connect' much of downtown with the riverfront.

Realistically, we wont see something like that for decades to come, if ever. The billions of dollars necessary to do something like that is a major commitment that we just can't afford (and most would be unwilling to make).

I imagine the land values of adjacent parcels would skyrocket. Similar to the land next to many other 'central parks' in other cities (notably, New York, of course).

But hey guys, I'll make a deal with you all. If I ever somehow become a crazy rich multi-billionaire, I'll "Make It Happen."

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Now I know that it isn't currently there, but note the words "proposed" in the description.....

This interesting little sign has the current Carytown logo on it, and has a grand entrance sign that could possibly greet drivers and pedestrians as they cross the Downtown Expressway/I-195 and into C-town. It has two designs, one with the VCU French Film Festival, and another with a glass of wine and bottle. Depending on the event, the sign could advertise many Carytown related events, such as the Watermelon Fest. in August, or VCU in the NCAA Tourney in March (if they get that far again ) This sign is very much matching with the style of Carytown, and I think someone should actually propose it to the city for review. It would be quite grand for someone entering the district for the first time (2015, anyone? )

http://sketchup.goog...dsa&prevstart=0

[wrldcoupe4]

Carytown needs a gateway sign and better landscaping at the intersection of Cary, Thompson, and the on-ramps.

[burt]

John Murden of Church Hill People's News has posted this excellent photo study called Architecture
Richmond.

Click the highlighted link.

http://chpn.net/news...o-okeefe_21636/

[burt]

A plan to announce in no uncertain terms that Richmond has a defined arts districtic is getting underway on walls of buildings downtown. A pair of European artists were encouraged to look at The RVA and were convinced to produce gigantic murals -- one of which will be five stories high.

From today's RTD:  

http://www2.timesdis...ond-ar-1787459/

[Cadeho]

I might be late... if this is already posted here.. forgive me... I don't keep up like I used to...

Was this discussed? I love the design and all... exactly what I had drawn but better! I do think they should keep Franklin open though. http://urbanscaleric...eet-market.html