Jump to content

VCU Developments


wrldcoupe4

Recommended Posts


2 hours ago, Hike said:

 

Also, public comments from the RTD about state funding for this are very sour, sentiments like a waste of tax payer $, another block without tax, costs too much $ and for the arts, tuition too expensive because of projects like this, etc.  Just surprised how negative they are, a real hatred for VCU. 

 

 

I wouldn't go too far deep into those comments. Those, as well as local news channel facebook comments, are full of individuals whose entire political identities fit in a one sentence catch phrase. 

 

Very excited to see this go through for VCU. That corner getting (finally) developed will be great. I will say, the arts building across the street looked absolutely amazing in the renderings and it has fallen short in real life to me. Too opaque and not enough ambient lighting (like we see in all renderings for all 'cool' developments) so it never really pops. That would have been a wonderful building if it was all glass - that way we'd see people inside actually using it along with art being displayed. It looks closed from the outside. This is my concern with the new buildings - renderings look beautiful but if you imagine it in real life we will just get a bunch of opaque gray and white metal siding. I hate to say it because there are a good amount of glass windows at bottom but we need more windows to make it look sleek. It's still better than the arts building across the street and I just don't want to repeat any flavor of that design mistake (in my view).

Edited by ancientcarpenter
  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, ancientcarpenter said:

 

I wouldn't go too far deep into those comments. Those, as well as local news channel facebook comments, are full of individuals whose entire political identities fit in a one sentence catch phrase. 

 

Very excited to see this go through for VCU. That corner getting (finally) developed will be great. I will say, the arts building across the street looked absolutely amazing in the renderings and it has fallen short in real life to me. Too opaque and not enough ambient lighting (like we see in all renderings for all 'cool' developments) so it never really pops. That would have been a wonderful building if it was all glass - that way we'd see people inside actually using it along with art being displayed. It looks closed from the outside. This is my concern with the new buildings - renderings look beautiful but if you imagine it in real life we will just get a bunch of opaque gray and white metal siding. I hate to say it because there are a good amount of glass windows at bottom but we need more windows to make it look sleek. It's still better than the arts building across the street and I just don't want to repeat any flavor of that design mistake (in my view).

True about comments, not sure why I look or care but still look and I'm mostly disappointed when I do. About a year ago,  I reviewed drawings for this project that was different and was more glass like you mention,  was very transparent, hoped it would be that too. The ICA, across the street,  will be complimented by a structure like this and may fit in better is my hope. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Hike said:

Also, public comments from the RTD about state funding for this are very sour, sentiments like a waste of tax payer $, another block without tax, costs too much $ and for the arts, tuition too expensive because of projects like this, etc.  Just surprised how negative they are, a real hatred for VCU.  I wonder if it were a rectangle with store front windows if they'd be ok as I assume it's the design?  Also, the RTD baited this with the way the title is phrased.  Is it because VCU is right here and visible, perhaps if it was in Blacksburg or maybe Harrisonburg it would be ok?  Aren't many state school projects mostly to partially funded by state funding?  Plus, all universities are growing, expanding, consolidating and adding to their footprint right now, it's not just VCU.  

This is standard commenting in response to anything VCU.  It has never made a difference before and likely never will, thankfully.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is Virginia's state schools list, was surprised how many opportunities Virginia offers.  For any frustration of how Virginia spends it's higher education dollars, I hope the frustration is spread out evenly towards all, not just here at home.  During my career, was involved with parts of construction at many of these and was surprised how many great facilities there are across the state, in every corner.  

https://www.schev.edu/index/students-and-parents/explore/virginia-institutions

4 year 

 

Institution Name Website Institution Profile Accreditation
Christopher Newport University www.cnu.edu Profile SACSCOC
College of William and Mary www.wm.edu Profile SACSCOC 
George Mason University www.gmu.edu Profile SACSCOC
James Madison University www.jmu.edu Profile SACSCOC
Longwood University www.longwood.edu Profile SACSCOC
Norfolk State University www.nsu.edu Profile SACSCOC
Old Dominion University www.odu.edu Profile SACSCOC
Radford University www.radford.edu Profile SACSCOC
University of Mary Washington www.umw.edu Profile SACSCOC
University of Virginia www.virginia.edu Profile SACSCOC
University of Virginia's College at Wise www.uvawise.edu Profile SACSCOC
Virginia Commonwealth University www.vcu.edu Profile SACSCOC
Virginia Military Institute www.vmi.edu Profile SACSCOC 
Virginia State University www.vsu.edu Profile SACSCOC 
Virginia Tech www.vt.edu Profile SACSCOC

Community Colleges

Blue Ridge Community College www.brcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Central Virginia Community College www.cvcc.vccs.edu Profile SACSCOC
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College www.dslcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Danville Community College www.dcc.vccs.edu Profile SACSCOC
Eastern Shore Community College www.es.vccs.edu Profile SACSCOC
Germanna Community College www.germanna.edu Profile SACSCOC
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College www.reynolds.edu/ Profile SACSCOC
John Tyler Community College www.jtcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Lord Fairfax Community College www.lfcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Mountain Empire Community College www.me.vccs.edu Profile SACSCOC
New River Community College www.nr.vccs.edu Profile SACSCOC
Northern Virginia Community College www.nvcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Patrick Henry Community College www.ph.vccs.edu Profile SACSCOC
Paul D Camp Community College www.pdc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Piedmont Virginia Community College www.pvcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Rappahannock Community College www.rappahannock.edu Profile SACSCOC
Southside Virginia Community College www.southside.edu Profile SACSCOC
Southwest Virginia Community College https://sw.edu/ Profile SACSCOC
Thomas Nelson Community College www.tncc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Tidewater Community College www.tcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Virginia Highlands Community College www.vhcc.edu Profile SACSCOC
Virginia Western Community College www.virginiawestern.edu Profile SACSCOC
Wytheville Community College www.wcc.vccs.edu Profile SACSCOC

 

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Hike said:

Also, public comments from the RTD about state funding for this are very sour, sentiments like a waste of tax payer $, another block without tax, costs too much $ and for the arts, tuition too expensive because of projects like this, etc.  Just surprised how negative they are, a real hatred for VCU.  I wonder if it were a rectangle with store front windows if they'd be ok as I assume it's the design?  Also, the RTD baited this with the way the title is phrased.  Is it because VCU is right here and visible, perhaps if it was in Blacksburg or maybe Harrisonburg it would be ok?  Aren't many state school projects mostly to partially funded by state funding?  Plus, all universities are growing, expanding, consolidating and adding to their footprint right now, it's not just VCU.  

 

This goes back to the comment I made on here re: the Casino that many people in Richmond profess to be very progressive, but when it comes to local issues are actually very conservative. Spending on arts and education is a progressive value, but they hate it when it's in their own city.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't care whether the current persuasion is progressive or more conservative or how that's interpreted - i just want it to be a smart investment.  Just because VCU is dumping money doesn't mean it always trickles down to the students. Lotta well-documented waste in higher ed - esp. on the new and shiny. 

While I  support this interdisciplinary investment and  recognize the importance of VCU's arts program, I don't find it crazy that people are sniping at it - more justified than any critique against the casino as that was privately funded. And this isn't city funding mind you - this is a state item so someone in Winchester has just as much right to comment on this  - and should be just as heard or not as heard - as someone living by Monroe Park.

And to the last point -  'pushing for the arts' isn't exclusive to public subsidization right? - i 'push' for the arts when i see shows, purchase pieces on first Fridays etc. Developers again push for the arts by commissioning murals, lobby artwork, sculptures etc. The best art cultures I'd argue are grass roots, not crowded with institutional, gov't actors. 

 

 

 

 

Edited by whw53
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, whw53 said:

I don't care whether the current persuasion is progressive or more conservative or how that's interpreted - i just want it to be a smart investment.  Just because VCU is dumping money doesn't mean it always trickles down to the students. Lotta well-documented waste in higher ed - esp. on the new and shiny. 

While I  support this interdisciplinary investment and  recognize the importance of VCU's arts program, I don't find it crazy that people are sniping at it - more justified than any critique against the casino as that was privately funded. And this isn't city funding mind you - this is a state item so someone in Winchester has just as much right to comment on this  - and should be just as heard or not as heard - as someone living by Monroe Park.

And to the last point -  'pushing for the arts' isn't exclusive to public subsidization right? - i 'push' for the arts when i see shows, purchase pieces on first Fridays etc. The best art cultures I'd argue are grass roots, not crowded with institutional, gov't actors. 

 

 

 

 

My point is that it doesn't matter what VCU does it will always be in the wrong in some peoples' eyes. "My tax dollars" is just another weapon for something they see as a waste since it's done by and for the "cities." 

 

For God's sakes we had people complaining about the Children's hospital being built. These. People. Will. Find. Anything. To. Hate. Period. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, ancientcarpenter said:

It's the same people that think Richmond is constantly on fire and you will get robbed if you just drive by the city even on the highways. I pay no attention to these people. 

We also have the capacity to understand that cities can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. Just because we fund arts doesn't mean we don't fix potholes. Just because we fund for feeding the homeless doesn't mean we don't also push for attracting corporate investments.  

Again, pay no mind. Move on. RVA is growing and VCU is a core piece. And it's just so lovely isn't it?!

THANK YOU!!! Extremely well said. I agree with you on all fronts, @ancientcarpenter

Edited by I miss RVA
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We’ll, except that the city doesn’t do so well at certain things, like infrastructure spending, supporting the development and business community by adding staff to the permitting office, etc. There are chronic issues that haven’t been addressed. I know there are a lot of competing needs in the City, but there’s some low hanging fruit around. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, whw53 said:

I don't care whether the current persuasion is progressive or more conservative or how that's interpreted - i just want it to be a smart investment.  Just because VCU is dumping money doesn't mean it always trickles down to the students. Lotta well-documented waste in higher ed - esp. on the new and shiny. 

While I  support this interdisciplinary investment and  recognize the importance of VCU's arts program, I don't find it crazy that people are sniping at it - more justified than any critique against the casino as that was privately funded. And this isn't city funding mind you - this is a state item so someone in Winchester has just as much right to comment on this  - and should be just as heard or not as heard - as someone living by Monroe Park.

And to the last point -  'pushing for the arts' isn't exclusive to public subsidization right? - i 'push' for the arts when i see shows, purchase pieces on first Fridays etc. Developers again push for the arts by commissioning murals, lobby artwork, sculptures etc. The best art cultures I'd argue are grass roots, not crowded with institutional, gov't actors. 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know that there is any “grass roots”  art culture.  The gallery spaces along Broad are supported with city/state/federal funds. Artists are subsidized with the same funding.  This is true the world over, especially in European countries. I have a MFA (sculpture).  I attended two state schools (VCU and the Ohio State University).  I used federally secured loans for undergrad (and Pell grant).  Grad school was a “free ride” but I suspect the people of Ohio paid for it. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
19 minutes ago, eandslee said:

Block D of Navy Hill:  Do you think demolition is about to begin?  I see porta-potties, men with construction vests on, a back hoe, etc.  Would love to see this project start and a crane erected!

Block D

 

That would be reasonable. I recall that a permit to begin demolition had been filed some time ago - and, @whw53all of that process was approved, yes?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, eandslee said:

Block D of Navy Hill:  Do you think demolition is about to begin?  I see porta-potties, men with construction vests on, a back hoe, etc.  Would love to see this project start and a crane erected!

Block D

 

Perhaps they are planning to shuffle them around a bit, but the placement of the porta-potties next to the structure (technically on top of even) to be demolished seems odd.  There is a lot of utility work going on in Shockoe/Fulton/Rocketts but that is a lot more potties than are present here.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With CoStar's conversation about height and crown etc. thought of this building and wanted to point out this roof top that could use a crown, the VCU Children's hospital.  Perhaps it's not as bad from street level but this is just terrible looking and probably visible from any distant views.

 

VCU_Health_Adult_Outpatient_Pavilion_#1-20211201-130214.jpg

Children's_Hospital_of_Richmond_-_View_4-20211213-105126.jpg

Edited by Hike
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agreed.  The top of this tower is absolutely hideous!  I don’t think that the top was originally designed that way (at least I don’t remember it looking like that in all their renderings).  The problem is that there is a helicopter pad up there so you really can’t put a decorative crown on top.  I’m really disappointed in how it has turned out. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, eandslee said:

Agreed.  The top of this tower is absolutely hideous!  I don’t think that the top was originally designed that way (at least I don’t remember it looking like that in all their renderings).  The problem is that there is a helicopter pad up there so you really can’t put a decorative crown on top.  I’m really disappointed in how it has turned out. 

There had to have been a way, even with the helicopter, agree, disappointed.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agreed - the top of the Children's Hospital does look pretty schvach, unfortunately. But the first picture - which includes the new outpatient hospital - brings a question to mind: recall not that long ago, when the facility officially opened, there was discussion included that described how -- in accommodating the Massey Cancer Center -- the building was "expandable" by five stories to provide space for extra beds and treatment facilities for cancer patients. Now - would said expansion occur at the TOP of the building (on the north/Leigh Street side) -- or on the larger but shorter south side of the building? Notice that in photos of the tower portion, the south-facing wall has what appears to be"openings" that would accommodate vertical expansion of the building on the south side of the structure.  (Recall that the Children's Hospital had this configuration on the north-facing wall prior to expansion). It may seem obvious that this is where any additional floors would be added - but it's a question that bears asking. If the tower portion were expanded, then it would become a 22 or 23 story building. I have a strong feeling that's not how it's designed to be expanded.

Just wanted to throw that out for discussion.

 

1433908476_VCU_Health_Adult_Outpatient_Pavilion_2-20210611-120148.thumb.jpg.145b244ffff83cba0b8ab41079789671.jpg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.