Major James Center Expansion

[urbanvb]

Not a bad looking project imo.

[TBurban]

Not a bad looking project imo.

It was a good looking project, but thats from '83. Hopefully the new one does just as much.

[burt]

Well, I stumbled upon this at RCW. Some of you may have seen it before, but for those who havent, here it is:

Courtesy of: http://www.richmondcitywatch.com/

I assume what these plans call for will look similar to this.

See everyone? I was right. James Center DID own the RMA parking garage lot in the beginning. Thanks for validating me, Tommy.

[wrldcoupe4]

I think everyone was right on this one. I wish shakman had more info on this rumored condo tower.

[burt]

DowntownDave says 1st Capital Bank will open in James Center I between the travel agency and Wendy's.

I believe that's the building with the excellent statuary outside at 9th and Cary.

[wrldcoupe4]

Correct, it will be in the former First Union Bank space that was vacated in the Wachovia merger... Wachovia already had a location at James Center II. It will actually be across from the Travel Agency and not between it and the Wendy's.

[burt]

Correct, it will be in the former First Union Bank space that was vacated in the Wachovia merger... Wachovia already had a location at James Center II. It will actually be across from the Travel Agency and not between it and the Wendy's.

Is 1st Capital Bank a major financial institution? Must admit, I've never heard of it. Is it locally owned and will this location be its headquarters?

I'm grateful that they have selected Richmond's financial district and are filling vacant space in James Center.

[wrldcoupe4]

They are headquartered in Innsbrook, and this would be their 7th or 8th location. The space opens up to the lobby and is to the left of where the main entrance is, if I'm thinking of the right spot.

[jbjust]

That SUCKS! We were all hoping for a restaurant to come into that space. We really need some more lunch eating options downtown.

[wrldcoupe4]

Are you kidding? The only lunch option you need downtown is Padow's!

[burt]

That SUCKS! We were all hoping for a restaurant to come into that space. We really need some more lunch eating options downtown.

I predict you will soon see a new lunch/dinner option at the top of Riverfront Plaza.

[jbjust]

Nobody is walking from James Center all the way down to the Riverfront Plaza, especially not to go to a sit-down restaurant for lunch. We desperately needed something like an Au Bon Pain or Corner Bakery to go into that spot in the James Center.

[burt]

Nobody is walking from James Center all the way down to the Riverfront Plaza, especially not to go to a sit-down restaurant for lunch. We desperately needed something like an Au Bon Pain or Corner Bakery to go into that spot in the James Center.

Isn't there a French bakery in the Atrium that is similar to Au Bon Pan? And there are several umbrella-shaded food carts, aren't there?

[jbjust]

Vie de France is not particularly good. The lines at Vie de France and Wendys are backed out the door every day at lunch. Folks walk from 2 blocks in every direction for those 2 restaurants.

[Henry]

I've always liked Vie, although they have become really expensive. It is owned by the Ripps...That is why they are similar to the local Arby's.

[burt]

I've always liked Vie, although they have become really expensive. It is owned by the Ripps...That is why they are similar to the local Arby's.

And the Ripps own and/or operate HAVANA 50 and CAN CAN.

I saw Papa Ripp in POPKIN TAVERN trying out their menu, and he told me he very much enjoyed it, though he hadn't the remotest idea who I was.

[wrldcoupe4]

Here's a little surprise for everyone!

James Center Expansion website

Check out the rendering of a taller James Center 3!!! They'd add 250,000 square feet, and it looks to be about 28 floors.

They are also advertising James Center 4, a 350,000 square foot tower just south of James Center 3 on what is currently a parking lot. Earlier articles mentioned it would be about 20 stories of office space.

These are build to suit opportunities, meaning a significant portion of space must be pre-leased for construction to begin. Once they've achieved that, and have city permits in hand, construction would take about 18 months.

Let's hope there is a lot of interest in this!

[TBurban]

Awesome!!!! Great find!!!!

(from the site)

[wrldcoupe4]

Thanks Tommy!

[Cadeho]

I love it!

[urbanvb]

wow, thats great!

[jbjust]

Great to hear that they're not yet planning on building on the green space on Cary Street. That is the closest thing that we have to a recognized outdoor gathering spot in the city and the only place in the city where you see a large gathering of folks outside when the weather is nice.

[Henry]

Alright, let's guess who could be potential tenants. BB&T could use their name on the skyline.

[jbjust]

Would be great to get Circuit City's headquarters moved downtown.

[andyfried]

The James Center expansion looks great.I hope it gets built.