Richmond Developments

[burt]

Thats a very cool time lapse of the HDL building going up! Its been a very exciting time around there. You're right Burt, Phase II of the expansion begins in March (will take about a year) and will put a mirror image on the other corner to make one continuous building fronting Jackson St (which is why there are no windows on that side) which is connecting to the current 3 story buildinh that heads up 5th St. If you think there's been a buzz about HDL over the last year or two wait until 2013...

 

It's gratifying to see all the money/effort that was put into the biotech park finally paying off. Intelliject is another success story to come out of the park which finally got its first product through the FDA. I hope VCU steps up the incubator efforts and other innovative copanies see advantages in the area - momentum is a good thing   

 

Steve and Icetera, and other readers:  Here's more on HDL expansion in downtown's biotech park.  They expect to have 1,000 employees by 2014.

 

From today's Richmond Biz Sense:

 

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2012/12/19/biotech-firm-makes-room-for-400-new-faces/

[Icetera]

Great find Icetera!  Thanks!  Very enjoyable to watch.  Wish it were taller, but what a great investment in the biotech section of downtown!

 

E,

 

Being that the building is mainly lab space the larger floor plates were needed rather than a taller structure.  I have images of all of the blue prints though I need to confirm whether I can actually share them before posting.

 

Burt,

 

As of last month I am employee number 583 and the place is crowded.  Many people have to share a desk so we are looking forward to when some can begin moving into the new building starting next month.  HDL also fills space over on Second Street that should also eventually move into the new facility.  It is nice no longer commuting to Charlottesville and I am now looking at possibly moving from the Museum District into Downtown.  I definitely intend to take a look at First National.

Edited December 19, 2012 by Icetera

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

406 Shafer St. Just found this on some site advertising residential, office, and retail spaces everywhere, and looking through Richmond's selection, saw this. It says coming in 2015, but haven't heard anything about it though.... Looks tall! And right in the fan near vcu.... Sounds about right. http://www.cityfeet.com/Commercial/ForLease/406-Shafer-Street-Richmond-VA-23220-17945494L17945494L0.aspx Might end up finding more projects like this..... Which obviously would be neat

[burt]

This is old news from December 19th in the Times Dispatch, but for those of you who have not heard, Dominion has chipped in $2million toward the $50million renovation of the Landmark Theatre.

 

For posterity's sake, someone with a camera should take shots of the building clad in scaffolding which is an incredible contrast to the photo below.  The entire facade, including the minaret towers, are a sight to see and should be photographed.    

 

http://www.timesdispatch.com/business/local/dominion-donating-million-for-landmark-theater-renovation/article_37aada96-4b00-11e2-b50b-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=image&photo=0

 

 

[TBurban]

406 Shafer St. Just found this on some site advertising residential, office, and retail spaces everywhere, and looking through Richmond's selection, saw this. It says coming in 2015, but haven't heard anything about it though.... Looks tall! And right in the fan near vcu.... Sounds about right. http://www.cityfeet.com/Commercial/ForLease/406-Shafer-Street-Richmond-VA-23220-17945494L17945494L0.aspx Might end up finding more projects like this..... Which obviously would be neat

 

This must be a rendering that goes along with this article from back in May from BizSense:

 

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2012/05/07/college-students-consolidated/

 

According to the article the architect is Walter Parks.  Nice find on the rendering!  That intersection at Shafer and Grace is going to be dense.

Edited January 5, 2013 by TBurban

[burt]

406 Shafer St. Just found this on some site advertising residential, office, and retail spaces everywhere, and looking through Richmond's selection, saw this. It says coming in 2015, but haven't heard anything about it though.... Looks tall! And right in the fan near vcu.... Sounds about right. http://www.cityfeet.com/Commercial/ForLease/406-Shafer-Street-Richmond-VA-23220-17945494L17945494L0.aspx Might end up finding more projects like this..... Which obviously would be neat

 

The Population Chart underneath the rendering is quite interesting.

 

In addition to this project, the man who just developed a big entertainment/bowling centre in western Chesterfield has plans to construct a 10 to 12 story apartment  building at Belvidere and Grace which, he says, will be compatible with the Steven Holl designed VCU ICA at Belvidere and Broad.   

[TBurban]

Just a few develop-bits here, forgive me if they've already been posted!

 

202 N. 20th St., aka 202 Flats, is well underway.  Foundation work is completed and it should be going vertical very soon.  I attended the CAR meeting when this project was in front of the board for the second time so I'm glad to see it's becoming a reality!  The architect is Walter Parks and if I can remember correctly we should be expecting a very cool lofty/modern design.  Here's the description of the project from the Richmond Parcel Mapper Land Use Project webpage: 57 unit multifamily building with accessory parking.

 

Canal Walk IV Lofts also has completed foundation work and should be going vertical very soon.

 

VCU's ICA at Broad and Belvidere has a HUGE four sided sign at the intersection reading "The Future Site of the VCU Institute of Contemporary Art."  The opening is still set for 2015.  According to the ICA's website funding has just reached over 60%.  http://ica.vcu.edu/

 

Here's a story from Monday's RTD about the proposed apartment building at Rocketts:

Rocketts proposal would spur financing for apartments

 

The five-story building, which will front on Old Osborne Turnpike, will have nearly 11,000 feet of commercial space on the ground floor, according to the project’s plan of development, which has been approved by the county along with the necessary rezoning.

 

 

[burt]

The downtown transformation of business buildings to apartments continues.  The 238 units at The John Marshall are 95% leased.  The Miller & Rhoads project claims all of its 133 apartments are occupied.  Something is going on in the former Massey headquarters at 4th and Main Streets, and (I guess) The high-rise 700 Center at 7th and Franklin is still on the horizon.

 

Meanwhile, The First National Apartments at 9th and Main is in move-in mode with 55 of its 154 units leased.  Rents range from about $900 to upward of $3000.

 

From today's Richmond Biz Sense:

 

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2013/01/11/rent-checks-flow-through-former-bank/

[burt]

Just a few develop-bits here, forgive me if they've already been posted!

 

202 N. 20th St., aka 202 Flats, is well underway.  Foundation work is completed and it should be going vertical very soon.  I attended the CAR meeting when this project was in front of the board for the second time so I'm glad to see it's becoming a reality!  The architect is Walter Parks and if I can remember correctly we should be expecting a very cool lofty/modern design.  Here's the description of the project from the Richmond Parcel Mapper Land Use Project webpage: 57 unit multifamily building with accessory parking.

 

Canal Walk IV Lofts also has completed foundation work and should be going vertical very soon.

 

VCU's ICA at Broad and Belvidere has a HUGE four sided sign at the intersection reading "The Future Site of the VCU Institute of Contemporary Art."  The opening is still set for 2015.  According to the ICA's website funding has just reached over 60%.  http://ica.vcu.edu/

 

Here's a story from Monday's RTD about the proposed apartment building at Rocketts:

Rocketts proposal would spur financing for apartments

Tommy, thanks for this report.

 

Thank goodness the 202 Flats will dress-up the weed strewn corner of 20th and East Grace.  It would be nice if something could replace the squallor a block away at the northwest corner of 21st and Grace.

 

Driving up and down East Main Street during Christmas break, I looked south and could see foundation work on East Cary between 18th and 19th Streets for Canal Lofts IV.  I had thought the complex was going to  run north/south on 19th Street rather than east/west on Cary.

 

I, too, saw the signs at the southwest corner of Belvidere and Broad for the VCU Institute for Contemporary Arts.  Here's hoping work will begin soon at the site  Have you heard anymore on Uphoff's plan for his 10 to 12 story apartment and gas station complex at northeast corner of Grace and Belvidere.  He claims he is in contact with VCU and Steven Holl so that the project will be compatible with the ICA.

[burt]

I suppose the first reaction would be to dismiss the idea of a pedestrian mall on East Grace Street.  But on contemplation, maybe it makes sense.

 

Actually, when you think about it, there is very little vehicular traffic on the downtown stretch of Grace between 1st and 9th Street.

 

Here is a proposal by Jacob Geiger, Director of Work It Richmond.

 

Thoughts?

 

http://workitrichmond.com/2013/01/04/food-thought-downtown/

[burt]

Scott of Oregon Hill has posted a picture of the new 2nd Street extension at RVANews..

 

The narrow and steep road connects 2nd Street near the War Memorial (the columned building upper left in photo) with Tredegar Street along the James River.  After lights, a sidewalk, trees and guardrails are installed, opening of the roadway is expected in March.

 

Note:  The slanted arch midway uphill crosses the dry bed of the old James River & Kanawa Canal.

 

http://www.oregonhill.net/2013/01/11/new-bumps-for-new-road/

[NYCJSW]

Farmers Market to be demolished. http://www.nbc12.com/story/20568952/richmond-to-tear-down-shockoe-bottom-farmers-market-build-urban-plaza

[burt]

Farmers Market to be demolished. http://www.nbc12.com/story/20568952/richmond-to-tear-down-shockoe-bottom-farmers-market-build-urban-plaza

 

 

Thanks for this news clip, NYC.  It's surprising that NBC12 appears to be the only news source to cover the announcement.

 

IMO, it will be great for businesses in the Bottom since demolition of the sheds will create a wide piazza between the west and east sides of 17th Street from Main to Franklin Streets.

 

There is already an effort by the city to leagalize outdoor cafes with liquor licenses along designated public streets. 

 

Imagine a plaza filled with diners at tables under colorful umbrellas.   

 

Burrying power lines would certainly be desirable, but is that possible since Shockoe Bottom is in a flood zone?

[NYCJSW]

It is odd that you can't find more coverage on this story. There's no mention in the RTD = embarrassing. I think the city dropped the ball on the market and never went all in. An indoor component was needed. Cleveland, Philly and DC all have great markets in urban areas and even Richmond has a growing market scene.

I agree that tearing it down beats what's been going on there for a few decades.

Edited January 14, 2013 by NYCJSW

[burt]

If Martin Agency CEO Mike Hughes is successful in selling his idea for an elevated bridge-park across the James River, Richmond will have a real "show-off" feature to greet visitors during the 2015 cycling championships. And the intention is to make it a permanent enhancement for the city.

The proposal is not unlike the famous High Line on Manhattan's West Side between 33rd and 14th Streets. The major difference is that Richmond's bridge would be wider, span water and offer many more diverse activities.

From Nathan Cushing in today's RVANews (click the link reading "championed a river park" in Nathan's story:)

http://rvanews.com/n...d-for-rva/67633

 

This fabulous idea of a Bridge Park across the James is not dead.

 

From Andy Thompson in yesterday's RTD:

 

 

http://www.timesdispatch.com/sports/recreation/hiking/bridgepark-new-concept-for-richmond/article_6d98aa4b-5539-5bc2-bc31-8b7a6b59b6b5.html

Edited January 14, 2013 by burt

[burt]

In all the discussionsof the proposed Bridge Park I have been unable to identify the site.

 

But I bet a quarter it will be atop some old stone piers that supported the Richmond/Petersburg Railroad years ago.  They are still in place and reach from the north shore of the James on Brown's Island all the way to the south shore.  They are just upstream of the Manchester Bridge.

 

See the third picture in the grouping below and note the tall stone structures in the river.

 

From the rvariverfront dot com site:

 

http://www.rvariverfront.com/entertainment/festivals.html

[burt]

In all the discussionsof the proposed Bridge Park I have been unable to identify the site.

 

But I bet a quarter it will be atop some old stone piers that supported the Richmond/Petersburg Railroad years ago.  They are still in place and reach from the north shore of the James on Brown's Island all the way to the south shore.  They are just upstream of the Manchester Bridge.

 

See the third picture in the grouping below and note the tall stone structures in the river.

 

From the rvariverfront dot com site:

 

http://www.rvariverfront.com/entertainment/festivals.html

 

Sorry for the repeat of this.  I got too eager trying to post it too soon after the first post on the subject.

Edited January 14, 2013 by burt

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Hull Street Revitalization?

 

Well, Chesterfield Observer has the story, and the entire plan as a whole has a new website, 360.

 

http://hullstreet360.com/

 

here's the Observer article.

 

http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com/news/2013-01-09/Front_Page/Plan_would_transform_Hull_Street_corridor.html

[burt]

It's good to see cooperation between the city and Chesterfield on the Hull Street Road proposals.

 

Maybe it's the beginning of a new relationship.

[burt]

The Jefferson Hotel in downtown Richmond has received the AAA Five Diamond award for the 20th year, and its restaurant, LEMAIRE, retains its 4-Diamond status. 

 

Four other Richmond area hotels continue their four-Diamond ratings.

 

From today's RTD:

 

http://www.timesdispatch.com/entertainment-life/travel/regional/the-jefferson-hotel-receives-aaa-five-diamond-rating-for-th/article_11db9f39-3691-5257-9b53-985083ddd030.html

 

 

[burt]

I wish someone would photograph the Landmark (soon to be Altria) Theatre in its current condition -- that is, as Edwin Slipek writes, 'shrouded in scaffolding.'  It's a sight to behold with its facade, domes and minarets temporarily reshaped.

 

Here's a story by Slipek from Style Weekly about historic and unique buildings in the city:

 

 

 http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/preservation-marks/Content?oid=1810630

[TBurban]

I think I can speak on behalf of all of us when I say: about damn time!

 

Developer banks on East Broad empire

 

A developer with the keys to a long-vacant fixture on the Richmond skyline has a new plan for the building.

 

Norman Jemal, principal and senior vice president at Douglas Development Co., said Friday that the Washington-based developer plans to redevelop the 23-story Central National Bank building into apartments this year.

 

“We think it’s a gem,” Jemal said. “We love what’s happening in the neighborhood, and with every development in the area it gets a little better. There is no doubt that it is time.”

 

Jemal said that the details of the project are being worked out but that the development would consist of more than 200 apartments and cost about $20 million.

 

The roughly 240,000-square-foot building has been vacant for almost 10 years. Douglas Development bought the building in 2005 from its previous owners, including local businessman Jim Ukrop, for $5.3 million.

 

[Cadeho]

I'd be happy if they'd just turn on those lights again. It looked good with the red and white.

[burt]

Tommy, thanks for posting the Biz Sense story with picture about Douglas Development's firm plans for the Central National Bank tower on East Broad between 2nd and 3rd Streets.  

 

The John Marshall's 238 units are 95% leased.  Miller & Rhoads claims its 133 apartments are fully leased, and the recently completed 150 apartments in the First National Bank building at 9th and Main Streets has already had 55 move-ins.

 

According to certain sources, the 700 Center at 7th and Franklin is still on the 'active'  list for conversion to more than 100 residential spaces, and it appears the old 4-story Massey Headquarters at 4th and Main may be in the process of conversion to housing.  If all of this plus the 200-unit plan for CNB goes forward, close to 900 downtown apartments will have been carved out of mid-to-high rise office buildings in the past few years.

[burt]

I've run this before but in light of a proposal to convert the 23-story CNB tower to residential, The First National Apartments (18 stories) set an excellent example of first class renovation.  

 

http://www.firstnationalapartments.com/p/apartments/photo_6043/richmond-va-23219/first-national-apartments-6043