Transformation theme shared by ballpark plans

Transformation is the shared theme of two ballpark plans for Richmond.

In October, Highwoods Properties proposed Shockoe Center, a development that includes a $60 million ballpark that would transform Shockoe Bottom. A minimum of two years would be required to build that stadium, if the proposal gains city approval.

Then, last week, Opening Day Partners presented a $28 million transformation of The Diamond on the Boulevard, a facility that opened in 1985. Just about everything but the field and part of the lower bowl would be demolished and removed, with a modern ballpark constructed on the stadium footprint, according to Maryland-based ODP. The transformed Diamond, says ODP, could be ready for baseball next season if construction begins Aug. 1.

Richmond officials continue to study the Shockoe Center proposal from Highwoods, which is based in Raleigh, N.C., and has an office in Glen Allen.

Meanwhile, Opening Day Partners wants a chance to meet with area leaders to discuss its proposal for reinventing The Diamond, whose condition influenced the Atlanta Braves to move their Triple-A franchise to Georgia after last season. ODP Chairman Peter Kirk said Thursday that he's discussed the plan with Mike Berry, the general manager of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority, which owns and operates The Diamond. Kirk has yet to speak with city officials.

In its present state, The Diamond remains a short-term solution for Richmond's next baseball franchise. City officials continue to seek a long-term solution to where baseball makes sense in Richmond.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones last month acknowledged that based on what he had heard so far, "there is clearly no consensus on which direction to go in." Comparing two of Richmond's ballpark options SHOCKOE CENTER Proposal: A downtown ballpark as a catalyst for revitalization. The ballpark area would include residential, hotel, retail and restaurant space. Location: The ballpark would be framed by East Broad Street, North 18th Street, East Franklin Street and Ambler Street. Cost: $318 million for the entire project, which involves a $60 million ballpark. Ballpark capacity: 8,500. Features: Party decks, picnic area, grass berms, walkway around field, 24 suites, playground, computer-gaming area, high-definition scoreboard, Wi-Fi, capability of use for community-oriented events. Well-played: The ballpark would be nestled into Shockoe Bottom's fabric, not an enormous structure looming over the area. The field would be 20 feet below concourse level. Manager: Highwoods Properties is the developer. Ballpark financing: Tax revenue generated by the ballpark and attached development would be used to pay the bonds related to stadium construction. Project planners have not envisioned the city backing bonds, but consultants hired by the city suggested city support could be needed to make the project viable. Status: The city continues to study the Shockoe Center proposal, publicly released in October 2008. Double-play: The ballpark's concourse would provide emergency access for the facility and attached buildings, allowing development in a flood plain that otherwise would not be possible. Pluses: A new ballpark. Long-term stability for professional baseball in Richmond. Urban-renewal opportunity for an underachieving city sector. Chance for formal recognition of historic areas. Minuses: Financing questions. Pricey in difficult economic times. Parking. Vehicular access. Neighborhood objections. Presence of historic sites in vicinity. THE BOULEVARD Proposal: Transform The Diamond, which opened in 1985, into what the developer calls "a state-of-the-art ballpark and community activity venue." New retail space also would be included. Location: On the footprint of The Diamond, on the Boulevard, next to the Ashe Center. Cost: $28 million. Ballpark capacity: 8,500. Features: New entrance in center field near parking, walkway around field, 16 suites, high-definition scoreboard, new elevator, new lighting, new sound system, new clubhouses, new concession stands, new restrooms, conference center, picnic deck, concert possibilities, playground with carousel and bumper boats, winter ice-skating, year-round skateboard park. Well-played: The Diamond's concrete roof and upper deck would be removed. The developer includes a provision for a life-skills center for at-risk teenagers. Manager: Opening Day Partners of Annapolis, Md. Ballpark financing: Not detailed yet by OPD, which first wants to know the franchise that will play in Richmond and the composition of its ownership group. Contributions from city and neighboring counties, through the Richmond Metropolitan Authority, may be available. They favored a proposed $18.5 million renovation of The Diamond in 2004 that did not proceed. Status: ODP's chairman, Peter Kirk, released the plan last week and hopes to meet with city and RMA officials. Double-play: The RMA, which owns and operates The Diamond, five years ago spent $418,000 on a new field and a drainage and irrigation system. That, and a portion of the lower deck, would be about the only things preserved from the current facility. Pluses: Reasonable price in difficult economic times. Vehicular access. Parking. Enhancement of Richmond baseball's historic home. Minuses: A transformed ballpark is not a new ballpark. Quick fixes have been known not to address long-term necessities. Financing questions.

Contact John O'Connor at (804) 649-6233 or .