Ballpark plans mean big makeover

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."

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