Richmond revitalization and development explored

Private investment has transformed some historic parts of Richmond by converting old buildings into apartments or restaurants.

But there still are about 1,700 vacant buildings in Richmond, said Rachel Flynn, the city's director of community development. These were among the topics discussed yesterday during the River City Saunter, an event held by the Partnership for Smarter Growth.

About 160 people took a bus tour that started and ended at Legend Brewing Co. in South Richmond.

"Cities live and breathe solely on the basis of how many people they can attract downtown, and not just during the times of 9 to 5," said Daniel Moore, who works for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and spoke during yesterday's bus tour.

Some participants praised revitalization of buildings in Richmond, but they also emphasized that there is plenty of room for further improvement.

Flynn, who also spoke during the tour, said there are too many surface parking lots taking up space in key parts of the city. Better options are underground parking or parking garages that use the ground level for retail, she said.

"We've lost a lot of our architecture to accommodate parking," Flynn said during the tour.

The tour buses passed Main Street Station, which reopened for train passengers in 2003. Tour guides noted revitalization of historic Church Hill, where 150 new apartment units are planned off Broad Street near Jefferson Avenue Park, and they admired the historic Jackson Ward area, lined with cast-iron fencing.

Moore wondered aloud whether the city eventually will reach a point of market saturation for apartments.

"It doesn't seem to be happening yet," he said.

The Partnership for Smarter Growth is a nonprofit organization that seeks to educate the public and politicians about land use, transportation and other growth-related issues.

Discussion also centered on development along the James River. Sheila Sheppard, coordinator for the partnership, said it is important not to use such important real estate for more parking lots. Also, some buildings have been criticized because they obstruct views of the river.

"We also want to reverse the trend of turning our backs to the river," Moore said. "The river is really this wonderful gem."

George and Barbara Jones shared their thoughts on Richmond's progress during a stop at Libby Hill Park. George Jones said he hopes for greater public access to the James.

The Joneses also said private development has brought more things to do in downtown Richmond, and they hope area leaders will work together to continue the trend.

"We've been living here 30 years," he said. "If we make it that long, we'll be here another 30 years."
Contact Reed Williams at (804) 649-6332 or .