Wahoo 07

This is great! Hopefully it will soar at least 650 feet (I'm ok with a new "tallest building" sticking out a bit).

Not about breweries but local alcohol instead http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/the-hard-stuff/Content?oid=2196278 Here's to hoping more bourbon will be made in RVA!

I agree that a new arena would be a far better use of funds. It would allow RVA to attract bigger acts, host first round NCAA tournament games, etc and could be used year round. Maybe down the road, we could land an NBA franchise (I know -- wishful thinking).

Mixed use high rises. Increasing the population and density of Manchester will only help Richmond. Something like "Skyhouse" or "Viewpoint" in Midtown Atlanta would be great. A Kroger level grocery store with a high rise above at the corner of Semmes and Cowardin would be ideal.

I agree. Given that it is in the Tuckahoe MS/Freeman HS district, I would imagine that housing, especially for families, would be desirable there.

New airline and destination for RIC! http://www.timesdispatch.com/business/local/allegiant-offers-introductory-ric-st-petersburg-fla-one-way-fares/article_4da64d9f-3d71-564d-a40f-36ac8fee6344.html

Yesterday, I made my first visit to Libby Hill park in many years (I recently moved back so I am gradually rediscovering my home town). I think that the view to the southeast that "named Richmond" should be preserved in a way that accommodates commercial development while maximizing river access. With regards to the view west and the proposed high rise, I am totally in favor of that building. The view west is already obstructed by foliage in many places, as well as the Lucky Strike power plant. The relatively minor reduction in view that will be caused by the Pear Street project is vastly outweighed by the benefits of the project (increased density, population, taxpayer base, etc.). My concern is that if development is sacrificed to save an already compromised view, it will set a bad precedent for future development that falls in the Libby Hill sight lines. Potential (and hopeful) high rise construction in Manchester would serve to reduce the view from Libby Hill and curtail sunset viewing during certain times of the year -- should that be prohibited because it could interfere with a park over a mile away? The view west is nice, but preserving it at all costs will be detrimental to the city as a whole. If the city wants to compete with Henrico and Chesterfield (not to mention NOVA, Raleigh, Charlotte, and Atlanta), projects like these need to be encouraged lest Richmond be viewed as a place where doing business is hassle and large scale, trans-formative development is met with hostility.

I like the old rendering but wish it had more height, especially considering what a high profile location 8th and Broad is. Maybe the state will follow the precedent established by the James Monroe building and give Virginia a new tallest building.

I know a W would be huge longshot if not impossible -- more wishful thinking on my part than a serious suggestion. I do think that a Hotel Indigo could work there though (same vibe as a W but not nearly as selective).

With regards to the hotel -- how about a W? That style (hip and modern) does not really exist in Richmond and it usually comes with a cool restaurant and bar. A W would be quite a move for Richmond's downtown. Of all the projects proposed in Richmond in the last decade, Centennial is the one that I want to come to fruition the most.

I like this project too (although I wish the design was more modern). If this, as well as the proposed condos in Manchester, does well and has a reasonable absorption rate, perhaps it will rekindle the Centennial Tower project.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/city-of-richmond/city-unveils-plans-for-revamped-farmers-market/article_87359ee6-e0f5-5c23-b554-11563e0cc35c.html Article from RTD about the farmers' market redevelopment in Shockhoe. It reminds me of the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville (which is a good thing). Glad to see that area becoming more of a destination.

I prefer Broad for national chains/big box (like Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta), while Grace takes on a more local feel; akin to Magazine Street in New Orleans or King Street in Charleston.

Interesting story from richmond.com about streetcars in Richmond. As a person seriously considering relocating back to my native Richmond, developments like these would really increase Richmond's appeal for me. I realize that this is probably not on the horizon, but I would love to see Richmond act like a larger city instead of a regional one and fixed rail transit would certain further that. http://www.richmond.com/city-life/why-richmond-why/article_ac3a7b08-9511-11e3-b4d1-001a4bcf6878.html

I was referring to the business that used to occupy 107 S. First St.

I used to work in the red brick building next door to the lot in question and this project would be a huge boon for Monroe Ward. The lot has been an overgrown parking lot for as long as I can remember. This project needs to go through. It serve as a catalyst for developing the overgrown parking lot immediately across 1st Street.

I like the idea of revamping Kanawha Plaza. The renderings make it look more like a village green and it could provide for another link to the riverfront/Canal Walk. Does anyone know if it would be possible to cover up the SE corner? Sealing off the expressway from street level would make the space more inviting and restore (albeit a small part) of the street grid. If this works, it could lead to more covering of the downtown expressway (like 5th to 3rd/2nd streets) so that the chasm between Monroe Ward and Gamble's Hill could be bridged. Boston did this and Atlanta has discussed it regarding the downtown connector. Obscuring the expressway via green space would serve several purposes and increase Richmond's urban appeal.

I appreciate welcome and agree that Richmond has great potential -- but it remains largely untapped. The fact that Richmond is probably the most historically significant city in the United States is a tremendous advantage and is something that cannot be faked or created elsewhere. With that, and the sheer natural beauty of the place, Richmond has the foundation to be a truly special city (more than it already is) if some of the biggest hurdles, especially the lack of regional cooperation, can be overcome.

Just joined the forum today but have been reading it since 2008. I am a Richmond native but do not presently live in Virginia. Not sure how often I will post but I thought that I would introduce myself.