Richmond Developments

[540_804]

Actually, now that I think about it, I think the western building (on the corner) should be saved as well. It is a very handsome example of modern architecture -- probably one of the better examples in downtown RVA.  Sure it needs work but we've seen buildings requiring fare more care that have been rehabbed and saved.

 

What happened to this plan:

 

This what we should be aiming for (utilizing the empty, gravel lot) instead of tearing down what we already have.

[Icetera]

Took me less than a minute.  I can find better:

 

http://hillsandheights.org/2014/01/16/city-unveils-plan-for-browns-island-dam-walk/

 

There he is!

http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/today-s-top-opinion-first-base/article_4496c340-0340-56e7-b537-d6b83db15dbe.html

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Apparently there's a new 140-unit apartment project called 800 Semmes going underway in Manchester, off of Semmes, between Ninth and Commerce.

 

Strangely, no local source has bothered to cover the story other than Virginia Business:

 

http://www.virginiabusiness.com/news/article/another-new-apartment-condo-project-coming-to-manchester

 

Edit: The article says the building will be twelve stories. Hmm.... much more than it's 4 or 5 story neighbor, Link Manchester Apartments. Potential skyline impact?

Edited March 19, 2014 by RVA-Is-The-Best

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

A scaled back version of Venture Richmond's Tredegar Green amphitheater proposal has been approved by the Planning Commission -- now it goes on to City Council.

 

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2014/03/18/venture-richmonds-new-tune-strikes-a-chord-with-planning-commission/

 

Again, I reiterate, as long as they restore the canal and take it to Maymont, I'm happy.

[eandslee]

A 12-story apartment development coming to Manchester called 800 Semmes:

 

http://www.virginiabusiness.com/news/article/another-new-apartment-condo-project-coming-to-manchester

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Apparently there's a new 140-unit apartment project called 800 Semmes going underway in Manchester, off of Semmes, between Ninth and Commerce.

 

Strangely, no local source has bothered to cover the story other than Virginia Business:

 

http://www.virginiabusiness.com/news/article/another-new-apartment-condo-project-coming-to-manchester

 

Edit: The article says the building will be twelve stories. Hmm.... much more than it's 4 or 5 story neighbor, Link Manchester Apartments. Potential skyline impact?

 

 

A 12-story apartment development coming to Manchester called 800 Semmes:

 

http://www.virginiabusiness.com/news/article/another-new-apartment-condo-project-coming-to-manchester

 

[eandslee]

Oops!  Sorry. 

 

Are there any renderings out there...or did I miss that too?

 

Dude!  How in the world did I miss your post!?  So sorry.

Edited March 19, 2014 by eandslee

[eandslee]

Apparently there's a new 140-unit apartment project called 800 Semmes going underway in Manchester, off of Semmes, between Ninth and Commerce.

 

Strangely, no local source has bothered to cover the story other than Virginia Business:

 

http://www.virginiabusiness.com/news/article/another-new-apartment-condo-project-coming-to-manchester

 

Edit: The article says the building will be twelve stories. Hmm.... much more than it's 4 or 5 story neighbor, Link Manchester Apartments. Potential skyline impact?

 

And yet, no mention of this new building in today's RTD or Richmondbizsense.  The RTD talks about the meeting where this building was announced, but they didn't pick up on the fact that this is a new 12-story apartment building.  No mention at all of 800 Semmes.  Strange indeed.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Looks like Venture Richmond decided to put out their Downtown Development Snapshot for 2014 a little early this year. (Most of the time, the forum is held in June, with the powerpoint/pdf that goes along with it being released shortly thereafter).

 

http://www.venturerichmond.com/pdfs/transformation.pdf

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

An old Coca-Cola bottling plant as well as a current parking lot behind the 3600 Centre will become The Preserve at Scott's Addition.

 

The historic bottling plant will be converted into 70 apartments, joined by a separate 194-unit new construction project in 2015.

 

 

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2014/03/21/194-unit-project-is-out-of-the-bottle/

[blake_p]

Downtown photos from this morning:

http://puhak.net/rcw/RVA-2014/index.html

[eandslee]

Great pics!  Thanks for sharing!

[540_804]

Downtown photos from this morning:

http://puhak.net/rcw/RVA-2014/index.html

 

Nice pics.

 

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of those 4 luxury townhouses (architecturally speaking). But I can't help but thinking that anyone who was able to snatch one up may have scored a heck of an investment. When you think about it, there really isn't anything else comparable to it (true riverfront single family house [detached or attached]) in the Richmond market, I believe. They're among the biggest units to be found in the downtown area (if we consider Rockett's Landing as downtown) and their sized comparably to something one might find on Monument Ave. I really would expect these to do very well on the secondary market.

 

Have they announced pricing on the 2nd phase of these townhouses. I heard there are 5 more "luxury" class townhouses planned. I wonder if they'll bump the prices a little since they had no problem selling the first 4. I wonder if we'll see one of these bigger end units break the $2 million mark.

Edited March 25, 2014 by 540_804

[Icetera]

Nice pics.

 

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of those 4 luxury townhouses (architecturally speaking). But I can't help but thinking that anyone who was able to snatch one up may have scored a heck of an investment. When you think about it, there really isn't anything else comparable to it (true riverfront single family house [detached or attached]) in the Richmond market, I believe. They're among the biggest units to be found in the downtown area (if we consider Rockett's Landing as downtown) and their sized comparably to something one might find on Monument Ave. I really would expect these to do very well on the secondary market.

 

Have they announced pricing on the 2nd face of these townhouses. I heard there are 5 more "luxury" class townhouses planned. I wonder if they'll bump the prices a little since they had no problem selling the first 4. I wonder if we'll see one of these bigger end units break the $2 million mark.

 

 

If I recall, they did not begin construction until those 4 were sold.  I believe word though the community was that the next round is looking to come up very soon.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

A neat editorial article from Style about the new Terrace 202 development in Shockoe Bottom.

 

http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/snap-crackle-and-pop/Content?oid=2049795

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

The city will look at those plans we posted on earlier about The James at River Bend, the 16-story highrise apartment building proposed at the foot of Libby Hill, near Pear Street.

 

The original report from CHPN: http://chpn.net/news/2014/02/04/the-james-at-river-bend-aka-pear-street_31771/

 

The RVANews update: http://rvanews.com/etc/city-to-review-plans-for-13-story-building-at-foot-of-libby-hill/110712?east-end-daily

[eandslee]

I'd bet that it is NOT going to pass.  The residents up on Libby Hill rule the place and they will not have any of it!  I, on the other hand, would like to see this project move forward, but I also would like to add that the design could be better.  More glass, less concrete...or more brick, less concrete would be better.

[540_804]

Yeah, I'm not a fan of the current design at all.

 

I'd be OK with something being approved for the location (then again, I don't live on the Hill), but it needs a stronger design. 

 

IMO, the full brick/masonry cladding is just too much..it's too "heavy" looking.

 

Maybe have the first 3-5 floors in brick to relate to the other warehouses on the row. The remaining floors should/could be set back a bit and in glass.

 

Something like this, maybe, but a little more slender up top (this building is 12 floors, so imagine an addition 4 glassy floors):

 

[ZUMAN]

And yet, no mention of this new building in today's RTD or Richmondbizsense.  The RTD talks about the meeting where this building was announced, but they didn't pick up on the fact that this is a new 12-story apartment building.  No mention at all of 800 Semmes.  Strange indeed.

Appears construction is about to get underway.

 

Does a project of this scope not need to go thru a city approval process from an architectural standpoint and even zoning (building height, etc) approval process?

[540_804]

Appears construction is about to get underway.

 

Does a project of this scope not need to go thru a city approval process from an architectural standpoint and even zoning (building height, etc) approval process?

 

It's likely that the plot at 800 Semmes is already zoned for that density, use and height and thus won't need any kind of extended, discretionary approval (architectural or otherwise), though I'm not 100% sure.  The architectural review is typically only necessary if the development falls within one of the cities "Old and Historic Districts" which this may not be in.

 

As long as it's not within an historic district and it's an "as-of-right" development, it may be as simple as submitting the building plans to be rubber stamped.

 

Edit: As a disclaimer, I'd add that the process varies from city to city and I'm not that familiar with Richmond's process.

Edited March 29, 2014 by 540_804

[eandslee]

Thanks for the report on the beginning of construction.  I'd still like to see a rendering of this building...anyone know of one?  It's going to be nice to see a 12-story building go up in Manchester!  Can't wait to see what it will do to the overall skyline!

[Wahoo 07]

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.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

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.

 

Some of the commenters on that forum are absolutely absent-minded. I like the way the street is decorated with hanging lights (makes it seem more vibrant). I also love the ample outdoor seating.

 

Too bad it "looks like something that belongs in Short Pump " (whatever the hell that means). 

Edited April 11, 2014 by RVA-Is-The-Best

[Brent]

Oops, posted in wrong thread...

Edited April 22, 2014 by Brent

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Looks like The James at Rivers Bend (aka Pear Street) is moving forward. It won over approval of the Planning Commission yesterday.

 

http://rvanews.com/news/planning-commission-green-lights-new-hi-rise-apartments/111863?east-end-daily