On the evening of April 11th, I attended a forum on the state’s plans for an office complex at the 8th and 9th St. office buildings.  In planning the construction and renovation of this site the state has utilized a lot of input from citizens and select members of Richmond organizations. People from the states Department of General Services, the APVA, Historic Richmond Foundation, ACORN, Venture Richmond, Capitol Sq. Preservation Council, Department of Historic Resources, and the City of Richmond aided the local architects, Commonwealth Architects, and the national architects, Perkins + Will, in the design process.

Through using the input of citizens with experience in the field and the future of
Richmond in their minds, the architects were able to work around many of the controversial issues.  The 8th and 9th St. buildings are approximately 100 years old and are historic landmarks.  Unfortunately, the 8th St. building, originally The Murphy Hotel, has become a victim of demolition by neglect.  8th St. will be torn down and 9th St. will be totally renovated.  In respect to the old building, it will be recycled and materials salvaged for the new one.  This also helps in efforts to gain LEED silver certification for the future building.

While this will be a modern building it will respect surrounding buildings in terms of elevation.  The design of these buildings will correspond with plans for the whole Capitol Square area, which aim to increase access, walkability, and connection with the rest of the city.  Bank
St. will be made two-way and more pedestrian friendly and 14th St. will be reopened to all traffic.

Other points of interest from the forum:

1.                            Historic St. Peter’s Church will be at risk during the construction, but many precautions are being taken to avoid all risk to the building.  Where necessary repairs and reinforcements will be made on St. Peter’s.

2.                            The APVA recommended to the state that reports be conducted of all buildings so that unnecessary demolition will not occur in the future.

3.                            The VA State Capitol has been nominated as a potential World Heritage site.

4.                            Concern was expressed about the demolition of 8th St. before the state allocates funds for the new construction.