From left: JRA sturgeon mascot Scoot, Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles, JRA’s Bill Street, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin, Mayor Levar Stoney and Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille. (Mike Platania photo)
Work is officially underway on what will be the city’s newest riverfront building.
The James River Association held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for its James A. Buzzard Education Center at 3021 Dock St.
The nonprofit, which advocates for and protects the James River, is building a 8,900-square-foot center at which it’ll educate students and provide access to the river.
The JRA, national nonprofit The Conservation Fund and Capital Region Land Conservancy bought the 5-acre site on which the center will rise for $4.9 million in 2021 and have been planning the project since.
Around 15 years ago, a developer was planning a high-rise mixed-use project dubbed Echo Harbour on the site, but it never came to fruition and the land is now under a conservation easement, which precludes future development. Four of the site’s 5 acres are planned to eventually be gifted to the city.
A rendering of the JRA’s planned building. The Virginia Capital Trail is planned to be rerouted off Dock Street and to pass in front of the new building. (Courtesy 3North)
Included in the JRA’s project is a 350-foot dock on which JRA will have a 30-year lease, according to JRA president and CEO Bill Street.
“Once the surrounding land is transferred to the City of Richmond, the City will own the dock and public access (via the dock) will be determined through the City’s planning process,” Street said in an email.
The project will also see the Virginia Capital Trail rerouted off Dock Street and through the property.
3North is the project architect, Timmons Group the engineer and Kjellstrom + Lee the general contractor. The building will be named after the late James Buzzard, a former MeadWestvaco exec and board chairman for the JRA.
Street said the total project budget is $9 million, which includes the cost of the land, construction and an operating endowment. The education center is scheduled to be completed summer 2024.
From left: JRA sturgeon mascot Scoot, Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles, JRA’s Bill Street, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin, Mayor Levar Stoney and Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille. (Mike Platania photo)
Work is officially underway on what will be the city’s newest riverfront building.
The James River Association held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for its James A. Buzzard Education Center at 3021 Dock St.
The nonprofit, which advocates for and protects the James River, is building a 8,900-square-foot center at which it’ll educate students and provide access to the river.
The JRA, national nonprofit The Conservation Fund and Capital Region Land Conservancy bought the 5-acre site on which the center will rise for $4.9 million in 2021 and have been planning the project since.
Around 15 years ago, a developer was planning a high-rise mixed-use project dubbed Echo Harbour on the site, but it never came to fruition and the land is now under a conservation easement, which precludes future development. Four of the site’s 5 acres are planned to eventually be gifted to the city.
A rendering of the JRA’s planned building. The Virginia Capital Trail is planned to be rerouted off Dock Street and to pass in front of the new building. (Courtesy 3North)
Included in the JRA’s project is a 350-foot dock on which JRA will have a 30-year lease, according to JRA president and CEO Bill Street.
“Once the surrounding land is transferred to the City of Richmond, the City will own the dock and public access (via the dock) will be determined through the City’s planning process,” Street said in an email.
The project will also see the Virginia Capital Trail rerouted off Dock Street and through the property.
3North is the project architect, Timmons Group the engineer and Kjellstrom + Lee the general contractor. The building will be named after the late James Buzzard, a former MeadWestvaco exec and board chairman for the JRA.
Street said the total project budget is $9 million, which includes the cost of the land, construction and an operating endowment. The education center is scheduled to be completed summer 2024.
Perhaps, the JRA should rethink giving the property to the City of Richmond? History proves that the city is a terrible steward of property and will dishonor any agreements it has with benefactors……
Much of the James River Park System (part of the City Parks Dept) is from land donated to the City. The JRA knows what they’re doing.
A project intended to benefit the public and the river.. fantastic! Very exciting to see this moving forward!
We are excited to be part of this project. What a great way to give back to your community.
This is wonderful. Can’t wait!