Guest Commentary

This is the first of two guest columns by Edwin Slipek that discuss the planning for the new City Center redevelopment of the Coliseum area. 

The new building’s interior delivers big time. But the exterior, sorry to say, is a clunker amidst its domestic-sized Franklin street neighbors — like an over-sized cruise ship docked at a comparatively diminutive port, say Key West or Dubrovnik.

For two weeks in August 1996 the Prince of Wales’ Institute landed in downtown Richmond. While here the students made field studies, engaged with locals, became familiar with downtown’s geography and buildings, and devised an urban design plan for Monroe Ward.

What most Richmond palace-watchers probably don’t know is this: while the new king has never seen Richmond, his great-great grandfather, King Edward VII (who reigned from 1901 to 1910 during the Edwardian Age), visited here in October 1860.

The 53 sizable oil paintings comprising  “Andras Bality: Terroir,” an exhibition at the Reynolds Gallery on West Main Street, provide the viewer not only an accessible, engaging and joyous experience, but collectively represent a stunning tour de force by the local artist.

It would add immeasurably to the appeal of spirit of VCU to have its president live immediately adjacent to campus. It would revive a tradition: The president did live on campus until the 1970s when student unrest drove him to find shelter in the posh West End suburbs.

For those who prefer Richmond International Airport (RIC) as the point of departure for foreign or domestic travel, the completed Silver Line should enhance Dulles’ lure. Rather than confronting Northern Virginia’s nerve-racking automotive traffic, long-term parking fees, or expensive taxi or Uber costs, Richmond travelers now have another option.