First, some context. The redevelopment is part of the Richmond 300 master plan, which was adopted by City Council last December. By the end of 2021, the city plans on issuing a Request for Interest to get proposals from trusted development firms.

The city is taking the lead to rework the 66 acres of land, although VCU does own 6 acres within the site — that’s Sports Backers Stadium.

The redevelopment will likely be anchored by a new baseball stadium to replace The Diamond. The stadium no longer complies with standards required by Major League Baseball, according to Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella.

Richmond 300 is all about making River City more connected, green, and equitable. On the city’s economic development page dedicated to the project, the vision includes retail and mixed-income housing, a new street grid, and accessibility via bike, transit, and car.

Here’s what we want to know. What are your dreams for the Diamond District? Maybe you’ve got a particular restaurant or business you’d like to set up shop. Or you’ve been daydreaming about a multi-use stadium perfect for baseball — and perhaps some other events (cough cough concerts). Could be you just want some greenspace for a daily walk.

We aren’t the pros — we just want to hear your ideas for the area.

To learn more about the Diamond District, visit the website. You can also sign up to receive email updates on the redevelopment. In the meantime, let us in on your vision by responding to the question below.

Use the share buttons below to break the new district news to your friends and family.

EVENTS

Today

The Roundells | Wed., Nov. 24 | 6 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Stick around for Pipesleeve at 7:30 p.m. 🎶

Friday

Blacktop Revival Trio | Fri., Nov. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Rock out + enjoy Shakedown Eats food truck.
NO BS! Brass Band | Fri., Nov. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Broadberry | $15+ | Jam out on Black Friday with Richmond’s hometown brass masters. 🎺
ZOSO (The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience) | Fri., Nov. 26 | 8 p.m. | The National | $13+ | Live through the 70’s with this Led Zeppelin tribute.

Saturday

Small Business Saturday Artisan Market | Sat., Nov. 27 | 12-6 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery West Creek, 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr. | Free entry | Shop local + enjoy eats from Return of The Mac and 1115 Mobile Kitchen. 🛍

Monday

Virginia Jobs Corps Information Session | Mon., Nov. 29 | 9:30 a.m. | Job Corps Admissions Office, 3404 Hermitage Rd. | Free | Get to know job opportunities + training in over 100 fields and industries. 💼

Tuesday

Wavelength: Alice Sheppard | Tues., Nov. 30 | 12 p.m. | Virtual, RSVP | Free | Alice Sheppard will share her work in the intersection disability arts movement in this program from the ICA at VCU.
Warrior Spirit: The Story of Native American Patriotism and Heritage | Tues., Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Pro tip: Register with the Virginia War Memorial before joining the discussion.
Holiday Movie Tuesday: Home Alone 2 | Tues. Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Catch this holiday classic on the rooftop with movie snacks and beer.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PLAN YOUR NOVEMBER

NEWS NOTES

Weather

51º | Mostly sunny | 3% chance of rain

Edu

Richmond Public Schools will reallocate $3 million in federal relief funding towards increasing mental health supports for students. Want to share your thoughts? Complete this survey to help RPS evaluate possible resources. ✍️

Arts

The VMFA has acquired a new piece by African American artist Alma Thomas. The piece, entitled “Forsythia and Pussy Willows Begin Spring,” is from 1970 and is an abstract from the painter’s “Earth” series. 🖼
The Visual Arts Center has new digs for resident artists. The center now owns the two-level home next door called Granby House. VisArts decorated the home with pieces by local artists and plans to use the property to support its growing residency programs. 🏠

Health

VCU Health is expanding their Massey Cancer Center in Richmond. The new building at the intersection of E. Leigh and N. 9th Streets will open on Mon., Dec. 6. The facility includes 17 stories and 1,000 parking spaces for ease of outpatient care. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Seasonal

The Valentine is hosting Winter Wander on Sun., Dec. 12 from 12-4 p.m. Guests can stroll East Clay St. on a self-guided tour of the neighborhood and enjoy games, drinks, and live entertainment. There will also be a shuttle bus available to take participants to other nearby sites and activities. ❄️

Sports

VCU men’s basketball tips off in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament today at 5 p.m. against Syracuse. If they best the Orange, the Rams will go on to face Baylor of Arizona State on Thanksgiving Day. Tuning in? Catch the game on ESPN2 or listen on 910 The Fan. 🏀

Shop

The Richmond Night Market will return with Holiday Villages every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas. The first village will take place in Northside on Brookland Park Blvd. and North Ave. Want to set up shop at the event? Interested vendors should complete the application by Sat., Nov. 27. 🌙

Outdoors

Local conservation group Keep Virginia Cozy will hold its monthly trail run on Sun., Dec. 12. Proceeds from the event will go towards the FRIENDS Association for Children. Participants should meet at the Reedy Creek Trailhead at 10 a.m. + all activity levels are welcome. 👟

📸 @rivercityphotosrva

River City Photography is documenting their new project — rehabbing an old Volkswagen bus. They plan on getting the vehicle in shape for the spring to take on more photo-centric adventures.

In the meantime, we’ll have to settle for admiring the collection of stunning drone shots on their page.

River City + van life doesn’t sound like a bad combination. 🚐

#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?

Just use #RICtoday on social media.

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THE WRAP

Editor's Pick: Did anyone else catch some shots of Richmond in Sunday's episode of Succession on HBO? We spied Monument Avenue, the Manchester Bridge, and of course The Jefferson Hotel.

We also found this Reddit thread from May, when the show was filming, to reminisce about our missed opportunity to meet Cousin Greg in real life. Sliding doors.

Missed yesterday's newsletter? Talk turkey with us.

Today's Edition by:

Robin

RICtoday Team

Editorial: Robin, Kathryn, Sarah, Erin, Mykell

Sales: Will

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