Built in the 1930s, the Intermediate Terminal Warehouse No. 3 has probably caused its fair share of confused glances from passersby on the Capital Trail heading toward Rocketts Landing. The stilt-supported building has been vacant for years — but the city is looking to change that.
We want to hear from you: How would you reimagine the Intermediate Terminal building?
Earlier this week, Richmond BizSense reported that the Economic Development Authority will likely issue a request for proposals to reinvigorate the Intermediate Terminal building. The RFP is expected by the end of the year; the EDA says it wants to see ideas for restoring or renovating the structure, rather than demolishing it.
Past
In 1933, the city open Intermediate Terminal, its first municipally owned wharf facility.
By 1936, Richmond’s growth as an international port city was outpacing its storage capacity. The city applied for funding through New Deal programs to build a new warehouse.
Fun fact: That same month, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited Richmond aboard the USS Potomac, which docked at Intermediate Terminal.
Construction began on Warehouse No. 3 in 1937 and finished in May 1938. The three-story concrete structure housed a large quantity of goods, primarily raw sugar.
Future
Stone Brewing once had plans to redevelop the area, but those have fallen through. Now, the city wants to take another crack at it.
In recent years, events have been hosted near the building, including Richmond’s Juneteenth festival. The surrounding area is popular amongst local fishers. It’s also conveniently located near the East Riverfront Pulse station.
Here’s where you can dream big. Tell us what you’d do with the building. Should it be the next riverfront dining destination? A museum exploring Richmond’s port past? A mural-filled art piece? Let us know and you could be featured in a future newsletter.
