Richmond’s tallest building may find new life, or become rubble, according to new plans from Virginia’s Department of General Services.
The Department of General Services revealed new renderings at its meeting with the General Assembly last month that detailed its plans for a new, 316,000-sqft building. If fully approved, the project would replace both the VODT Annex site at 1401 E. Broad St. as well as the James Monroe Building at 101 N. 14th St.
Initial estimates show this would cost in the “mid-$400 million” range. The agency noted that renovations would be “approximately equal” to new construction costs. Further, the current VDOT building does not meet the needs of DPS, which includes a conference center.
Currently, the project is expected to take two years to design + an additional three years to build. Other challenges still remain as well, such as finding new places for the agencies that currently work inside the Monroe Building. This relocation process could take upwards of 18 months, according to predictions.
The Monroe Building has been at the center of attention for more than a year now. The 1970s skyscraper has been struggling, and was deemed “non-functional” due to unreliable elevators and non-ADA-compliant bathrooms.
Ultimately, DGS said they will leave the fate of the Monroe Building to the General Assembly, who have the power to surplus, sell, or demolish. This deadline for this decision would come after impacted agencies are relocated, which is expected to be around the end of 2026.
