11.07.2023

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Today’s Forecast

49º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 5:07 p.m.

City

Know Your City: Richmond’s first suburbs

Lakeside Park is nestled among the Northside’s historic streetcar suburbs. | Photo via VCU Libraries Digital Collections

Ever wondered how historic neighborhoods like Ginter Park and Barton Heights started cropping up around the River City? The answer involves public transportation, mixed-use zoning, and one famous tobacco magnate.

The world’s first successful electric streetcar system opened in Richmond in 1888, designed by Frank Sprague. When it opened it covered 12 miles of service, though it would eventually expand to an impressive 82 miles.

These commuter trolleys — and the affordable flat rate they charged to patrons — would completely change the way cities were zoned. Now, citizens could live miles away from a city center and still easily come and go without spending the whole day walking.

RICtoday_BroadStreet_TrolleySystem — The streetcar system, as seen on a 20th century postcard.
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Photo via VCU Libraries Digital Collections

As the trolley became more popular, some Richmonders began to see new opportunities for development. Lewis Ginter, who popularized the mass-produced cigarette, bought a swath of land just north of town and began to develop neighborhoods around the streetcar lines. These neighborhoods would become Ginter Park, Bellevue, Barton Heights, Highland Park, Laburnum Park, and Sherwood Park.

Streetcar suburbs were built around a mixed-use development strategy, where houses would be within immediate walking distance of stores, multifamily homes, and trolley stations to take them into the city. They were laid out in a loose grid of wide, green yards and streets lined with trees.

A view of a Richmond neighborhood street with orange and yellow leaves on the trees. — Even now, 100+ years later, Northside neighborhoods like Ginter Park are among Richmond’s most beautiful.
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Photo by @ginter.park

Though copies of Richmond’s streetcar suburbs soon started cropping up in cities around the country, it would only be a few decades before motorcars became the norm and the electric trolley system would fall by the wayside. The neighborhoods they enabled, however, remain some of Richmond’s most scenic and historic places to take a stroll.

Events

Tuesday, Nov. 7

VCU Women’s Basketball vs. Hofstra | Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $5-$10 | The Rams face Hofstra in their season opener at home.
“Six” | Tuesday, Nov. 7-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond | $44-$104 | Broadway in Richmond brings the energetic new musical to town for eight shows.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Making History with LVA | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join a virtual volunteer session to learn how you can help make historical documents more searchable and usable for researchers now and in the future.
BlackGrounds: Thomas J. Lax | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Institute for Contemporary Art, 601 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | The curator and writer will share his work in Black art, queer study, and performance.

Thursday, Nov. 9

Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears, Tess Fisher, Andy Jenkins | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7-11:30 p.m. | Spacebomb Studio, 106 S. Robinson St., Richmond | $10-$13 | Get ready for a night of cosmic country music including the release of Tess Fisher’s debut EP.

Friday, Nov. 10

Covenant Woods Christmas Market | Friday, Nov. 10 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Lodge at Covenant Woods, 7090 Covenant Woods Dr., Mechanicsville | Free entry | Shop from 25+ vendors to find something for everyone on your holiday gift list.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture Presents a Special Veteran’s Day Offer | Friday, Nov. 10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | This Veteran’s Day, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture is offering free admission to active-duty military and veterans— offer is redeemable with valid ID.*

Saturday, Nov. 11

Skydog | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $20 | Get tickets for an evening with the Allman Brothers tribute act.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Community

How you can support RICtoday’s 2024 vision

City Editor Robin’s 3 favorite Richmond news stories from 2023

City Editor Robin sits outdoors in golden hour lighting.

Becoming a member is a powerful way to support our local news team. | Photo by RICtoday

It’s hard to believe it’s almost a wrap on 2023 — and what a year it’s been. We’ve been privileged enough to bring you incredible Richmond news stories straight to your inbox.

Check out some of City Editor Robin’s favorites:

We’re asking for your support to bring you even more stories like these next year.

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News Notes

Today Is

Today is Election Day in Virginia. Take one last look at our election guide to brush up on everything you need to know before hitting the polls.

Sports

Henrico’s brand-new Sports & Events Center has announced that it will host its first Division I basketball game on Monday, Dec. 11. Tickets to see VCU Women’s Basketball take on University of Delaware will be available soon.

Open

The Fan’s newest taco spot is open for business. Juan More Taco, which started in Fredericksburg and serves primarily Honduran cuisine, has arrived at 304 N. Robinson St.

Development

The nearly 5-acre Dominion Energy lot on Grayland and Stafford Avenues has sold for $15 million. The parcel had officially been on sale since mid-2021, though work to sell the plot began in 2017. (Richmond BizSense)

Regional

Tyson Foods has announced a recall on a large batch of chicken nuggets, a significant portion of which were sold in Virginia. The offending nuggets, some of which contain shards of metal, were produced on Sept. 5 in Berryville, AR. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Sports

Huguenot High School’s JV football team took home the District championship last week, closing out their season with a perfect record.

Health

Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*

Transportation

GRTC extends RAC application deadline

GRTC extends deadline to apply for Rider Advisory Council

GRTC is looking for locals to join its Rider Advisory Council. | Photo by GRTC

GRTC has extended the deadline to apply for its Rider Advisory Council, a team of 10 local volunteers who regularly use the transit system and can provide feedback on behalf of riders around the city.

RAC is an important part in the effort to expand and improve public transit in the Richmond region. Members are expected to attend quarterly meetings and receive stipends. The application deadline had formerly been set for early October, but has now been extended through Monday, Dec. 4.

Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or online.

See the application

The Buy

The Buy 11.07.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The Stanley perfect brew pour-over and camp mug. It’s non-breakable, doesn’t require paper filters, and all of Stanley’s stainless steel products use 23% recycled materials.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I’m sure I’m not alone in wishing the electric trolley was still a presence in Richmond, but at least I have a North-South Pulse line to look forward to.

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