Virginia Union University announced the major investment at a Founders Day celebration. | Photo by RICtoday
At a Founders Day celebration last week, Virginia Union University announced a partnership with a New York-based investment firm to develop two acres of land on the north edge of campus into at least 130 homes. It’s the largest investment in the HBCU’s 125-year history.
The project is part of VUU’s larger plan to revitalize its campus, a project expected to cost around $500 million in total by its 2032 close. For this development, the investors — The Steinbridge Group — have pledged to cover the $42 million cost.
The university won’t have to take on any debt, according to TSG CEO Tawan Davis. He also said the university stands to gain more income thanks to the development than it would have if it were to just sell the property.
The development will cover six parcels along Brook and Overbrook roads, including the old Richmond Community Hospital. Up to 200 apartments and a few commercial developments could rise on the land.
Plans for the area have been in the works since 2019, when VUU partnered with a design firm to create a comprehensive plan. VUU aims to break ground by the end of the year. Specifics like building dimensions are still up in the air.
Asked
VUU was founded in 1899 — how many presidents has it had since then?
“The Colored Museum” | Friday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | Viriginia Repertory Theater, 114 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15 | The Black Virginia Theatre Alliance presents George C. Wolfe’s journey through the heart and soul of the African American experience.
“The Fifth Element” | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See Luc Besson’s sci-fi film starring Bruce Willis on the big screen.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Everything But The Roses Valentine’s Market | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | River City Flower Exchange, 3300 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free entry | Find bountiful flowers and goods from local businesses at this holiday market.
RVA Makers February Fête | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 12-5 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Free entry | Shop local crafts made with love and sample eats from Mama Raised pop-up at this event hosted by Kismet Market RVA.
Sunday, Feb. 11
Black History Month Cozy Clean Up | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 12-3 p.m. | Hatch Local Manchester, 400 Hull St., Richmond | Free | Meet the crew at Hatch, pick up trash in the Manchester neighborhood, and enjoy a happy hour hangout afterwards.
Galentine’s Day Market | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 12-5 p.m. | Hardywood Richmond, 2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond | Free entry | Shop home decor, art, jewelry, and more from women-owned businesses at this market.
UR Women’s Basketball vs. George Washington | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 1 p.m. | Robins Center, 365 College Rd., Richmond | $7 | The game will include a celebration as part of National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
Monday, Feb. 12
Lolight Industry Valentine’s Day | Monday, Feb. 12 | 5 p.m. | Stanley’s, 2601 Park Ave., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Head to Stanley’s for a self-proclaimed kitschy Valentine’s party.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
N/A Pop-Up | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 12 p.m. | Révéler, 3108 W. Cary St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Enjoy non-alcoholic craft cocktails by Point 5, karaoke, and live music by TEN4ONE.
Yellow Umbrella Provisions is opening a shop in Libbie Mill. The local seafood and meat market will debut this second location some time in the coming months.
Development
The city is continuing its push towards the new Diamond District. Four of the six parcels involved in the development have now been transferred to the Richmond Economic Development Authority, which will now sell them to developers RVA Diamond Partners. (Richmond BizSense)
Arts
The VMFA has announced a new exhibit coming in April. “Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller” will feature 140+ items, including 17 full suits of armor. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for adults 65+, and $10 for college students and youth 7-17.
Community
Chesterfield’s recycling centers are now open seven days a week. You can drop off recyclables at the Northern Area Convenience Center at 3200 Warbro Rd. and the Southern Area Convenience Center at 6700 Landfill Dr. from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Transit
The Central Virginia Transportation Authority is accepting public comment on a variety of projects through Thursday, Feb. 22. There’s a long list of draft projects under consideration, and CVTA is looking for feedback as to what to prioritize. Check out the list and send in your thoughts.
Shop
SwapMeet RVA will host a vintage indoor flea market on March 24 to celebrate Women’s History Month. There will be 70 diverse vendors and live music by DJ Lon — tickets are $5.
Planning to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday? Stream it with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription — get 30 days free with code GOAT.*
Announced
We’re excited to share that 6AM City, our parent company, closed its Series A funding round led by the media company, TEGNA. This partnership means continuing to deliver the same hyper-local news and events while expanding our reach to new readers and communities. Learn more.
Outdoors
🐦 Give us the best spots to spot birds
Where’s the best bird watching spot in Richmond?
Cardinalis cardinalis, the official bird of Virginia. | Photo by gary_leavens
Now the days are getting longer again and the grayest days of winter are — hopefully — behind us, birding season is just around the corner. Some birds are here year-round, of course, but the weather’s beginning to get more human-friendly.
While you definitely don’t need to leave your house to see birds in Virginia, bird-spotting walks can be a wonderful way to get out and explore the River City.
We want your input — what are the best places to go bird watching around Richmond? Send us your favorite parks, ponds, and walking routes and you could be featured in a future newsletter.
Your must-have from Six & Main’s winter skin edit, featuring face wash, lip balm, and serums to keep your skin hydrated and radiant during the cooler months. Did we mention all products are from small businesses, too?
Spacebomb Studios has announced that Buck Meek will be coming by to play a show on Friday, Feb. 23. I’m a huge fan of both Big Thief and Spacebomb, so you better believe I’ll be there.
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