05.16.2024

Today’s Forecast

79º | 8% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:59 a.m. | Sunset 8:13 p.m.

🏟️ Coming soon: The Diamond District

Benches, bike lanes, and bus stops — help shape the future of the Diamond District

RICtoday_PublicRealmMeeting_DiamondDistrict

The city hosted an in-person feedback session last week. | Photo by RICtoday

Want to help determine the look of the Diamond District? You can — the city is looking for feedback on its public realm design guidelines.

Now through Monday, May 27, check out the online presentation and leave your comments.

What is the public realm?

The public realm covers spaces that fall within the right of way and any publicly owned open spaces. Think street signs, benches, streetlights, and parks.

At the Office of Sustainability’s in-person feedback meeting on May 9, participants were shown a series of images and renderings of elements that could be included in the future neighborhood.

The general design includes a linear park running down the neighborhood as well as a central “Festival Street” between Arthur Ashe and Hermitage. According to city leaders, the street will be able to be easily closed to traffic in order to host outdoor community events.

RICtoday_DiamondDistrict_OverheadRenderingMap — The future neighborhood will include a linear park and street optimized for community events.
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Images via city documents

How do I participate?

The presentation offers examples of what the Diamond District could include, although nothing is set in stone.

Check out the images and add your thoughts directly on the page — it could be as simple as a thumbs up for the bike rack design you like, or a question about new bike lanes on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

Pro tip: You can see what other people have said and engage with them by replying or liking their comment.

RICtoday_DiamondDistrict_Rendering — The first phase of the development will take shape over the next 8-10 years.
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Image via city documents

What’s next for the Diamond District?

City Council unanimously approved a new funding structure for the development in early May and expects a June groundbreaking. Sitework should begin in July.

If you’re walking by the Diamond District, you should be able to see the new stadium rising in the fall. The Squirrels will have their new home for the 2026 season.

Explore the public realm

Quiz

What year did the Diamond open?

A. 1975
B. 1980
C. 1985
D. 1990

Test your knowledge

Events

Thursday, May 16

Good For Her Films: “Jennifer’s Body” | Thursday, May 16 | 6 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Free entry | A portion of proceeds at this cult classic movie night will benefit Side by Side Virginia.
Gone Country | Thursday, May 16 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Ember Music Hall, 309 E. Broad St., Richmond | $0-$25 | Get in free to this rocking country party when you RSVP before 8 p.m.

Friday, May 17

Flying Squirrels vs. Reading Fightin Phils | Friday, May 17 | 12:05 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | Start your weekend FUNN early at RVA Day with the Squirrels.

Saturday, May 18

Great Big Yard Sale | Saturday, May 18 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Robins Stadium East Concourse, 15 Gateway Rd., Richmond | Free entry | Proceeds from this UR campus sale benefit environmental projects in the area.
Arts on the Lawn | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hermitage Richmond, 1600 Westwood Ave., Richmond | Free entry | Explore the work of dozens of local artists, take part in interactive art projects, and grab lunch from a food truck.
Kickers vs. Greenville Triumph SC | Saturday, May 18 | 7 p.m. | City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave., Richmond | $11-$37 | Cheer on the Roos at this in-season cup match against Greenville Triumph.

Sunday, May 19

Broadberry Music Trivia | Sunday, May 19 | 12 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free entry | Register your squad trivia night and see how your music knowledge measures up.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Festival

The first batch of performers at this year’s Folk Festival has been announced. Southern Italian, Irish, bluegrass, Afro-futuristic funk, go-go, and Congolese soukous tunes are all on the agenda for the Sept. 27-29 fest.

DYK

Did you know? This Saturday, May 18 is International Astronomy Day. Keeble Observatory is starting the party early with free stargazing, cake, and lemonade tonight at 8:30 p.m. Find the observatory on campus at Randolph-Macon at the corner of Caroline and Calhoun Streets.

Development

The Enclave at Westview is underway. Three homes are now complete in the infill project in the Westhampton area, with four more on the way. An additional four homes will be built on a separate lot, which will be called Cashel Modern. (Richmond BizSense)

Sports

Spider Football is switching conferences starting in 2025. UR will be part of the Patriot League, which includes Bucknell, Colgate, Georgetown, and Lehigh. The last time UR changed football conferences was in 2007, when it moved from the Atlantic 10 to the CAA. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Eat

Mark your calendar for the Indian & Sri Lankan Food Festival on Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 10509 Greenwood Rd. Enjoy a variety of dishes including biryani, kothu roti, samosas, and kathi rolls. Admission is free.

Number

20. That’s how many years Stir Crazy Café has been in business. The Bellevue coffee shop officially marked two decades last week, but is celebrating with raffles all month long.

Arts

Support the Richmond Symphony, browse spring styles, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres at the Summer Mosaic of Fashion and Flowers event on Thursday, June 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. The Richmond Symphony League fundraiser will be held at The Taylor Estate on Monument Avenue. Tickets are $50.

Festival

🌿 Go green at this garden fest

Get your garden questions answered at this Pollinator Festival

Talk with native plant experts at the sale. | Photo via Agnieszka Kwiecień

Get your plant questions answered, find new pieces for your garden, and enjoy educational displays and performances at the Spring Plant Sale & Pollinator Festival on Saturday, June 8 at Deep Run Park.

The event is an annual tradition for the Henrico Master Gardener Association, which is part of the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s statewide Master Gardener program.

In 2023, over 1,000 visitors came through the sale. This year’s fest promises even more fun. Here’s what you can expect:

Live music by Tripp and Jenny Johnson of the Cary Street Ramblers
Eats from the Sandtopia Food Truck
Exhibitors including Plant Virginia Natives, Keep Henrico Beautiful, Virginia Herpetological Society, and Dandelion Springs Apiary
Children’s activities led by Junior Master Gardeners

Pro tip: Don’t forget a wagon to bring all your new plants home.

The Buy

The Buy 5.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Lululemon’s fan-favorite running shorts in newly dropped colors. The Hotty Hot shorts have a built-in liner for secure coverage, and they still feel light as air.

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

You already know we added the Indian and Sri Lankan Food Festival and the Pollinator Festival to our ultimate local festivals guide. Remember to keep that article bookmarked so you never miss a River City party.

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