A ground-breaking ceremony took place in the fall of 2024, and construction began earlier this spring. | Photo by Ayasha Sledge and The JXN Project
Today marks the one-year countdown to the Skipwith-Roper Homecoming in Jackson Ward — a revitalization project set for a grand opening on April 17-19, 2026.
This initiative, developed by local nonprofit The JXN Project, aims to replicate the 1793 home of Abraham Peyton Skipwith, the first known Black homeowner in Jackson Ward. Further plans propose a surrounding, multi-story community and interpretive center called “JXN Haus.”
The vision for Skipwith-Roper Cottage (right) and the multi-story JXN Haus (left) | Rendering by Burt Pinnock with Baskervill
Some history
Between 1789 and 1793, Abraham Peyton Skipwith secured freedom from enslavement, purchased land in what is now Jackson Ward, and built a home for his family. In his will, he passed the cottage on to his descendants, who occupied the space until 1905.
About 50 years later, construction of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike forced the building’s condemnation and relocation, resulting in significant loss of historical integrity.
Present day
Rather than re-relocating the altered home, The JXN Project is committed to rebuilding the original cottage from the ground up. The first construction phase is officially underway, and the countdown begins for history to return home in Jackson Ward.
Archival photos courtesy of the Richmond-Times Dispatch, Valentine Museum, Commonwealth Architects, Sandra Sellars, and The JXN Project
2025 Spring Fling | Thursday, April 17-Sunday, April 20 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Pactamere Farm, Glen Allen | $15+ | Hunt for eggs, meet some goats, and grab photos with the Easter Bunny at this family-friendly farm event.
Friday, April 18
RVA Community Fridge’s Desserts & Sweet Treats Drive | 5-7 p.m. | Matchbox Mutual Aid | Donation-based price of purchase | Whip up a homemade recipe or grab your favorite dessert from the store for Community Cook Day — now accepting volunteers for kitchen shifts as well.
40 Years at 43rd Street: Robin Cage | Friday, April 18 + Saturday, April 19 | Times vary | 43rd Street Studios | Free | Browse this solo exhibition and celebrate a local community member who has poured 40 years of artistic energy into pottery-making.
Saturday, April 19
Earth Day Celebration: Honeybees & Me | 1-3 p.m. | Black History Museum & Cultural Center | Free | Join the BHMVA for this family-friendly fest, packed with hands-on science activities, environmental education, and a chance to learn the buzz about bees.
Hens & Chicks Terrarium | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse | $25+ | Curate your own succulent terrarium, adorned with miniature Easter-themed decorations.
Friday, April 25
Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour in Seagrove | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Various Seagrove Potters, Seagrove, NC | Free | Visit studios, meet potters, and expand your pottery collection.*
Bring the whole family to support local football this fall. | Photo provided by University of Richmond Athletics
After back-to-back championship wins, the Richmond Spiders football team is starting a new chapter in the Patriot League. Talk about a touchdownfor these top-tier athletes.
Get ready for five exciting home games at Robins Stadium, with matchups against VMI, Howard, and brand-new rivals.
The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20 + Family Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 27 promises fun for the whole family. Think: Inflatable games, face painting, balloon artists, and all-inclusive tailgates.
Mechanicsville High School students are teaming up to fund grief support for their classmates. On Saturday, April 26, the high school will host their biggest annual event, Ville Fest, where students aim to raise $10,000 to send 30 students to a local youth grief camp. (CBS 6)
Nonprofit
Local art nonprofit Gallery5 is celebrating 20 years with a birthday and fundraiser extravaganza this weekend. We detailed the carnival-themed event yesterday, but check out this local interview exploring the organization’s creation, growth, and community impact. (Style Weekly)
Trending
Ads, but for rats. Five students from the VCU Brand Center designed and implemented tiny, rodent-friendly billboards in New York City, advertising popular brands tailored for rats. The team aims for permanent NYC installations one day, but should Richmond cater to rats’ consumer potential too? Let us know. (VCU News)
Featured
Richmond earned a No. 5 spot on the New York Post’s list for the 10 hottest home-selling markets — four of which are New York cities. According to the ranking, homes in Richmond spend an average of 27 days on the market. Rochester, N.Y., holds the No. 1 spot with 13 average market days.
Mailbag
It’s time for another pet feature. Let’s give 18-year-old Raz a round of applause for learning to live with his new — newborn — roommate. Our inbox is still open for your favorite Richmonder pet pictures. Add in your pet’s name + a fun fact, and maybe you’ll be featured next.
Wellness
Ready to be blown away? The before and after photos from this recent glow-up at Synergy look like something out of a movie — and believe it or not, the stunning transformation only took three treatments.*
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice and passion for local businesses to vote for RICtoday’s Best. Voting ends Friday, April 25.
Featured Deal
Calling all small business owners. Features in our 2025 Parents Gift Guide are now 20% off. Secure a spot for your business’s product or service by using code PGG2025 at checkout.
The Buy
Really cute waterdrop earrings, with one pair of gold and one pair of silver for $12.99. The minimalist earrings hug ears + look heavy while feeling surprisingly lightweight.
Before starting the workday yesterday, I took a drive to Tuckahoe Creek Park to grab some photos for our post highlighting the new expansion. I highly recommend a morning trip. The birds were out and about, and I felt very fortunate to have had some binoculars + an amateur ornithologist with me (my friend with a birding app and an eager spirit).
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