Richmond, VA is starting a request for proposal (RFP) process for a downtown project that includes a new arena to replace the Richmond Coliseum.
On Thursday, Richmond mayor Levar Stoney revealed that the city is issuing an RFP for what has been named the North of Broad/Downtown Neighborhood Redevelopment Project. The plan is to find a developer to carry out projects on downtown land, with the target site surrounded by North Fifth Street, East Leigh Street, North 10th Street, and East Marshall Street.
As part of that plan, the city is requesting that respondents include a concept for a new 17,500-seat arena that would replace the Richmond Coliseum. There have been reports over the last several months of a possible replacement of the Coliseum, as a group led by Dominion Energy CEO Tom Farrell has reportedly been considering a new facility as part of a larger downtown redevelopment effort. Farrell’s group has not formally submitted its pitch to the city, but a spokesman confirmed that its plans to review the new RFP. More from RichmondBizSense.com:
The Farrell-led group has not formally submitted plans to the city, but has retained Fairfax-based Concord Eastridge and CEO Susan Eastridge, along with Michael Hallmark and his Los Angeles-based Future Cities, as master developers of the massive project.
In response to the city’s announcement, Jeff Kelley, a spokesman for Farrell’s group, said, “Mayor Stoney has laid out a bold vision for downtown Richmond.
“We look forward to reviewing the RFP and to a competitive process that moves the city forward,” Kelley said.
Asked about the group’s plans, Stoney said, “I’m well aware of their ideas, but this is a City of Richmond project.”
The process will unfold over the next several months. The deadline for responses is February 9, 2018, and after that the city would then spend time reviewing the plans before beginning negotiations. A contract could be sent to the Richmond City Council by September 30, 2018.
Image courtesy Richmond Coliseum.
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