Plans for the GRTC Bus Shed
Richmond BizSense just ran a transcript from an interview with chief of the GRTC, John M. Lewis Jr. In it he talked about the long-term plan for the bus shed at Robinson and Cary after GRTC moves its headquarters to Belt Boulevard (likely in October/November 2009). Which begs the question: What happens to the old facility?
JL: I have 10 underground tanks here, so there needs to be some environmental cleanup, and we will do that once we leave. I believe there is nothing really bad, there is nothing glowing or leaking. We’ll clean up, then our goal is to put this asset on the market. The cleanup will take probably six months to a year. Hopefully in a year and a half or two years, the economy will rebound, and we will be at the right point where we can get a great value for this asset. We’d like to partner with the developer where GRTC can get some long-term revenue over 10 to 15 years in a partnership based on the value of this property and some percentage of increased profits as a result of that development.
So, we’re looking at late 2010 before development takes place, but the rumors are already flying about what will (or should) anchor the development of that area. And it doesn’t mean we can’t start making suggestions. So, Richmond, what’ll it be? What would you most like to see at GRTC site?
This just goes to show how smart and forward-thinking the owners of Acacia have been. I’m thinking it will be more of a village like the one farther east on Cary, where the new Bogart’s is. It could be a great spot to unite the Fan, Carytown, and Byrd Park areas.
Not only are you getting rid of an eyesore (I almost moved across the street), but it is a huge patch of real estate perfectly located. I’ve always thought this property had a untapped potential.
What would I like to see? Housing, shops, greenspace and a fountain.
I agree it should have housing, shops, etc. But one thing I DON’T want is more overpriced, extra ritzy residential space that no one can afford (for example the townhouses at Cary & Allen). I hope developers have learned their lesson in recent months about developing properties that will hit the market at lower price points.
Frankly, I am less interested in all the speculation over GRTC real estate. I am more concerned about what GRTC is doing to actually improve mass transit in Richmond. Are the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) reforms coming or not?
[...] facility in the Fan (which has housed the GRTC for 100 years) will be shuttered and re-developed. GRTC hopes to play a role in said re-development, partially to maintain a revenue stream from the land for years to [...]
[...] facility in the Fan (which has housed the GRTC for 100 years) will be shuttered and re-developed. GRTC hopes to play a role in said re-development, partially to maintain a revenue stream from the land for years to [...]
I would like to see a private company take over the project and keep with the early 1900 architecture of the fan. Locally owned shops, upscale condos, a nice restaurant or two.
The GRTC is the perfect place to help tie the neighborhood into the rest of the Fan, Carytown and Byrd Park. Hopefully the pan handlers and bums move out too.
Tangential: Second that emotion on the corner of Cary & Allen, but I’m afraid there is always some developer who thinks the next bull is on the horizon and the time is right for building an abomination.
Additional Parking and a traffic light. My home is literally across the street from the Garage and if shops come next year,it will be fabulous as long as we have ample parking. Acacia has been wonderful but also has severely limited our parking spaces on Parkwood and Robinson.
Spot on in regards to the parking situation. They should also consider making Parkwood and Grayland one way streets once all is under way to help with the traffic pattern.