Category Archives: community

Letter To The Editor: New structures in Fan should fit architecture

Posted on by
1

Richmond resident Nancy Everett has a ‘Correspondent Of The Day’ Letter To The Editor in today’s Richmond Times Dispatch newspaper:

Here’s part of it:

Certainly to each his own, but it seems the city should be concerned with preserving the style of architecture that attracts so many to Richmond. A case in point is the proposed structure on the 800 block of Cary Street.

It saddens me that historically significant buildings are not protected and preserved, but it horrifies me that there is no requirement that they be at least replaced with a building that fits the style of the surrounding neighborhood. I venture to say that, as has been the case historically, whenever a building is put up in the Fan that meets the current taste, it becomes an extreme regret 10 to 20 years down the road. The city should consider how it can preserve the unique architecture and vibe of our historic districts rather than risk them in the future.

A Salute To William Rankin

Posted on by
Reply

On this week of St. Patrick’s Day, we tip our hats to Irishman William Rankin who exactly 141 years ago on this day on March 17, 1877 served as Chief Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Richmond.

According to his November 9, 1913 obituary in the Times Dispatch, William Rankin was a native of County Louth, Ireland, and “Because of his kindness and generosity to the poor, he was called by his associates, ‘St. Vincent de Paul.'” A photograph of Mr. Rankin appeared with his obituary, which at the time was an honor afforded only the most respected citizens.

We salute and respect the contributions that Mr. Rankin, who owned much of the 800 block of West Cary Street, made to our city and neighborhood. We appreciate the fine building that he constructed at 815 W. Cary (now Sweet Frogs).

While these landmarks remain, the history of Mr. Rankin and the Irish contributions to our great city will be remembered and appreciated.

Petition Launched- No805W—Save Oregon Hill Historic Buildings

Posted on by
3

A Change.org petition was launched online which addresses the J.D. Lewis Construction Company (According to a recent media report, these are the owners: “A group made up of Kevin O’Leary and James Flanigan, who own J.D. Lewis Construction Management, and local developer Larry Cluff are assembling 13 parcels near the corner of West Cary and South Laurel streets …”). There will be other written petitions at the public demonstration this afternoon.

From the petition language:

We, the concerned citizens of the City of Richmond, value our irreplaceable Historic Resources. They are the foundation and character of our beloved City. The antebellum buildings at 800 block of West Cary Street are classic examples of solid 19th century Virginian architecture that deserve to conserved and repurposed. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991, this iconic street-scape could serve as a beautiful frontage to your new development.
We, the undersigned, urge you to avoid demolishing the historic buildings at 800 block West Cary Street and incorporate them into your designs.

Sign the petition by clicking here.

OHNA Press Release with Letter In Regard To W. Cary Development

Posted on by
Reply

From press release:

For Immediate Release March 16, 2018

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, in alliance with the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council, is committed to ensuring a successful and historically sensitive development on the 800 block of W Cary Street. After meeting with the developers and reviewing the interpretations of the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review regarding the plan of development for this project, we and other interested parties have identified serious concerns and seek clarification on a number of issues regarding allowances made that may be inconsistent with the established zoning parameters for the applicable zoning designation for this area and may cause irreparable damage to this historic district.. We find it in the best interest of the Oregon Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the residents of the City of Richmond, to fairly and accurately apply these regulations in a lawful manner.

In light of the fact that the existing buildings on this block are profoundly important to the intrinsic fabric of our historic district, we ask that the city be especially cautious and re-examine their determinations cited in our attached letter. These buildings date from the 1830’s and later into the 19th century and stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of our forefathers. They deserve to be saved and preserved for the future.

This alliance of neighborhood advocacy groups has chosen to retain Andrew McRoberts of the Sands Anderson Law firm to represent our interests in this matter. We hereby respectfully present to the City of Richmond as well as to interested members of the public, an attached letter sent to the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review outlining our concerns.

Sincerely,

Charles Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association

LTR to Richard Saunders re Proposed Plan of Development

800 Block Of W. Cary: Worthy Of Preservation, Worthy Of Your Attention

Posted on by
Reply

As part of the neighborhood campaign to save these buildings from demolition (and don’t forget the public demonstration planned for Sunday afternoon), neighbors have prepared a flyer that explains just some of the history and importance of these structures.


Note: If you have trouble reading or printing these, please try to download the pdf versions.

History 800 W. Cary v1 PAGE1History 800 W. Cary v1 PAGE2

Public Demonstration Planned For Sunday Afternoon

Posted on by
1

From the message:

Despite what people say, I am not a big fan of public demonstrations, yet they are certainly necessary sometimes. Everyone that I have spoken to says we need to get more media attention and public support if we are going to save these buildings. For that reason, I am calling all neighbors and friends of Oregon Hill to come to the sidewalks at and near the corner of Laurel and W. Cary on Sunday at 4 pm to demand that the threatened buildings be saved from demolition. Please spread the word. All we really need is for people with signs to come together for fifteen minutes or so for some good photo opportunities. This is a family-friendly, nonviolent, inclusive action in order to make this cause more visible. No vandalism or obscenity please.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 2, 2018

Posted on by
Reply

From press release:

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, by unanimous vote of its membership, has passed a resolution supporting the conservation of the buildings on the 800 block of W Cary St that are threatened with demolition by Richmond developers looking to erect an apartment building on the footprint. These buildings, the oldest being circa 1840, are listed as contributing structures to the National Register of Historic Spaces and serve as a gateway to both the Oregon Hill Historic District and to Downtown Richmond. We have offered to meet with the developers and see how we can come to the table and figure out an alternative to tearing them down. It would be tragic to lose these valuable historic resources.

C. Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, inc
302 S Cherry St
Richmond Va 23220
804-783-8829

Solar Success

Posted on by
Reply

Congratulations to Phaedra and Eric for hosting a great Solar Open House this afternoon as part of the Richmond Solar Co-op. Over thirty people came to check out their recent large residential installation. More rooftop solar in the neighborhood will lead to a cleaner, more resilient neighborhood grid and is certainly a reason for celebration.

By the way, this morning the Tesla dealership out on West Broad featured a presentation on their home energy plans and the latest iteration of their Powerwall energy storage product.