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From its earliest beginnings, Richmond has been River City. In fact, in 1737, when William Byrd II chose a name for the city, he picked Richmond because of the view of the James River. It reminded him of the view of the Thames from Richmond, a suburb of London. In the nearly 280 years since then, Richmond has seen the best of times as well as the worst of times. It’s been invaded. It’s been burned. And, in recent years, through a flight to the suburbs, it’s been virtually abandoned…by some. But, even through the worst of times, the city has survived. Even when many were “jumping ship,” there was still a faithful throng who continued to believe in the city, who were willing to make tremendous investments of both time and money because of those convictions.
And, while there are still problems, as is true in every metropolitan area, there is also every indication that Richmond is poised for tremendous growth and redevelopment. That’s why we, the publishers of River City Magazine, are so excited to be involved in a publication designed to highlight all the positives of this great city. Richmond has so much to offer. We asked those who know the city best to tell us just what’s so great about River City. And we received some interesting responses
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| Mayor Doug Wilder |
Mayor Doug Wilder sent us a letter explaining why he is so excited about the direction in which Richmond is moving these days. (see next page) The Mayor is not alone in his views. Jack Berry, Executive Director of Venture Richmond, a group devoted to promoting Downtown.
Richmond through marketing, advocacy, festivals, and events, says of River City, ““Richmond has a wonderful sense of place, a stunning natural environment, and a feeling of authenticity that you don’t get in a lot of other cities.”
Berry is right on with that assessment. Richmond does have a feeling of authenticity. It’s real, and not some Walt Disney version of a city. It seems that on virtually every occasion when I’ve heard Richmonders expressing dismay that Charlotte, North Carolina (what is it about our fixation in comparing ourselves with Charlotte) seems to have progressed so much more rapidly, the observation is made that Charlotte doesn’t have nearly as much to offer as does Richmond.
Hugh Campbell has a unique perspective on the River City rollercoaster ride over the past four decades. Campbell has been cutting hair at the John Marshall barbershop since 1967. He’s owned the business since 1981. “When I first came here,” the soft-spoken Chesterfield native says, “Thalhimers and Miller and Rhodes were going great guns. In fact, things were pretty darn good Downtown until about 1993.” By that time, he says, businesses had begun to close…heading out to the suburbs. Hugh Campbell stayed. “I like working Downtown. I like the environment,” he says. And, as regards what he sees happening these days, Campbell says, “I’m excited. I see people moving back down here. I’m seeing a heartbeat back in the city.”
Jimmy News, who has operated some of the city’s most popular restaurants, and is now doing double duty as chef and marketing manager for River City Diners, appreciates the diverse communities throughout the city, each with its own unique architecture.
News describes Carytown as “Richmond’s Rodeo Drive.” He has a special interest in that particular section of the city. In 1963, his father, Joseph News, along with fellow businessman, William Kennedy, spearheaded a major renovation of an area that was filled with over fifty vacant storefronts. Through their vision and efforts, Carytown today is one of the city’s most popular shopping and dining destinations.
Lucy Meade, Director of Marketing and Development for Venture Richmond, says the thing she likes best about River City is the people. There are thousands of developers, residents, entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, researchers, business leaders, professionals, and yes, even politicians, who are absolutely passionate about Downtown,” she says. “They give Downtown a vibe, an energy, a personality that you cannot replicate and you cannot find any where else in the region.
There’s certainly plenty to draw folks into River City, whether as residents, or simply those who realize that if you want to enjoy great dining and nightlife, you can always go Downtown. Lucy Meade says “All of the scrumptious locally-owned restaurants,” contribute to making Downtown Richmond such a special place. She also points to the arts scene, asking, “Where else can you find a tree sweater?”
Hmm, I’m guessing…nowhere?
And, let’s not forget the history. Ah, the history. It’s one of the first thing many locals as well as visitors point out as making our town so unique. Hugh Campbell laments the fact that, “We don’t play off our unbelievable history enough.”
And as for ways to make the city even better, Jack Berry offers some suggestions, with which many area residents would probably agree whole-heartedly. “The one thing we are missing is a major concert amphitheater (preferably Downtown) capable of hosting the Dave Matthews Band. Every summer, I have to travel to northern Virginia and Virginia Beach to see my favorite band on tour. A city our size should have a major concert venue, a major arena, and a modern ballpark, and ideally, they should all be Downtown.”
Many of us long-time residents can recall when all the excitement was all Downtown…shopping, theaters, restaurants. Downtown was the only game in town. Those days have changed, and
the city has shown, to a large extent, that it wants to change too, to continue to provide the venues that will bring ‘em back Downtown. Here’s hoping that many if not all of Berry’s recommendations become realities.
Great architecture, excellent local restaurants, a vibrant arts scene, and unparalleled history, I guess we’ve covered all the great things about River City. Except, of course, the biggie...the River!
Hugh Campbell says, “We’re located on the water. I’ve always thought that we should capitalize on that.” He adds, “It looks like we’re finally doing just that.”
Truly, the natural beauty along the James, as it flows through the heart of the city, is awe-inspiring. Lucy Meade says, “Best of all is the River, and its beautiful sunsets. I love the juxtaposition of nature, urban chic, and history.”
She continues: “The wildness along, and in the middle of the James River Park system is amazing; it is the heart of Downtown. It’s fun to see all of the creatures coexist.” By those creatures, Meade refers not just to the heron, eagles, osprey, and otters who find sanctuary within the city’s James River Park, but those other creatures…”the sunbathers, kayakers, runners, joggers, walkers, climbers, history buffs and even the fisherman.”
As never before, at least in recent memory, they’re all coming together to the banks of the James. And, there’s so much more to do along the river these days, what, with the ongoing developments bringing beautiful condos, sleek office buildings, trendy retail, and fabulous restaurants…all to the banks of the James. This truly is River City. And there’s plenty that’s great about it. In future issues, we will strive to present all the positive, all the good, all those wonderful things that make River City Richmond one of the greatest cities on earth.
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