RICHMOND, Va. - The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), in partnership with the City of Richmond's Economic Development Authority (EDA), today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the design and delivery of a new Downtown Transfer Hub and accompanying mixed-use overbuild. The solicitation marks a major step toward transforming a key site within the City Center Innovation District into a modern transit anchor and vibrant mixed-use destination.

The RFQ was released today. A virtual pre-response conference is scheduled for Monday, December 1, and a Q&A period will remain open until Monday, December 8. RFQ responses are due on January 30, 2026.

Located on a ~3-acre parcel formerly home to the City's Public Safety Building (500 N. 10th St.), the project sits at the convergence of GRTC's East-West routes and the planned North-South Pulse Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The selected developer will help advance a two-phase vision:

1. A state-of-the-art, 10-bay Downtown Transfer Hub with rider amenities and operator support spaces.
2. A private mixed-use overbuild that may include residential, commercial, retail, and other placemaking components.

"This project represents the kind of bold, future-focused investment that helps Richmond grow equitably and sustainably," said Mayor Danny Avula. "By strengthening our transit network and activating a critical downtown site with new housing, retail, and public space, we are setting the stage for a more connected, innovative, and people-centered Richmond. I look forward to continued progress as we build a more thriving urban core."

The solicitation seeks qualified and financially capable development teams to deliver both the public transit facility and the private overbuild. Public funding for the transit component is secured or advancing toward approval, and additional financing tools will be available to support the mixed-use development.

Building on the shared vision for equitable access and high-quality transit, GRTC and the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility (OETM), led this effort to address longstanding inequities across the transportation network. "The GRTC Downtown Transfer Hub is a key initiative supported by Richmond Connects for the development of a dedicated off-street transfer location for bus riders," said Dironna Moore Clarke, Deputy Director of Public Works (OETM). "By integrating a modern transfer hub with mixed use development, we are creating a destination that supports riders, encourages investment, and strengthens the economic heart of the region," said Adrienne Torres, Chief Development Officer, GRTC.

The new Downtown Transfer Hub will replace outdated facilities with modernized operations and enhanced passenger amenities. The project is also strategically aligned with future expansions of GRTC's BRT network.

"This is monumental for GRTC," said Sheryl Adams, Chief Executive Officer of GRTC. "The Downtown Transfer Hub will improve reliability, efficiency, and safety across our system while offering riders a comfortable, high-quality experience. We are proud to lead this effort and to partner with development teams who share our commitment to thoughtful, transit supportive design."

"This is more than a transit project-it's an economic development catalyst," said Angie Rodgers, Director of the Department of Economic Development. "The Downtown Transfer Hub will bring new energy and activity to the heart of the city, while the mixed-use overbuild will create opportunities for housing, entrepreneurship, and job growth. We are ready to collaborate with partners who can help maximize public and private value through thoughtful, high-quality development."

The City and GRTC expect to issue the Request for Proposals in Winter 2026, with final developer selection and negotiations completed by the end of 2026.

Interested parties can access the RFQ here.

On Wednesday, November 19, Mayor Danny Avula presented to the Richmond and Redevelopment Housing Authority (RRHA) Board of Commissioners. View the full presentation and read his reflections below:

"As Mayor, I am committed to building a future in which every resident lives in a safe, high-quality, code-compliant home in a thriving neighborhood. The future of public housing in Richmond is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a city. We have a real opportunity to build a different model - one that expands opportunity for families, strengthens our neighborhoods, and engages and supports residents every step of the way.

The message I shared tonight with the RRHA Board of Commissioners was simple and heartfelt: redevelopment must be rooted in dignity, stability, and opportunity for every current resident.

To achieve that, we need two key ingredients. First, a shared governance model that brings the City, RRHA, Gilpin residents, and community partners to the table as equals to guide decisions and ensure transparency. Second, a great People Plan that guarantees every family access to high-quality housing, support to remain lease-compliant, and connections to childcare, education, workforce opportunities, and health resources.

If we pair shared governance and a great People Plan with the redevelopment work ahead, we can set a new standard for resident-centered public housing transformation and ensure Gilpin families remain at the heart of Gilpin's future."

-Mayor Danny Avula

WHO:  City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews)  
 
WHAT: Hollywood Interceptor Sanitary Sewer Bypass Work

WHEN:  Monday, November 17 through February 2026, weather permitting from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm each day.

WHERE: 300 – 500 blocks of Tredegar Street

PROJECT SCOPE:  Wastewater Improvements

PROJECT IMPACTS: Starting Monday, November 17, crews began preparing traffic for wastewater improvements and repairs at the 300 - 500 blocks of Tredegar Street. The repair work will commence once this week and will take place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm through February 2026. Traffic control measures will be in place as an eastbound lane closure has been implemented between Brown’s Island Way and S. 5th Street and will remain until the project is fully complete. 

Access will be provided throughout the work zone in the westbound lane only. Pedestrian access between Brown’s Island and the Belle Island Parking Lot will be provided as well as access to the American Civil War Museum. The James River boat ramp will remain open for emergency access only. This project is expected to be completed in three months, weather permitting and barring any other unforeseen circumstances.

For these and other utility related street closures follow us on Twitter @DPUStreetNews. For the most up to date information on utility work impacts in their area, citizens are encouraged to sign up for CivicReady to receive alerts.

Updated draft reflects engagement from more than 4,500 people across 94 community events and 3,700 map comments

Richmond, VA - On Tuesday, November 18, Mayor Danny Avula announced the release of Code Refresh Draft Two, marking a major milestone in the City's effort to address housing affordability, reduce administrative barriers, and help more Richmonders find homes that fit their needs and budget.

Over the past three months, since the release of the initial Code Refresh draft in June 2025, the City has engaged more than 4,500 participants through nearly 100 City-organized roundtables, community meetings, open houses, pop-ups, civic association meetings, and other forms of public engagement. Draft Two reflects that feedback and includes revisions designed to preserve existing housing stock while expanding housing options for renters and future homeowners.

"Richmond is growing, and we want that growth to lift people up by making our neighborhoods places where more people can put down roots and thrive," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Too many families who love this city - nurses, teachers, first responders, young adults, and seniors - are struggling to find a home that fits their needs and their budget. I'm excited about Code Refresh because it creates the opportunity for more homes for more people, so Richmonders can stay in the communities they love."

What Code Refresh Does

• Helps address the housing crisis by promoting a greater variety of housing options.
• Supports building thriving, walkable neighborhoods in all parts of the city
• Improves development standards by requiring trees, wider sidewalks, and building designs that complement existing neighborhoods.

Code Refresh Goals: Draft Two

Residential

Goal: New homes should complement the existing neighborhood

• New homes can't take up as much of the lot.
• Heights and setbacks should complement what's already on the block.
• Bigger apartment buildings are allowed only in areas that already have bigger buildings
• If someone splits a lot, new homes must face the main street.

Goal: Build thriving, walkable neighborhoods

• Small neighborhood conveniences, like markets and restaurants, can go in at certain lots and intersections.

Goal: Preserve existing homes while also expanding housing options

• An additional home can be added on the same lot - if you preserve what's there.

Mixed use

Goal: New buildings should complement the existing neighborhood

• Transitional rules for mixed-use buildings next to existing homes are strengthened.
• Upper-floor step-backs are required so taller buildings don't loom over the street.

Goal: Build thriving, walkable neighborhoods

• Development standards residents requested are added, including more trees, wider sidewalks, and more space for people walking and rolling.

Goal: Align zoning with existing building and safety codes

• Allowable heights are matched to what safety and building codes already allow (not beyond).

"Great cities aren't built for a moment, they're built for generations. That's why I'm thrilled for Code Refresh. It supports local businesses by allowing more neighborhood-serving retail in strategic places - not everywhere, but where it strengthens walkability and improves access to daily needs," said Angie Rodgers, Director, Department of Economic Development. "Zoning is the engine behind affordability, economic development, and quality of life, and this update gives us more tools in our toolbox to build a Richmond where small businesses can thrive."

"The zoning rules the City has relied on since 1976 no longer reflect the housing needs of Richmonders today. Code Refresh makes it possible to better align with current and future economic conditions, social preferences, and environmental realities. The proposed updates encourage a greater range of housing types and mixing of compatible uses that will lead to more vibrant neighborhoods for more Richmonders," said Kevin Vonck, Director, Planning and Development Review.

As part of the ongoing community engagement, the City will host three open houses -- one on Wednesday, November 19 and two on Thursday, November 20 - where residents can drop in at any point during the three-hour window to review materials and share feedback on Draft Two. Spanish interpretation will be available at all sessions. Draft maps, zoning districts, and use regulations are now available at rva.gov/coderefresh.

Distributed November 17, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in partnership with the City’s Department of Public Works, is launching a quick-build pilot program at four intersections on VCU’s campuses to improve intersection safety through left-turn hardening measures.

Left-turn hardening is a traffic calming measure that uses modular curbs and striping to reduce left-turning speeds and prevent “corner cutting” by drivers. The installations minimize the conflict area between turning vehicles and people walking, biking, or rolling.

“This collaboration is an example of our shared commitment to creating safer streets for everyone in our community,” said Clarence T. Hunter, Jr., VCU Chief of Police. 

The following intersections are included in the pilot: 

• Franklin Street at Laurel Street
• Franklin Street at Belvidere Street
• Marshall Street at 11th Street
• Marshall Street at 13th Street

Findings from the pilot will inform the City’s federally funded initiative to install left-turn hardening at intersections on the High Injury Network.

Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer, said “Quick-build pilots allow us to gather real-world data efficiently and refine designs before full-scale implementation. These enhancements will make a meaningful difference in reducing conflicts and protecting vulnerable road users.”

This new pilot is a result of improvements made following a 2023 pedestrian safety study, which VCU completed in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Public Works, that identified and prioritized pedestrian safety improvements on and around VCU’s downtown Richmond campuses. VCU and the City have since implemented improvements to enhance existing infrastructure within city-owned right-of-way as well as encourage collaborative enforcement and community engagement. More information is at masterplan.vcu.edu/pedestrian-safety/

For more information on Richmond’s ongoing work to improve mobility for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, please visit rva,gov/visionzero

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1