Lory Markham News Today

Richmond is in the midst of a major reinvention, a fluctuating scale of positives and negatives that have breathed new life into our city while threatening its endearing and enduring

The projects opponents claimed the building and its $1,600-a-month rents would raise prices, displace residents and gentrify the neighborhood.

The new 5-story development would replace a trio of vacant one-story buildings on a quarter-acre lot directly across from the Hull Street Public Library.

The proposed new buildings could stand up to 12 stories. The land owners advertised the space as ideal for an office building.

Opponents say a new building would erase the historic character of Hull Street. But the city also needs affordable housing.

The sale came a month after Midas secured approval from Richmond’s Commission of Architectural Review to rehab the building, which operated continuously as an auto repair garage for nearly a century.

Midas of Richmond owner Mark Smith confirmed he is under contract to buy the property at East Broad and North 21st streets, where local developer Zac Frederick had once planned a residential infill project.

Zac Frederick’s Crescent Development listed 2018 E. Broad St. for sale earlier this month, with approved plans and permits included for an 18-unit project.

LaDiff and Caravati’s are past users of the building, which is across the street from an apartment conversion of the old Herod Seeds property.

The City Council gets an update on the Diamond District redevelopment project, a 1,400-acre solar facility is up for a vote in Chesterfield, and Henrico details projects in its $511 million bond referendum this fall.