Echo Harbour Reflects Challenge Involved in Urban Development in Richmond, Virginia

Imagine if Richmond had a riverside residential development that offered 5-star dining, a waterfront footpath and a public boat landing that served as an anchor for development along the James River.

What would be the economic impact of establishing an upscale boating piazza? If Richmond encouraged such a glamorous residential hot-spot, would you be lured into the city for entertainment? Would you want to move into the luxury downtown building?

What if that development provided an estimated $3 million in tax revenue and 360 jobs for area residents?

How would your opinion of such a promising destination change if you knew that this development would be installed amidst much protesting from Richmond’s historic preservation groups? Would you sacrifice a historic vista for which Richmond received its name for the development of an exclusive residential building?

These and other questions currently loom during the conceptual development stage of the proposed Echo Harbour development.

Thus Begins the Great Debate

Richmonders are in the midst of a fierce debate over the proposed Echo Harbour development. As many citizen activist groups gear up for a long-hauled protest, the development dream team stands firm on its belief that Echo Harbour will increase economic vitality for the city by bringing high-earning residents to a zip code plagued by crime and poverty.

That celebrated team includes some of Richmond’s most notable developers, including George Ross, Bob Tierney (of Baskervill & Sons), Mark Yates (of Northern-Virginia-based USP) and communications veteran Tom Morris (of Slay Public Relations).

The group has been making the rounds to Richmond-area Town Hall and civic association meetings, sharing their vision and promise of improved economic circumstance to the area. As one might expect from such a large-scale project, not even community groups are in unison over their support.

One night, the team hears that the Historic Richmond Foundation will not support the proposed development. The next night, Shockoe Bottom residents and business owners vote unanimously in support of the building. As public opinion grows strongly on both sides of the issue, the developers have been quick to assert that no design or structural plans for the buildings have been confirmed.

“We’re still in the conceptual stage,” says Yates. “At this point, we’re still working on zoning and on developing the concept for Echo Harbour.” Part of that development involves talking with residents to get public feedback on the project to ascertain how the public would like to see the property used. After considering a number of development options, the proposed residential building has continued to be the forerunner when it comes to creating a waterfront building.