Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - While construction on CarMax Park continues, officials have broken ground on the larger Diamond District development.
The 67-acre development will include new streets and streetscapes connecting to CarMax Park, as well as a public park, hotel, retail space with restaurants, office buildings, apartments, and more than 160 units of affordable housing.
At Thursday’s groundbreaking, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney emphasized the project’s significance.
"Pretty damn cool to see an idea that's been worked on for many, many years come to life right before our eyes," Stoney said. "And so this is a day, a momentous day that every Richmonder, whether you live in a city or live in this great region, should all be proud of. Let's get it done."
Mayor Danny Avula said the project was a long time coming.
"I've lived in this town for a long time. I've driven by here. I've been through here countless times over the last 20 years," Avula said. "And so to now see what is emerging in this new chapter of Richmond's life, as a Richmonder, I just could not be more proud."
More than 60 organizations are working together on the project, which is expected to take five years to complete. City officials say the development will bring thousands of jobs and millions in revenue to Richmond.
