Virginia legislators are not battling with
Gov. Glenn Youngkin anymore over a new state office building in Richmond, but they are still looking for answers about the future of prominent state-owned properties, including the
state’s fleet management facility on West Leigh Street. The pending state budget — awaiting Youngkin’s proposed amendments and vetoes, due by Monday afternoon — directs the
Department of General Services to study the potential move of the fleet facility elsewhere in the Richmond area after 40 years at 2400 W. Leigh St., near Scott’s Addition and the new Diamond District. The “fleet management control center” oversees the use of more than 4,000 vehicles by more than 175 state agencies and other affiliated institutions. The facility also manages leased and short-term vehicle rentals, maintenance and fueling, among other duties.
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The budget proposal would require the department to look for new sites for the fleet facility, consider consolidating the operation with Virginia State Police and look for potential buyers of the 8.5-acre property. It sits on the other side of Leigh Street from the former Bon Secours Training Center, now known as Midtown Green, a city community center and headquarters of the Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation. The sprawling fleet operation also lies just east of the planned Diamond District and bustling Scott’s Addition neighborhood, as well as near a housing development along Hermitage Road and Leigh Street.
Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, said land use is changing in the vicinity of the fleet management site. “The land use is certainly changing there,” said Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, chairman of the Senate Finance capital outlay and transportation subcommittee. “It’s certainly understandable.” The mystery is who may be looking at the state-owned property for potential development as workforce housing.
Unsolicited offer
Robert Ward, Youngkin’s former real estate adviser and now chief transformation officer, told the Senate Finance Committee last fall that the administration had received an unsolicited offer from a nonprofit to develop workforce housing under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act. Ward said the Department of General Services determined that it would be hard for the executive branch to execute the deal because of its proposed structure. “The project would have had us holding the land at the end of the day, owning the property,” he said in an interview on Thursday. The state suggested that the organization consult with the Virginia Housing Authority, an independent state organization that deals routinely with nonprofits, but Ward said it also determined that it would “not fit” with the authority’s mission.
Katherine Jordan, the 2nd District City Council representative, said the city could have an interest in the property. Katherine Jordan, who represents the 2nd District on the Richmond City Council, said the city could also have an interest in the property. “I would love it if the city had a hand in the decision of what comes next,” she said Thursday. “It’s a prime piece of real estate that a lot of people have their eyes on,” Jordan said. Ward told legislators last fall that the state had appraised the property, but he did not specify the value. “A combination of the appraised value and the significant changes in the mix use of the surrounding area prompted us to investigate moving the fleet site to a location more conducive to its purpose,” he said in a document provided to the Richmond Times-Dispatch in September. The document cited the activities and accomplishments of the transformation office under him and his predecessor, Eric Moeller. Under the pending budget, the Department of General Services would conduct the study and report to the assembly money committees by Nov. 1. The fleet management control center has been a cost-cutting target before. In 2023, Youngkin told the General Assembly money committees that his administration had “consolidated the state’s fleet of vehicles.” “When we got here, over half of the more than 4,000 cars owned by the commonwealth were underused,” he said. “We’ve since sold over 800 of these, bringing in $8 million.” The Department of Planning and Budget said in a capital budget request that the facility includes an office building, auto shop, two office trailers, car wash and storage sheds on about 8.4 acres. It also has about 1,700 feet of road frontage along West Leigh Street on the west side of Hermitage Road. “Recognizing the development pressure from the surrounding Scott’s Addition and Diamond District neighborhoods, (General Services) is actively investigating alternatives to relocate the Office of Fleet Management Services to avail the existing site for economic development,” the agency said. The fleet site isn’t the only state-owned property that the Youngkin administration is looking to sell in Richmond. The state also plans to market the site of the former Virginia Employment Commission headquarters downtown at East Main and North Seventh streets. Richmond BizSense reported on Wednesday that a “mystery developer” from New York is floating plans to build a high-rise, mixed-use building on the 1.25-acre site of the now demolished headquarters. The General Assembly had planned to build a new state office building on the property to accommodate employees that it expects to move from the Monroe Building — currently the tallest building on the city skyline. But until this year, the legislature had battled over the project publicly with Youngkin. The governor unilaterally canceled the assembly’s budgeted project and proposed instead to move displaced workers into other state and leased properties.
State office building
The plan for displaced employees, at least temporarily, remains the same, but the governor and legislators now agree to build a new state office building at the Virginia Department of Transportation Annex at 401 E. Broad St., backed up to Capitol Square. The pending budget includes detailed plans for the new building, which would include 220,000 square feet of office space for displaced state employees; 21,900 square feet for a conference center to replace the one that will be lost at the Monroe Building; 19,200 square feet for a data center and security office; space for a health clinic to be moved from Monroe; and 836 parking spaces. The budget proposal directs VDOT, which is moving offices to the former Owens & Minor headquarters in Hanover County, to transfer the property to the Department of General Services on July 1. The assembly also agreed with the Youngkin administration’s request to use the Annex as “swing space” for employees of the governor’s office and other executive branch employees who will be displaced temporarily by the renovation of the Patrick Henry Building next to Capitol Square. The proposed budget includes money for the renovation in the pool of agency capital projects. The budget does not identify how much the renovations would cost — a common practice to protect the competitive bidding process — but the Department of Planning and Budget asked for $16 million in its capital budget request for the project. The request outlines plans to completely renovate and expand the governor’s offices on the third floor of the 20-year-old building, which formerly housed the Library of Virginia. The stated reasons for the renovation included increased and improved security, as well an aesthetic remodeling to make it easier to receive visitors and conduct business there. The renovations would also include sprucing up offices on five other floors of the building. “The requested scope will provide an acceptable level of security and provide for an environment that is welcoming and more functional for both staff and visitors,” the budget request states. VCU Health's West Hospital, left, and the Nursing Education Building, right, are seen in 2004. The West Hospital opened in 1941. An entryway from East Broad Street going into VCU/MCV West Hospital Tuesday, August 3, 2004. An entryway from East Broad Street going into VCU/MCV West Hospital Tuesday, August 3, 2004. The former Central National Bank tower has been turned into Deco at CNB apartments at Second and Broad streets in Richmond. This summer 1977 image shows the two-story main hall of the Central National Bank building at Third and Grace streets in downtown Richmond after a 20-month, $4 million renovation. The art deco building, constructed in 1929-30 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is currently being converted into a mixed-use building with apartments and other amenities. Marble molding on the first floor of Central National Bank renovation project. Commonwealth Architects expect the first apartment units to be ready by spring 2016. The original elevator doors at the Deco at CNB, the apartment building in the Central National Bank Building, on Tuesday May 24, 2016. Renovations at the Central National Bank Building are beginning to wind down and are expected to be completed by the summer. The Deco at CNB, the apartment building in the Central National Bank Building, on Tuesday May 24, 2016. In February, the School Board approved a study to look into temporarily moving J.R. Tucker High School’s operations to the former Best Products headquarters (above). 05-01-1983: Eraser, mud horse, paintings are part of modern art display in Best Products headquarters. This January 1980 image shows the interior of Best Products Co.’s headquarters at Interstate 95 and Parham Road in Henrico County. The building’s interior, which housed about 350 executives, reflected the tastes of Best founders Sydney and Frances Lewis, who were avid art collectors. Several Andy Warhol silkscreen prints of Marilyn Monroe hung above the lobby. The old Nolde's Bakery building at 26th & E. Broad St. in Richmond, VA which local developer Frank "Buddy" Gadams is redeveloping into condos. Photo taken Friday, March 25, 2005. Nolde Bakery condominiums at 26th and East Broad Streets on Church Hill photographed Tuesday, February 13, 2007. Nolde Bakery 306-308 North 26th Street. Horsedrawn wagons line up to deliver Nolde's bread. This picture, looking up 26th St., was taken around 1913. Exterior view of the Scott's Addition warehouse at 3200 W. Clay Street. Developers want to turn it into apartments, but it may run into problems because not all of the units would have traditional windows. Ardent Craft Ales Brewery will soon be opening at 3200 West Leigh Street in Scott's Addition. March 11, 2014. Cary Court Shopping Center. 1951 view of Cary Street with Cary Street Park and Shop Center at right. The Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. Interior of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Detail of the tile floor of the lobby inside the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The exterior of The Beacon Theatre in Hopewell has undergone exrensive repair. Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. Believed to be a photo taken of the theater in the 1930s. Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. Detail of the interior of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Stage area of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The Beacon Theatre in downtown Hopewell. Detail of the seats are faithful to the originals of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Detail of the interior of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The Model Tobacco Factory, designed by Schmidt, Garden dan Erikson fo Chicago, and built in 1938-40 by the United States Tobacco Company. The Model Tobacco building along the Jefferson Davis Highway ( Rt. 1) in Richmond, VA Thursday, May 21, 2009. The Model Tobacco factory was designed by the Chicago firm of Schmidt, Garden and Erikson and built for the U.S. Tobacco Co. Thomas Jefferson High School/Governor's School Thursday, Apr. 1, 1999. Henrico Theatre. Dementi Studios, 1938. Henrico Theatre. Dementi Studios, 1938. The Henrico Theatre is one of the notable buildings in the newly designated Highland Springs Historic District. The area has a distinguished collection of architecture. Ceiling of the Henrico Theatre on Nine Mile Road. Dementi Studios, 1938. These are of the Henrico Theatre, which is being renovated by HEnrico County. The refurbished Hippodrome Theater on 2nd Street is a prominent part of the Jackson Ward section of Richmond, VA, photographed Monday, April 6, 2015. People prepare to enter Homegrown At The Hipp, the opening night of the Richmond Jazz Festival Thurs. Aug 11, 2011 at the Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward of Richmond VA.
PHOTOS: Richmond's Art Deco building landmarks
Art Deco, an early 20th century movement in decorative arts and architecture, influenced the design of everything from the Empire State Building to vacuum cleaners. Richmond is home to several Art Deco buildings. VCU Health's West Hospital, left, and the Nursing Education Building, right, are seen in 2004. The West Hospital opened in 1941. An entryway from East Broad Street going into VCU/MCV West Hospital Tuesday, August 3, 2004. An entryway from East Broad Street going into VCU/MCV West Hospital Tuesday, August 3, 2004. The former Central National Bank tower has been turned into Deco at CNB apartments at Second and Broad streets in Richmond. This summer 1977 image shows the two-story main hall of the Central National Bank building at Third and Grace streets in downtown Richmond after a 20-month, $4 million renovation. The art deco building, constructed in 1929-30 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is currently being converted into a mixed-use building with apartments and other amenities. Marble molding on the first floor of Central National Bank renovation project. Commonwealth Architects expect the first apartment units to be ready by spring 2016. The original elevator doors at the Deco at CNB, the apartment building in the Central National Bank Building, on Tuesday May 24, 2016. Renovations at the Central National Bank Building are beginning to wind down and are expected to be completed by the summer. The Deco at CNB, the apartment building in the Central National Bank Building, on Tuesday May 24, 2016. In February, the School Board approved a study to look into temporarily moving J.R. Tucker High School’s operations to the former Best Products headquarters (above). 05-01-1983: Eraser, mud horse, paintings are part of modern art display in Best Products headquarters. This January 1980 image shows the interior of Best Products Co.’s headquarters at Interstate 95 and Parham Road in Henrico County. The building’s interior, which housed about 350 executives, reflected the tastes of Best founders Sydney and Frances Lewis, who were avid art collectors. Several Andy Warhol silkscreen prints of Marilyn Monroe hung above the lobby. The old Nolde's Bakery building at 26th & E. Broad St. in Richmond, VA which local developer Frank "Buddy" Gadams is redeveloping into condos. Photo taken Friday, March 25, 2005. Nolde Bakery condominiums at 26th and East Broad Streets on Church Hill photographed Tuesday, February 13, 2007. Nolde Bakery 306-308 North 26th Street. Horsedrawn wagons line up to deliver Nolde's bread. This picture, looking up 26th St., was taken around 1913. Exterior view of the Scott's Addition warehouse at 3200 W. Clay Street. Developers want to turn it into apartments, but it may run into problems because not all of the units would have traditional windows. Ardent Craft Ales Brewery will soon be opening at 3200 West Leigh Street in Scott's Addition. March 11, 2014. Cary Court Shopping Center. 1951 view of Cary Street with Cary Street Park and Shop Center at right. The Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. Interior of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Detail of the tile floor of the lobby inside the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The exterior of The Beacon Theatre in Hopewell has undergone exrensive repair. Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. Believed to be a photo taken of the theater in the 1930s. Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. Detail of the interior of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Stage area of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The Beacon Theatre in downtown Hopewell. Detail of the seats are faithful to the originals of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Detail of the interior of the restored Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, VA, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The Model Tobacco Factory, designed by Schmidt, Garden dan Erikson fo Chicago, and built in 1938-40 by the United States Tobacco Company. The Model Tobacco building along the Jefferson Davis Highway ( Rt. 1) in Richmond, VA Thursday, May 21, 2009. The Model Tobacco factory was designed by the Chicago firm of Schmidt, Garden and Erikson and built for the U.S. Tobacco Co. Thomas Jefferson High School/Governor's School Thursday, Apr. 1, 1999. Henrico Theatre. Dementi Studios, 1938. Henrico Theatre. Dementi Studios, 1938. The Henrico Theatre is one of the notable buildings in the newly designated Highland Springs Historic District. The area has a distinguished collection of architecture. Ceiling of the Henrico Theatre on Nine Mile Road. Dementi Studios, 1938. These are of the Henrico Theatre, which is being renovated by HEnrico County. The refurbished Hippodrome Theater on 2nd Street is a prominent part of the Jackson Ward section of Richmond, VA, photographed Monday, April 6, 2015. People prepare to enter Homegrown At The Hipp, the opening night of the Richmond Jazz Festival Thurs. Aug 11, 2011 at the Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward of Richmond VA.
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