Thanks to a recent agreement, Mayo Island, the occupied but hard-to-reach landmass in downtown Richmond, is now poised to become part of the James River park system.
Richmond officials confirmed Friday that the city had finalized its nearly $15 million purchase of the long-desired island between downtown and Manchester.
The once-privately owned 15-acre island, which holds the Mayo Bridge, hit the market two years ago and had been under contract for just over a year, first with the Capital Region Land Conservancy before the city stepped in as a client for the contract.
The transaction was supported by a $7. 5 million grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), with the city covering the remainder of the purchase. In the end, the agreement was reached through a public-private partnership between the city and CRLC. , which won the grant and will have a conservation easement on the island with DCR.
“Today, the City of Richmond is pleased to announce that we signed the documents and entered into the agreement to obtain the island of Mayo,” Mayor Levar Stoney’s workplace said in a statement to BizSense.
“This historic island, also known as the ‘green jewel’ of the city of Richmond, will now be used as a green area for all Richmondians to gain advantages,” he said, adding, “More to come soon!»
The sale concludes a year-long effort that began when CRLC signed the island for $11. 8 million. The agreement was later amended with the allocation of the state subsidy and the city’s involvement, which reached an agreed-upon acquisition value of $14. 9 million.
The sellers were members of the Shaia family, who had owned most of the island since acquiring the land in the 1980s. The family indexed the assets in 2022 to the initial value of $19 million.
Alan Shaia, a real estate agent who had advertised the board as a growth opportunity, said the family was not entirely satisfied with the outcome.
“The city got an investment from the state to buy the island, so now the city has to make a decision about what it needs to do,” Shaia said. “We’d have no idea of that progress on a giant expanse of land like that. “It would make sense, but most people think otherwise, so that’s the way it is. “
The acquisition does not include a quarter-acre parcel at 510 S. 14th St. to be owned and used as a food court for food trucks. The parcels owned by Shaia were valued in the city at $4. 18 million in total.
Parker Agelasto, CRLC’s executive director and a former city councilman, celebrated the news when reached last week.
“It’s very exciting to see Mayo Island officially become what will be a public park and a highly visual outdoor recreational space,” he said, “and to see what a 40-year vision is despite everything that’s been implemented. “
He noted the nonprofit’s research had found reports going back to the 1990s showing that the city had studied the feasibility of acquiring the island to use as a park. He said the desired use has since been reflected in the city’s comprehensive plan and other plans for downtown, the river and park system.
“The fact that this goal has been achieved now is a super transformation for Richmond and for the relationship that other people who live here will have with the river at one of its most iconic and historic sites,” Agelasto said.
Named after the Mayo family who helped expand Richmond’s urban network in the 18th century, Mayo Island was once the site of a personal recreation center called City Park, which was joined by Mayo Field, a baseball stadium that operated until 1940. It once housed boathouses and sawmills before the first Mayo Bridge opened in 1788 as the first span to cross the river, according to a history of Richmond’s waterfront plan.
More recently, a Wise Recycling plant had been operating on the island for more than 20 years on the site now occupied by the short food truck. Lately, much of the island is paved with parking lots, one of which is used across and in between VCU. of a dispute between the Shaias and the university.
Once the acquisition is finalized, Agelasto said the next steps will come with the status quo of the easement, which CRLC will jointly own with DCR.
“We will work with the city and other stakeholders to complete this in the appropriate timeframe for all parties involved,” he said.
As for likely transforming the island into a park and public space, Agelasto said this would involve cutting off parking lots and other impervious surfaces on undeveloped land.
“There’s 7 acres of asphalt there,” he said. Imagine what an island would look like if you could remove all those impervious elements and reclaim a more herbaceous area, and what that would do just for the fitness of the river. but also for the health of our community. “
Agelasto has also noted that the city’s control of the land could assist with a planned replacement of the 110-year-old Mayo Bridge, which is set to be upgraded in 2026 due to structural deficiencies. He said the land could provide staging areas to facilitate the $90 million project, which is expected to close traffic along the bridge for about three years during construction.
Jonathan joined BizSense in early 2015 after a decade working in Wilmington, North Carolina, and with the leader of Henrico County. The Virginia Tech graduate covers government, real estate, advertising/marketing, and news. Contact him at [email protected] or (804) 308-2447.
Excellent! Now let’s do more than just create a structural site from the “green jewel. “Close this bridge to cars and start the park on both sides of the river. Let’s make Shockoe and Old Manchester more hospitable neighborhoods without a road through them. Let’s create a park that is the pride of the city and the Commonwealth.
I could not agree more. And I would like to see a community-driven planning process.
I agree! As a resident of Rocketts Landing, I would love to see a pedestrian-friendly area that embraces nature and not commercial buildings. Hopefully, Mayo Bridge can also be more accommodating to pedestrians.
You all DO realize that the the funds to replace the bridge are for vehicles NOT persons. The city can barely maintain what it has in parks space and it will be YEARS before that asphalt is all removed. Tell me how are you going to remove the island that covers 1/2 of the island with in impervious surfaces without a functioning bridge. And for those who hate on this comment look at what happened over at the Belle Island access bridge (it was closed for YEARS) after being allowed to fall into disrepair or the Texas Beach pedestrian bridge… Read more »
In fact, I’m betting that asphalt can be eliminated as a component of the bridge project. Let them use it as landscaping land, and then when they’re done and want to “fix” any damage, they can tear it up and leave it. It’s dirty.
The road is the responsibility of the city and is technically a personal asset and not a public right-of-way. The Bridge Project is funded by federal and state transportation funds and overseen through VDOT. Work on the bridge is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2029/30. I don’t see VDOT providing a “reloadable” auction option for the disposal of bills on city land.
Don’t “add-on”. Don’t build it. Those state and federal funds come from us! I’ll allow you the point that removal of the asphalt will require trucks, so limit its truck use to that project. This isn’t a tough problem to resolve. It takes desire to get this right.
Yes, I perceive that it is not the same property. But for any project, the contractor will have to leave the site in suitable condition for the owner once the structure is complete. In this case, instead of repaving the yard, they can simply demolish it and save money by not replacing it.
Hi Bruce, I couldn’t agree more with you. In fact, it would close Hull Street in Manchester, from Mayo Bridge to Commerce Avenue, to all facilities except buses and taxis. Then widen the sidewalk on this component of Hull Street to increase foot traffic. The domain is slowly reaching a massive population that would utilize the amenities there and attract other people from all over the city. I think I’ve gone off the beaten path, but it would create a great vibe that would temporarily extend to the grocery shopping domain of Hull Street between Commerce and Cowardin. . . . Read More »
I like your two cents. Like the Charlottesville downtown mall, I think vehicular traffic could cross Hull Street at 4th and 7th Streets, allowing some grid-like relief.
So, does the government get worried and the value goes up to $3 million?It seems right.
It would be wonderful to see the Kickers move here (similar to Tate Field in the 1920s) and reconsider NS Pulse the Mayo Bridge to cross over to Southside. Bridge near buses, motorcycles and motorcycles only. Transfers on good days from one of the car parks in Shockoe or Manchester.
Hey? Floods.
Well, some progress. However, there is a feeling that the city has no idea what to do with this property. There’s also the small detail of where the cash comes from to create something that everyone can use. Let’s hope it’s not just about new beer and sausage shops. . .
I would see more investment in making our existing parks bigger than in getting more land.
Absolument. La city of Richmond can take a lesson from Henrico. I grew up in Tidewater with VERY few decent parks. I love that my kids have Henrico Parks: clean, well maintained, and so varied.
Note that the single track railroad bridge crossing the island is scheduled to be upgraded to a double track bridge.
Interesting. . . Where can I get more information about this?
So, did the Shaias pay estate taxes worth $4. 18 million, and yet sell it for $15 million?Why do I have to pay taxes on 100% of the price of my home?State law requires localities to evaluate “a 100% fair market price. “Imagine the asset tax gains the city could make if it correctly priced advertised homes!
This island is vulnerable to peak river levels and prone to flooding. When the Mighty James reaches an intensity of 20 feet or more, that island will be swept away. The fury of the James River is not pleasant.
Arnold, that’s why residential structures will never be allowed there. Commercial structures are allowed if they are built above the level of the floodplain, which would be higher than the planned new bridge. The bridge would be underwater at this height and could simply be destroyed. It would be a devastating storm. But even in a more moderate scenario, the flood walls would close and the new bridge would be rendered unusable. It is simply stupid to build a bridge in the floodplain when there is a real fear of the appearance of sea waters, the subsidence of the East Coast and larger storms. Coming to us in. . . Read More »
Well done, Parker! Taking this opportunity to contribute to the acquisition of this vital element of the James River Park formula will have positive benefits for generations in the long run. We may not see it all now, but we are getting closer to what only our mind’s eye knows. Thank you for seeing this route through to the end.
May Bridge.
Does the Chesapeake Bay Basin Plan impose restrictions on what can happen to this island?
The restrictions in the plan don’t mean much once the easement is recorded. Assuming this will restrict the island to open space and active recreational activities with restricted improvements.
Yorktown Beach serves as a style for the York River.
What do you mean?
A wide sandy beach would be great with jetties to prevent erosion. Amenities are also perfect with restaurants and terraces.
Good ol City of Richmond—always able to find plenty of money to build parks, museums, stadiums, and city buildings for the “ruling elites glory”–while never able to find money to repair or build schools for the kids and change the real direction downtown is going to go–what a shame. Bring back Paul Goldman and his idea for the schools.
Yes, because we are very battered with *checking the ratings* of parks, museums, stadiums and urban buildings – lol. Municipal schools do indeed want much more funding, but this should not be mistakenly seen as a choice scenario.
all too typical no nothing city bashing. Building schools with the added 1.5% restaurant tax is an undeniable tangible success under Stoney’s tenure. In the last few years 3 brand spanking new schools have opened: Cardinal Elementary, Henry Marsh Elementary and River City Middle. And although it took 3 years to long at least due to arguing between the mayor, council and the school board, construction is happening right now on the School for the Arts (i.e. the new George Wythe). They are waiting to tee up the new Fox Elem after the fire.
Having spent a lot of time ten years ago skateboarding on the concrete slab just east of the old Seaboard railroad bridge that crosses the island, I can attest that this position is truly incredible across the river. Tons of interesting history here and lots of it. potential. I’m sure it will take decades, but I’d like to see a solid mix of leicertain (a concrete skatepark could handle primary flooding. . . just an idea), interpretive trails with data on the fall line, history, and industry of the island, and easy. . . Read more »
Mickael, didn’t even think about a skateboarding park. What a cool idea. That pad is just wasted space begging to be utilised.
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