Plans for GRTC transfer station offer glimpse into new City Center plan
Developers have been asked to offer proposals for a mixed-used building that would sit on top of the GRTC's bus transfer station, marking the new administration's first foray into the area formerly marked for development as City Center.
Before leaving office, Mayor Levar Stoney planned to award a develop the entire 9.4-acre site to redevelop into a "mixed-use, mixed-income urban innovation district destination."
That contract was never awarded, and new Mayor Danny Avula told the Times-Dispatch in an interview that he would rather offer up the parcels piece-by-piece, giving the city greater control over what is built.
The transfer plaza will be placed at North 9th Street and East Leigh Street, the former site of the Public Safety Building. The land was previously given for VCU Health for a development project that fell through in 2021.
The entire 10-block area includes the Richmond Coliseum, which has sat vacant since 2019 and is destined for demolition.
Last week's request was jointly issued by GRTC and Richmond's Economic Development Authority. The winning bidder will be required to collaborate with GRTC on the design of the site, which will have a 10-bay bus terminal at ground level, ground-floor retail, parking, and residential or commercial space above.
“By integrating a modern transfer hub with mixed use development, we are creating a destination that supports riders, encourages investment, and strengthens the economic heart of the region,” said GRTC Chief Development Officer Adrienne Torres.
The transfer site would sit on the path of a future north-south rapid transit line, and two blocks north of the current Pulse line, which runs east-west on Broad Street.
In the document, it says that adjacent East Clay Street will be reenvisioned "as a pedestrian-oriented street which can be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate public events."
Requirements include a climate-controlled seating area for bus riders awaiting a transfer, which currently does not exist at the temporary transfer plaza GRTC is using nearby. There is also a requirement for restrooms and a break room for bus drivers.
GRTC will pay for the transfer plaza portion of the project, estimated at $47.3 million, while the developer will be expected to pay for the remainder of the project.
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
