RICHMOND, Va. — The “Jewel on the James” is raising money for a $35 million polishing.
Maymont, the 128-year-old estate built by Richmond philanthropists James Henry Dooley and Sallie May Dooley, is in the midst of its first major capital campaign since the 1990s.
Norman Burns, executive director of the Maymont Foundation, said the “Spirit of Generosity” campaign has raised $17.5 million – about half its goal.
The nonprofit foundation, which oversees the operation of the 100-acre estate, has broken down its fundraising goal into four project areas: welcome plazas, preservation and interpretation, guest amenities and operating endowments.
“It’s really about taking the Maymont everybody loves and making it better,” Burns said.
Maymont’s grounds include gardens, an arboretum, walking paths, wildlife exhibits, a nature center and Maymont Mansion, the Dooleys’ 33-room home.
Maymont has three entrances, and the foundation has budgeted $15 million for entrance-related projects that include improving the Robins Nature and Visitor Center, Children’s Farm and Hampton Street arrival plaza.
