RICHMOND, Va. -- As the City of Richmond works to transform Main Street Station and its adjacent train shed into more of a downtown destination, city leaders want input on what should happen with the space. This week, Richmond-based Southeastern Institute of Research (SIR) unveiled an online survey the city hoped people would fill out.
"The 100,000 square feet of soon-to-be glassed-in space within Main Street Station will be revitalized as a transportation hub with space for experiencing the best of Richmond (RVA) through recreation, shopping, food and beverage, celebration, tourism, and events. With indoor space the size of an entire city block, this renovation can transform Downtown Richmond by creating a centrally located, historically significant destination for the RVA community," SIR wrote on the survey page. "Please -- help us brainstorm creative ways to bring the things and experiences you want and unique elements of RVA to life within the space. We want your suggestions about the types of recreational activities, music, art, food and beverage experiences, and shopping that should be included to make Main Street Station a destination for the RVA community and visitors."
The survey asks general questions like what types of activities you would like to see offered at Main Street Station. It also asked survey takers to offer specific suggestions about restaurants, bars, recreational options and other amenities that would most excite them.
Benjamin Tyree gives Segway tours of Richmond while going to graduate school for history.
He frequently admires Main Street Station, and looks forward to sharing his thoughts through the online survey on how the entire station should be revitalized.
“Definitely something about the history of the station since it’s got that beautiful façade on it, you’ve got to tell that story,” Tyree, said.
Patrick Fitzgerald moved to Richmond a few weeks ago, and said “coffee would be wonderful” when asked what he would like to see inside the station.
“It’s one of the most spectacular train stations I’ve seen in the area,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald was sitting outside of Urban Farmhouse in Shockoe Slip smoking a cigar Wednesday night.
He works in the cigar industry and said a boutique cigar store would be perfect for the station, especially considering Richmond’s tobacco roots.
“I think that would be a wonderful addition assuming that there is the tolerance for it as well,” Fitzgerald said.
The City of Richmond is spending more than $70 million city, state and federal dollars to complete the project.
