Richmond & Jacksonville: More In Common Than You Think

[lewyn]

The Fan mostly looks great.  Downtown mostly looks sterile.

[thelakelander]

Yes, the Fan is a jewel. Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend much time in it during my last visit.

[Slankinship]

I'm from Richmond and I've lived in Jax for the last 5 years. I'd think the biggest difference in the outcome of Jax and Richmond in development over the last 20 years stems from the historic pride the city has and the strength of VCU. Having a downtown campus with a strong art and engineering program has allowed the city to maintain a young and vibrant/intelligent presence during times when most people were moving into the apartments surrounding suburban mall centers instead of rehab downtown spaces.  Also, Richmond takes a lot of pride in its history and I doubt would have allowed demolition to the degree Jax has. The last 10 years has been all restoration work. 

Other prominent features not pictured is the $200 million Virginia Fine Art Museum renovation.... amazing. It has spurred renovation in the surrounding area which was nearly desolate 10 years ago including the baseball stadium, Hardywood Brewery and the new Bow Tie movieplex converted from a former brass foundry.   Of course, the James River, canal walk, and belle isle outside of shockoe bottom is the heart of the city. We already have that here in Jax with the St. Johns.

[Orlanta]

Nice read. 

I've always felt that Richmond was probably second to New Orleans in terms of historic building stock among the large sunbelt cities despite losing some to "urban renewal".   That alone gives the city a tremendous advantage that most of its southern peers cannot replicate.   I'm surprised it doesn't get more attention than it currently does but perceptions take a looong time to change.

I had no idea that Omaha was a large city early last century so I learned something new.  Now I have a new desire to visit Nebraska. 

[sheclown]

Richmond is One of Frommer's' Top Destinations for 2014' in the World

You guys, "While you weren't looking, Richmond got cool."!!

So says Frommer's, the travel guidebook folks who are experts on travel all over the world, in its "Frommer's' Top Destinations for 2014."

Richmond is one of three spots in the U.S on this international list that includes Scotland, Bali, Rio de Janeiro and Taiwan.

You know, Taiwan, Bali, Rio de Janeiro and RVA... all the places every international traveler wants to visit.

So why is Richmond such a hot destination in 2014?

In part it's due to our proximity to important Civil War things during what is apparently a significant Civil War anniversary, but also because of this:

"But even if you don't care a whit about the war, Richmond is coming into its own as a choice regional destination with a growing slate of breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and even white-water river rapid activities cutting right through downtown. While you weren't looking, Richmond got cool."

Right?!? Who gives whit about a history, we've got craft beer and good dining. And, really, that's what matters

http://www.richmond.com/city-life/article_8f6c257c-5c49-11e3-bdd1-001a4bcf6878.html

[sheclown]

I remember when Richmond was little more than an armpit.

Then again, 40 years ago, no one even said the word "Baltimore" out loud.

Preservation of building stock, preservation & restoration of the Chesapeake, an economy protected by federal jobs in the DC area -- these things helped both Richmond and Baltimore.

Oh and btw, Richmond regularly does section 106 reviews on all projects, federal dollars involved or not to make sure they are not endangering their historic stock.