In the latest news on riverfront development, CoStar, soon to be Richmond’s largest employer, is joining the New Market Corporation to bring an Asian-themed temple to the downtown scene.

The large structure will be constructed along the now destroyed footprint of the canal, next to the planned amphitheater.

The planned temple is being added shortly after local website Richmond Biz-Sense sponsored a March 22nd ticketed event entitled “The Future of the Riverfront”.

That event celebrated a whole “business campus” concept that has been embraced by City planners and administration, Venture Richmond, high-end multi-family housing developers and may others in Richmond’s ‘business community’. It is being driven by CoStar’s giant new high rise building (currently under construction) and their vision – thousands of young and talented workers who will be in the new building and mostly live in the Manchester apartments and condos that have sprouted up across the river. Ideally, no cars will be necessary- workers will walk across the Potterfield bridge to work and/or take a clean shuttle. The business complex will have room for 5 or 6 restaurants/ establishments.

A CoStar employee, who wished to remain anonymous, related that, after the event, “higher-ups became concerned that were neglecting the ‘spiritual development’ of their ‘shachiku‘, so they add temple. They are hoping it will instill more loyalty.”

Whatever the inspiration, the proposed temple is sure to win praise for its beautiful, classical design, and many hope it will offer a quiet retreat from urban life, with a reverence similar to the Virginia War Memorial. Cameras and security patrols will help keep the homeless out and enforce a meditative atmosphere.