Demolition of Historic Buildings on W. Cary

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From press release:

For immediate release:

The Oregon Hill Community is saddened that negotiations over the historic buildings on the 800 block W Cary St have reached an impasse between the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association and the developer JD Lewis and demolition of the properties, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Oregon Hill Historic District, has begun. These five buildings, two dating to the 1830’s and built by historic Richmond figure Benjamin Green, have served Oregon Hill and downtown Richmond for generations as a gateway. The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association will vigorously proceed with our efforts to protect remaining Oregon Hill landmarks as well as other city landmarks.

Charles Todd Woodson, President
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, Inc.

Today: The Women of Hollywood Cemetery Tour

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From the Valentine Museum website:

Explore the role that women’s groups played in Hollywood Cemetery’s history from the Civil War to the present. Visit grave sites of women who were educators, authors, preservationists, suffragists and humanitarians.

“What a great tour! Full of beautiful views of the city and Virginia history. I will definitely do this tour again.”

Price: $15 Adult, $5 Child, $5 Valentine members
Length: 2 hours
Parking: On Street
Meeting place: Enter at Cherry and Albemarle streets, meet at the rear of the stone structure to the left.

Tour Notes

Advanced tickets are strongly encouraged. Space is limited.
Valentine walking tours are typically between 1-2 miles in length. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
Accessibility- People of all abilities are encouraged to join us for tours. If you have accessibility challenges or need accommodation, please let us know in advance.
Tours are held rain or shine. However, in extreme weather a tour may be cancelled. Call 804-649-0711 x 301 to verify the tour will take place.
Admission includes a $5 donation to the Friends of Hollywood Cemetery for ongoing restoration. Tours are made possible through a generous partnership with Hollywood Cemetery.

Damaging Historic Canal (Again)

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Neighbors were horrified today to see this giant excavator actually sitting in the wetlands of the canal scrapping away at the bank of the historic James River and Kanawha Canal, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also listed as a federally protected wetlands. Sadly, this is certainly not the first time something like this has happened.

In 2011, the Richmond Times Dispatch reported that NewMarket Corporation destroyed a large section of the pre-Civil War Tredegar wall while preparing for a 2nd Street Connector, only obtaining the required permit after the fact. The neighborhood has tried to stay vigilant over the years. Yet in 2014, Venture Richmond destroyed a critical part of the canal.

It appears that this work may or may not be related to repairs on the Robert E. Lee Bridge. Residents are left questioning if more damage can be prevented in the future and what steps will be taken to repair the canal bank. But between the threatening demolition on W.Cary street, the disastrous ‘renovations’ in Monroe Park, and this new Canal situation, it is understandable that Oregon Hill residents and Richmond preservationists feel under siege.

Monroe Park’s Slow Disaster

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It’s been heartbreaking for neighbors to watch the slow destruction of Monroe Park. The Monroe Park ‘Conservancy’ has succeeded in fulfilling VCU’s desire to get rid of the park’s trees. During the park’s period of significance circa 1904, there were 362 trees of 26 species in the park. Less than a third of that now thanks to 3North and the “Conservancy”. Sadly, this situation is not all that unique when you consider that U.S. cities are losing about 36 million trees a year.

Of course there have been many other Monroe Park matters as well. Recently it was discovered that a new electrical service unit was installed right next to a World War II memorial that contributes to the Park’s historic significance.

Expect an announcement by the Sierra Club Falls of the James on this topic soon. This comes after the organization has already tried to meet with Mayor Stoney (and was ignored) and publicly called for the termination of the Conservancy’s lease.