Mayor Dwight C. Jones welcomed CoStar Group to downtown Richmond during a press conference held with Governor Terry McAuliffe today.  The Governor announced that CoStar Group, the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces, will invest $8.17 million in a new research and software development center in Richmond. Virginia successfully competed against states in the Southeast and Midwest for the project, which will create 732 new jobs and have a total economic impact of $250 million. “We are thrilled to welcome CoStar Group to Virginia and to our capital city,” said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at the event. “This will be a transformational project for the City of Richmond and the greater metropolitan area, bringing a new, high-profile corporate partner and more than 700 high-paying jobs. With our outstanding technology infrastructure and our unparalleled higher education system, the Commonwealth is a hub for the IT sector and the perfec...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, and Virginia Commonwealth University said today that the minor league baseball team intends to commit to stay in Richmond for a minimum of 30 years once a new ballpark is constructed, according to a newly signed agreement. The memorandum of understanding will guide the final stages of planning for a new ballpark in Richmond to be used by VCU and the Flying Squirrels. “This is a significant step forward for baseball in the Richmond region,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “More importantly, it advances our efforts for economic development along the Boulevard to generate revenue for schools and city services, consistent with our longstanding goals for Richmond.” The agreement continues progress that began in April when the parties announced a new partnership to maintain minor league baseball for the region. The partnership was energized by the City’s planning for economic development of 60 acres of city-owned North Side land boun...

At a special ceremony marking the kick-off of the development of the Lumpkin’s Jail Site, Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced the selection of a team led by SmithGroupJJR to be awarded the contract to develop the site. The City of Richmond signed a $1.4 million contract today to engage the team’s services. “The team led by SmithGroupJJR has a depth of experience in museum organization and development, museum building design, archaeology, historic preservation, landscape architecture, exhibit design and community engagement…you name it, they’ve got it,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “SmithGroupJJR was recognized just a few weeks ago as an integral member of the design team of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which just opened in Washington, DC. Their accomplishments have been recognized both inside and outside of the United States.” It was also announced today that Lonnie G. Bunch, III, will serve as a scholarly advisor to the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Site project. Dr...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Governor Terry McAuliffe, the City's CAO Selena Cuffee-Glenn, members of Richmond City Council, and the City’s Public Art Commission (PAC) joined together on Thursday September 29 to break ground on the memorial plaza commemorating Maggie L. Walker at Broad Street and Adams Street. “This is a long-overdue recognition,” said Mayor Jones. “Through this memorial in honor of Maggie L. Walker and the creation of this new public space to celebrate her legacy, we will be reminded of Maggie Walker’s vision, courage, and determination and her contribution to our country’s history.” The PAC and the Site Selection Team selected the location for the memorial plaza on Broad Street, and Richmond City Council approved the site as it serves as a main corridor in the city and an important entryway into the Jackson Ward community, where Maggie L. Walker resided. The Maggie L. Walker monument will become a destination point in Richmond’s vibrant downtown and f...

Early on Tuesday, September 20, Mayor Dwight C. Jones, along with the City's Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities, in association with Enrichmond, helped kick off the Grand Reopening Celebration for Kanawha Plaza. The renovation process of the public space began in July of 2015, and the ribbon cutting event marked the completion of the first phase of the renovations. The City invested $2.9 million in the renovations. Kelso & Easter, Inc., of Richmond was the contracted designer and the Contractor was Southwood Building Systems, Inc. of Virginia. The renovations that were undertaken include the retention and repair of the plaza's fountain, the parks most prominent feature. There were also landscaping improvements, a new food truck area, and improved lighting. The City welcomes this improved public green space and thanks everyone that helped achieve the enhancements.

On Tuesday, September 6, the Department of Public Works will begin construction of the Belmont Road Roundabout at the intersection of Belmont, South Belmont and West Belmont roads. The roundabout will enhance the gateway corridor into the city of Richmond.  The project will include landscaped islands, pedestrian crosswalk markings, handicap ramps and new signage. The $700,000 project has received state and City funding. Work is expected to last three to four months, depending on weather. The improvements will decrease operating speeds for motorists and shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians. In addition to reducing the number of vehicle and pedestrian accidents, experts say roundabouts can reduce fatal accidents by as much as 90 percent. There will be occasional lane closures during construction. Motorists are encouraged to follow work zone signage.  For more information on City services, please visit www.RichmondGov.com .

On August 23, at the corner of East Brookland Park Avenue and Dill Avenue, Mayor Jones, Councilwoman Ellen Robertson and others celebrated the newly constructed Six Points Roundabout with a ribbon cutting. “As we stand here today at this roundabout, I want our residents to know that getting to this point took a lot of hard work, championed by Ellen Robertson along with the Department of Public Works Transportation Engineering Division, who initially applied for the federal grant back in 2009,” said Mayor Jones. “Together, they demonstrated true perseverance with this project, staying in it for the long-haul to make sure this got done.” “Mayor Jones has been a strong supporter of what goes on in Highland Park in a huge way ever since he became Mayor, and we would like to thank you for that,” said Councilwoman Ellen Robertson, 6th District. “This roundabout is such a wonderful addition to our community in providing safety for both drivers and pedestrians.” The newly devloped traff...