Urban Design Committee approves updated Browns Island improvement plan with conditions

The Urban Design Committee on March 13 approved conceptual plans for the Browns Island Improvement Project, a revised version of the 2019 plan that Venture Richmond and the city epartment of Parks and Recreation are advancing toward construction. The committee approved staff recommendations and added direction for the project team to strengthen architectural character and reduce large constructed features such as excessive terracing and prominent signage.

The approval covers a plan that narrows earlier work to five zones on Browns Island: the Lookout near Potterfield Bridge, Haxall Gardens along the canal, The Point at the Seventh Street Bridge, river terraces and the Manchester Breezeway beneath the Manchester Bridge. The design would add permanent restrooms, vendor kiosks, widened esplanade space for events, new terraces and improved landscaping and accessibility while removing some previously proposed elements to reduce cost and environmental risk.

Why it matters: Browns Island is a high-profile downtown riverfront site that serves as both a day-use park and a major events venue. The committee ction moves the project from…