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 schematic design toward final review while pressing the project team to refine details that affect nighttime lighting, stormwater management, public access and the island ppearance.

The project team nd partners said the plan is being advanced now after Venture Richmond nd the city refined the scope to improve feasibility. "We are working with Venture Richmond and the city parks department on this project since late 2018, early '19," Andrea Almond, landscape architect with 3 North, told the committee, describing how tree replacement, accessibility and river views drove design choices. Lisa Richardson, deputy director for capital improvement with Parks and Recreation, introduced Venture Richmond representatives and emphasized coordination between the nonprofit leaseholder and city operations.

Key committee direction and staff conditions: staff recommended detailed lighting designs that limit light pollution, permeable or sustainable hardscape materials where feasible, final planting and species lists, stormwater retention details and expanded accessibility throughout the site. Staff also asked the applicant to continue public outreach and to provide final materials and furnishings that resist graffiti and require minimal maintenance. The committee added two specific recommendations: to "strengthen architectural defining features" so buildings and site elements feel more distinct and civic, and to study ways to "reduce constructed/ hardscape features (including large signage, extensive terracing and broad concrete expanses) where possible," preserving programmatic needs for event logistics.

Public comment and concerns: Oregon Hill resident Charles Poole urged the committee to delay approval until the public could review the revised plans and asked the applicant to remove proposed floating wetlands from the Haxall Canal and to drop a proposed large island sign, calling the sign "offensive." Poole also urged better connections to the river, including stairways to an informal sandy area below Browns Island and sound mitigation for concert direction toward Oregon Hill.

Project timeline and funding: Andrea Almond said the design team envisions returning for final review in May and hopes construction could begin late this year if fundraising and permitting progress. Venture Richmond is leading private fundraising; the city has committed some funding. The committee and staff stressed that final approvals should include clearer operations and maintenance plans, especially for new permanent restrooms and site furnishings.

Votes at a glance: The committee voted to approve the conceptual plan with staff recommendations and the two additional recommendations described above. Committee members voting yes included: Denise (Committee member Denise), Gimmer, Magnardi, McKenzie, Hemmick, Woodson, Pearson, Clark and Doyle. The motion passed unanimously.

What happens next: The project team must return with final plans addressing lighting, materials, stormwater measures, public art integration, ADA circulation and the committee—omments on reducing excessive hardscape and clarifying architectural language. Staff and the committee recommended continued public engagement prior to final review.

Ending: The Browns Island plan advances with a route toward final review but with explicit committee direction to tighten design details, reduce overly large built elements and show how the project will be maintained and operated year-round.