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Administration says Mayo/Browns Island and Coliseum plans have funding earmarks; John Marshall Courthouse to get near-term fixes and a 60-day study
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Summary
Administration told council that demolition and redevelopment planning for downtown sites includes regional and nonprofit partners and that $15–15.7 million is proposed to modernize the John Marshall Courthouse pending a 60-day study; staff said Mayo Island phase one and a $5 million city CIP contribution for Browns Island are in the package.
Council members pressed for details about several downtown capital projects, including demolition and redevelopment options for the coliseum, and investments in Mayo and Browns islands.
The administration said regional partners have committed support for coliseum demolition and noted external funding and RFP processes are in play. "We've had studies that have been done that have shown the estimates… those estimates range from around 40 to $70,000,000," an administration speaker said of demolition estimates, noting regional partners are prepared to contribute. The administration added that some contributions will appear in partner budgets rather than the city's CIP line items.
On Mayo Island and Browns Island redevelopment, a staff speaker said the first phase of Mayo Island should be complete by October to meet grant conditions, and that "the last $5,000,000 contribution from the city is in the CIP" for Browns Island; Venture Richmond and other partners have raised additional funds.
Council members also sought clarity on the John Marshall Courthouse, where the administration proposed approximately $15.6–15.7 million in near-term investments for safety and modernization while a broader replacement or major renovation — previously estimated by others in the $300 million range — remains a longer-term discussion. Administration officials said they will conduct a 60-day study with judges and stakeholders to determine next steps and how short-term funds will be used to improve safety and operations.
Staff promised to circulate memorandums with the market assessment and to provide more specific breakdowns of where funds are appropriated and the timing for future actions.
