Posted on April 4, 2025

Market study to determine best use

Richmond, VA - On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the City of Richmond finalized the purchase of 95.93 acres of land from Philip Morris USA for $5.5 million, allowing the City to create a new signature park in Southside, establish another east-west travel route along its southern edge, and conduct a market study to determine the best uses for the remaining acreage.

The site, in the City's 8th district, has frontage on Walmsley Boulevard, Trenton Avenue and Kalimat Lane and is bordered by CSX Railroad to the west. Nearly half of the undeveloped property includes wetlands and ponds, which the City will look to incorporate into a 45-acre signature park for the surrounding Southside communities. The acquisition will also allow the City to extend Walmsley Boulevard westward to Richmond Highway, thereby creating another critical east-west travel route.

Philip Morris USA will retain and continue to operate the Semi-Works Building located on a separate 11-acre parcel. The vacant Operations Center Building that is part of the acreage purchased by the city will be demolished later this year. Next steps include a market study to analyze the best and highest uses for the remaining acreage. Planning for the park project will begin with community engagement later this year.

"We are thrilled to announce the purchase of this property in Southside." said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Planning and Economic Development, Sharon Ebert. "It marks a pivotal step in our commitment to accessible community green space, new economic development, and greater transit connectivity for generations to come."