The Wrap: Stadiums, schools, a new brewpub, and the T-Pot Bridge

Photo: Creative Dog Media

The week in brief

Have you gotten your holiday shopping done yet? If you’re like me, you’ve done most of it online this year. I even had something shipped from a local store in Short Pump just to avoid driving out in that madness this time of year, and it was totally worth it. If you’re out there braving the crowds this weekend, good luck!

The Richmond Kickers kicked off the week with news that City Council approved the team’s plan to lease City Stadium for a nominal fee over the next 40 years. They’ll pump $20 million in renovations into the aging structure and be responsible for all maintenance. Sounds like a win for all stakeholders involved.

The Byrd Theatre Foundation announced ticket prices will go up for the first time in two decades in 2017–from $1.99 to $4 for most second-run movies. Before you balk at the fee hike, consider a couple things. The move will allow the theatre to finally install new seats (something that’s been teased for years) and will help pay for other much-needed improvements at the historic movie palace. Plus, most theaters charge upwards of $12 or more for a ticket nowadays; it’s still a steal. Oh yeah, and they’re now accepting credit cards for ticket purchases and concessions!

After leasing the historic circa-1917 Westhampton School for a couple years with the intention of rehabbing the building into a nursing school, Bon Secours officials announced this week they intend to demolish the school. The plan, as you might imagine, isn’t sitting well with neighbors or City Councilmembers (current or incoming). Luckily, the plan will have to go through at least a few hurdles before being approved–if ever.

Richard Hayes has some great photos from the group photo Bike Walk RVA took on the new T-Pot Bridge–check ’em out here.

Triple Crossing’s new Fulton brewpub opens this evening. Here’s everything you need to know. Get your fill of beer news with our RVA Beer Explorer here.

Two new food places are on the horizon (I hesitate to call both of them restaurants) and cat cafés could be coming to town! All this and more in our Weekly Food News roundup.

There’s so much going on this weekend–lots of holiday cheer and ways to give back to the community by having fun. Find something fun to do with our Weekend Event Picks.

Tree diapers are a thing, and they’re the subject of our RVA News In Brick feature this week.

History lessons! Explore a former plantation that once graced the Manchester area and was lost to progress here; check out the history of the Big Cig on I-95 you’ve no doubt seen here.

Five things you should know

1. Bon Secours is partnering with Safe Harbor for Central Virginia’s first human trafficking shelter.
2. Richmond was named America’s 7th most sinful city according to a WalletHub survey.
3. The 2017 Richmond International Film Festival will feature a six-day music festival.
4. Richmond Police have collected 35 pounds of prescription drugs thanks to a new program.
5. Westover Hills Elementary got a lot more colorful this week thanks to a local artist.

Christmas tree winner

Thanks to everyone who liked and shared our Facebook post for a chance to win a free six foot fraser fir Christmas tree from our friends at Tree Elves and King of Pops. Congrats to Claire Ann–you’re the lucky winner! We’ll message you to arrange pickup of your Christmas tree.

Until next time,

Trevor Dickerson
Editor, RVAHub