Richmond Times-Dispatch
Developers have completed a schematic design for a minor-league ballpark at the Diamond District , the first step toward building a stadium, two people familiar with the matter said.
Specifics of the stadium design remain unclear, but the agreement between the city of Richmond , the city's Economic Development Authority and developer RVA Diamond Partners calls for a capacity of at least 9,000 spectators. The facility will have separate clubhouses for the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Virginia Commonwealth University 's baseball team, which will also play there, another person said.
A schematic design is typically the first stage of the design process. It can include a building's shape, dimensions and a description of building systems such as heating and plumbing.
Odell, a national design and engineering firm with a Richmond office, is drawing the plans for the ballpark. Odell contributed to the stadium of the Triple-A Charlotte Knights and the expansion of the football stadium at Liberty University , according to the company's website. Machete Group , a sports and real estate advisory firm, is the project manager. A general contractor has not been selected, one person said.
A representative for Machete did not respond to requests for the schematic design.
The stadium, which will be built next to The Diamond, is expected to cost $110 million or more. The entire 68-acre project is expected to fetch $2.4 billion .
Under a 13-year timeline, the entire Diamond District is expected to have residences, a hotel, a commercial space and a park.
Construction on the ballpark is expected to begin first, with work on the residences to commence quickly thereafter. The city is working to meet a deadline set by Major League Baseball that requires the stadium open by the beginning of the 2026 season. But the residences are a key piece, too, because they provide revenue that will help pay for the stadium.
The agreement calls for construction to start in April. Lincoln Saunders , the city's chief administrative officer, said in January groundbreaking could occur between April and June. One person said building work could begin as late as this fall and still finish on time. Developers still plan to meet the 2026 deadline.
RVA Diamond Partners , which is developing the homes, will buy the residential parcels from the city's Economic Development Authority . Before the purchase can occur, RVA Diamond Partners must meet a number of conditions, including proving it can secure financing for the project.
The Economic Development Authority will continue to own the stadium land and must form lease agreements with the Flying Squirrels and VCU. The university's board of visitors will approve VCU's lease agreement before it is finalized. The board did not consider such a contract when it met last week, and it is scheduled to meet again in May.
Spokespeople for the city of Richmond did not respond to requests for comment.
Eric Kolenich (804) 649-6109 ekolenich@timesdispatch.com