All results / Photos / Sandra Sellars
![Plans in 2016 had called for the old building to be converted into a commercial space, possibly for use by the city Department of Public Utilities. In 2019, DPU nixed the idea because of the cost of removing asbestos and other contaminants from the 11-acre site.
The demolition has been in the works since July 2020. The site was best known for an iconic 60-foot-tall metal work called a gasometer that surrounded the empty, below-ground storage tanks. The gasometer has been carefully removed and could later be reinstalled as a piece of public art. More than $4.3 million has been invested to clear the old structures and remove contaminated soil from the property, which is envisioned as an East End development site.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2022/02/24/Cityscape_Fulton_Gas_Works_SS021322_011_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Plans in 2016 had called for the old building to be converted into a commercial space, possibly for use by the city Department of Public …
Published on February 24, 2022
![Armstrong Renaissance is heading to the finish line after more than three years of construc- tion at this East End site near the city’s border with Henrico County. Crews now are focusing on development of the final phase – 36 attached and detached homes to be sold at market rates – that will cap the redevelopment on the former site of Armstrong High School.
Oversized compared with most of the homes on nearby streets, the new houses were initially priced between $225,000 and $350,000 and are designed to add a residential cachet to the area.
When finished, the total 22-acre development will contain 256 modern apartments and houses. The first residents moved in just before Thanksgiving in 2019.
Previously called Church Hill North, Armstrong Renaissance is the creation of a partnership of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Boston-based nonprofit affordable housing developer, The Community Builders. The project is designed as the first step in the future redevelopment of the 30-acre Creighton Court public housing community located across Nine Mile Road.
The new units were used, in part, to relocate Creighton Court residents, clearing the way for a large chunk of the public housing community to be bulldozed and replaced with new units. Demolition of a major portion of Creighton Court is expected this year.
Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Richmond City Council cleared the way by allocating $6.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for new streets, alleys and underground utilities in the Creighton Court redevelopment.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2022/02/10/Cityscape_Church_Hill_North_SS_020622_009_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Armstrong Renaissance is heading to the finish line after more than three years of construc- tion at this East End site near the city’s border …
Published on February 10, 2022
![A representative of Virginia’s Indian Tribes performs a blessing over newly inaugurated Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin following his inaugural address. Members of several tribes took part in the Blessing of the Ground in front of the State Capitol, which has become a traditional part of the state’s inaugural ceremonies. At right are Attorney General Jason Miyares and his wife, Page Atkinson Miyares.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2022/01/20/Youngkin_Inauguration_SS_011522_004_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
A representative of Virginia’s Indian Tribes performs a blessing over newly inaugurated Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin following his inaugural address. Members of several tribes took …
Published on January 20, 2022
![A fence remains around the circle on Monument Avenue where the six-story monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee once stood. The statue was removed in September, and the pedestal was cleared away late last month. This week, City Council authorized Mayor Levar M. Stoney to accept the statue, pedestal and the land from the state. They are to be turned over to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward, along with other city-owned Confederate monuments.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2022/01/13/Cityscape_Empty_Monument_Ave_Circle_SS_004_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
A fence remains around the circle on Monument Avenue where the six-story monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee once stood. The statue was removed …
Published on January 13, 2022
![A key element of Richmond’s drinking water supply system is undergoing about $54 million in major improvements.
These photos document the construction underway at the historic Byrd Park Reservoir that first went into service 145 years ago to supply water to the city and surrounding counties.
The purpose of the work: To keep the 55 million-gallon storage facility functional.
The city Department of Public Utilities is projecting to spend $60 million to cover all costs, about $7 million more than anticipated when the project was first envisioned four years ago. So far, about $4.7 million has been spent on inspections, planning and design, DPU has reported.
Opened in 1876, the reservoir is located on the east side of Blanton Avenue and is bounded by Grant Street and Police Memorial Way.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2022/01/06/Cityscape_Byrd_Park_Tank_Rehabilitation_SSSS_009_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
A key element of Richmond’s drinking water supply system is undergoing about $54 million in major improvements. These photos document the construction underway at the …
Published on January 6, 2022
![The project is expected to take four years to complete, according to DPU, and is being done in two phases.
The first phase, which already is underway, involves replacement of a main reservoir supply line and inlet valve to continue to ensure reliable water distribution, DPU has stated. Cost of first phase: About $6.6 million, including $4.77 million for construction and the rest going to other costs, such as overhead and construction management.
The second phase involves installing new aluminum roofs to replace the 1970s concrete roofs that cover the reservoir’s two underground tanks. Total cost of second phase: $47.4 million, which DPU stated is to be shared with Hanover and Henrico counties, which also receive water from the reservoir.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2022/01/06/Cityscape_Byrd_Park_Tank_Rehabilitation_SSSS_008_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
The project is expected to take four years to complete, according to DPU, and is being done in two phases. The first phase, which already …
Published on January 6, 2022
![This dramatic and decorative street mural now fills the intersection at Mar- shall Street and Brook Road in Jackson Ward.
The work, painted in the red, black and green colors of the Pan-African flag, stands in front of Gallery 5, an award-winning art space housed in a historic 1849 building that served as the city’s first firehouse and police station.
Venture Richmond and the city’s Public Art Commission teamed with art spaces and businesses to develop the place-making project that was supported in part by a $25,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthro- pies’ Asphalt Art Initiative. The project, which cost a total of $40,000, produced a new brick plaza and bike rack in front of Gallery 5.
Artist Chris Visions created the mural painted by youth participants at ART 180, a nonprofit center of youth creativity based at 114 W. Marshall St. The central figure is Sankofa, a symbol and word of the Akan people of Ghana meaning “to retrieve.” The symbol is being used as a salute to Jackson Ward’s history as the once proud center of Black business, entertainment and culture.
The mural also is connected to a custom-designed parklet that fills two parking spaces in front of ART 180. The parklet, not pictured here, is one of five the city has sought to install to promote community and businesses.
The initiative came together this year as part of marking the 150th anniversary of the city’s creation of Jackson Ward in 1871. At the time, it was a gerrymandered political district for Black voters. Venture Richmond credited the two art groups, Big Secret, Walter Parks Architects, CB Chandler Construction, Cite Design, Richmond Toolbank and Vanderbilt Properties with helping create the space.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/12/30/Cityscape_Mural_Marshall_Brook_RD_112721_SS_011_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
This dramatic and decorative street mural now fills the intersection at Mar- shall Street and Brook Road in Jackson Ward. The work, painted in the …
Published on December 30, 2021
![Cityscape:Slices of life and scenes in Richmond/This elegant Richmond railroad bridge over the James River has stood the test of time. Woodrow Wilson was still president, the prohibition of liquor begins and the raging pandemic “Spanish flu” was killing millions of people when the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac and CSX-predecessor Atlantic Coastline railroads built the structure in 1919. Location: Between the Boulevard and Powhite Parkway bridges. Legendary engineer John E. Greiner designed the iconic arched bridge that was among the first rail bridges to be made of poured concrete. Dubbed the “million-dollar bridge,” the double-track bridge allowed trains to move through Richmond more quickly and to cross east-west rail lines that ran along both sides of the river. Considered an engineering marvel, the bridge continues to draw admirers.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/09/02/Cityscape_Railroad_Bridge_SS_002_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Cityscape:Slices of life and scenes in Richmond/This elegant Richmond railroad bridge over the James River has stood the test of time. Woodrow Wilson was still …
Published on September 2, 2021
![Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of July weekend home stand against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Ponies of New York. After the Squirrels' 2-1 win over the Rumble Ponies Saturday night, the celebration continued with a colorful fireworks display that was visible far outside the stadium.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/07/08/July_4_weekendSS_006_070321_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of …
Published on July 8, 2021
![Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of July weekend home stand against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Ponies of New York. After the Squirrels' 2-1 win over the Rumble Ponies Saturday night, the celebration continued with a colorful fireworks display that was visible far outside the stadium.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/07/08/July_4_weekendSS_005_070321_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of …
Published on July 8, 2021
![Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of July weekend home stand against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Ponies of New York. After the Squirrels' 2-1 win over the Rumble Ponies Saturday night, the celebration continued with a colorful fireworks display that was visible far outside the stadium.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/07/08/July_4_weekendSS_002_070321_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of …
Published on July 8, 2021
![Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of July weekend home stand against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Ponies of New York. After the Squirrels' 2-1 win over the Rumble Ponies Saturday night, the celebration continued with a colorful fireworks display that was visible far outside the stadium.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/07/08/July_4_weekendSS_001_070321_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Crowd Pleaser/There's nothing like fireworks to draw a crowd. More than 9,000 people packed. The Diamond last Saturday during the Richmond Flying Squirrels' Fourth of …
Published on July 8, 2021
![Richmond Department of Public Works crews have been busy since Feb. 25 replacing street signs along U.S. 1 formerly named for Confederate Jefferson Davis with the new name, Richmond Highway. City Council voted last summer to change its name. Officials said it will take about a month to replace about 98 signs. The cost: $45,000.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/03/04/Richmond_Highway_Signs_SS_001_022721_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Richmond Department of Public Works crews have been busy since Feb. 25 replacing street signs along U.S. 1 formerly named for Confederate Jefferson Davis with …
Published on March 4, 2021
![As Black History Month gets underway, this dramatic mural provides an artistic celebration of the people and events who represent protest, progress and achievement. Location: 504 W. Broad St. in Downtown. Richmond artists Ed Trask and Jason Ford created the mural, called “Voices of Perseverance,” as part of the Mending Walls RVA initiative. Launched by muralist Hamilton Glass, Mending Walls aims to bring together artists to develop projects that spark empathy and dialogue. Mr. Glass came up with the idea during the upheaval over racial justice and police misconduct that led to the removal of most of the city’s Confederate statues.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/02/04/Cityscape_The_Journey_Foward_SS_001_013021_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
As Black History Month gets underway, this dramatic mural provides an artistic celebration of the people and events who represent protest, progress and achievement. Location: …
Published on February 4, 2021
![A “Black Lives Matter” banner hangs in October on the wall in front of a Monument Avenue residence near Allen Avenue, the epicenter of protests over racial injustice and police brutality since May. Signs like this one and logos with BLM have become commonplace on businesses and other buildings in and near Downtown and the Lee monument following an early spate of damage. The signs often were posted as a signal to spare the place from any damage.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2021/01/07/BLM_banner_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
A “Black Lives Matter” banner hangs in October on the wall in front of a Monument Avenue residence near Allen Avenue, the epicenter of protests …
Published on January 7, 2021
![Call it protest art Christmas-style. This new artwork now stands at the base the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue. The Black figure tops a fir tree, a traditional Christmas symbol, and adds a holiday dimension to the protest slogans and colorful artwork that have transformed the pedestal that holds the Confederate statue that the state is still battling in court to take down. The pedestal, which gained its new look during the late spring and summer protests over racial injustice and police brutality, has become a significant attraction for residents and visitors. The pedestal’s changed appearance also has garnered national attention, with the New York Times naming it No. 1 on its list of protest art and National Geographic featuring it on the cover of its special issue, “2020: The year in Pictures.”](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2020/12/17/Christmas_Art_on_the_Monument_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Call it protest art Christmas-style. This new artwork now stands at the base the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue. The Black figure tops …
Published on December 17, 2020
![Jabriel Hasan addresses the crowd last Saturday at the Black Coalition of Change Justice Rally to Unify and Empower the Black Community. The event, held at Mount Olivet Church in Church Hill, brought together numerous organizations, businesses, movement organizers and area residents over food, music, dance, health and community engagement. Sponsors included the 381 Movement, RVA Vanguard, Elegba Folklore Society, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, Virginia Union University, Community Love and Queen Richardson, among others.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2020/11/05/Justice_Rally003_SS_103120_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Jabriel Hasan addresses the crowd last Saturday at the Black Coalition of Change Justice Rally to Unify and Empower the Black Community. The event, held …
Published on November 5, 2020
![Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant’s ruling allows the six-story statue of Confederate Gen. Robert e. Lee to remain in place on Monument Avenue until the lawsuit over its removal is heard on appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2020/10/29/Robert_E._Lee_Monument_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant’s ruling allows the six-story statue of Confederate Gen. Robert e. Lee to remain in place on Monument Avenue …
Published on October 29, 2020
![Traffic stops along Arthur Ashe Boulevard last Saturday as drivers and their passengers watch the Fourth of July fireworks display over The Diamond.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2020/07/09/FIREWORKS_JULY_4TH_005_SS_070420_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
Traffic stops along Arthur Ashe Boulevard last Saturday as drivers and their passengers watch the Fourth of July fireworks display over The Diamond.
Published on July 9, 2020
![The burned out hulk of a GRTC Pulse bus was still at Belvidere and Broad streets as the sun rose — one of the most visible signs of the violence that took over the protest Friday night.](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2020/06/04/DAY_2_PROTEST_AFTERMATH_GRTC_BUS_r190x220.jpg?15134d8ecf80f15357c5f07aa65289834e904796)
The burned out hulk of a GRTC Pulse bus was still at Belvidere and Broad streets as the sun rose — one of the most …
Published on June 4, 2020