Dilapidated downtown parking garage will be demolished soon to make way for future development

One of Richmond’s most infamous buildings may finally be nearing its end.

The parking garage at 509 E. Franklin St. has been slowly falling apart for years, causing the closure of a nearby sidewalk and parking lane. Permits have now been issued for demolition, potentially as soon as April.

David Alley, Richmond’s building commissioner, said the city has been working on the site in a “hands-on” way for about six months.

An inspection in October found the building to be “non-compliant,” and the city issued several notices from there, including the threat of taking over the demolition. Alley said the best outcome was for the building’s owner, G-Square, Inc., to take responsibility, which is what happened.

Company president Greg Granger, who is from Williamsburg, said his group will contract with S.B. Cox to perform demolition.

“We are looking forward to making an announcement soon about the property that will make everyone happy,” he wrote in a statement, adding that his company “greatly appreciates the relationship we have with the City as we strive to enhance this great piece of real estate.”

There have been false starts along the way. In 2023, Virginia Atlantic Development, which was involved in the remodeling of the Hotel John Marshall, announced plans for a 181-unit mixed-use building on the site.

But the site has languished since. Virginia Atlantic owner John Camper said his group remains involved.

“We look forward to making an announcement soon regarding the development of the property,” he wrote in an email. “We very much appreciate the assistance of the City and look forward to delivering a building that fits the central business district of our Capital.”

A connected unit, also owned by G-Square, at 507 E. Franklin St. will also be torn down. Once it is complete, any development of the site can begin.

Alley said during the demolition, there may be adjustments to traffic nearby to ensure public safety.

While the city has a number of properties downtown it is working to bring into enforcement, Alley said that getting buy-in from the building’s owner made the process smoother, and clears the path for further downtown development.

“It’s a great accomplishment for us, the city and the community going forward,” he said.

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.