Sneak peek: City hosts tour of boarded-up Intermediate Terminal Building amid RFP

The long boarded-up Intermediate Terminal Building was unlocked this week, as the City of Richmond offered those interested in redeveloping it a look inside. 

On Thursday morning the city held a public tour of the 32,000-square-foot warehouse on stilts at 3101 E. Main St. near Rocketts Landing.

More than 30 individuals showed up for the tour, which comes about three weeks after the city’s Economic Development Authority issued a request for proposals to bring new life to the century-old building. The EDA owns the property.

On hand were local architects, developers and engineers, along with representatives from Capital Trees, which advocates for green spaces, and AdrenaLyn Skating, a roller skating and roller derby group. 

Only the Terminal Building’s first floor was made available, and the tour was preceded by a security sweep by Richmond Police to ensure no hazards or individuals in the building. No remarks were given about the property and tours were self-guided. Visibility within the building was limited, as the windows remain boarded up and interior lights were not on. 

As part of the RFP, the EDA is looking to sell the property and has said it won’t entertain proposals that include demolishing the building. Officials have said they’re not seeking a specific use but do want it to be complementary to the nearby riverfront and other outdoor amenities. 

The  building was once planned to be converted into a brewpub concept from Stone Brewing Co.; however, that project fell through. The structural integrity of the Terminal Building had at one point been thrown into question; however, a 2020 analysis found that a commercial use is possible. 

The next deadline in the RFP process is July 28, when questions from prospective respondents are due to the city. Formal proposals are due Aug. 28. 

Another graffiti-filled warehouse in the area, the Armitage Building at 3200 Williamsburg Ave., is also set to get new life. Local real estate firm The Wilton Cos. is plotting a mixed-use renovation of the aging structure.

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