Richmonders are fighting to save a hidden garden in The Fan
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One side of Rick's garden, which includes pollinator plants for the bees and a sitting area. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
Residents are pushing back on a developer's plan to pave a community garden and put up a carriage house.
Why it matters: The proposal, still in its early stages, is already firing up age-old tensions in Richmond between the need for more housing in a tight market and preserving green spaces.
The big picture: A petition to save the Fan District garden from demolition has collected over 3,000 signatures in just a month.
- The issue has also roped in local influencers, led to the launching of an Instagram account dedicated to saving the garden, and even prompted a councilmember consider ways to make the garden a protected public space.
- Per city ordinance, that "protected" status could potentially give the city control over the area's use and limit the property owner's ability to demolish it.
Context: The garden is tucked in the alleyway behind McCormack's Whisky Grill on North Robinson, and resident Rick Bridgforth has poured nearly 40 years — and tens of thousands of dollars annually — into its upkeep.
- Bridgforth, who lives by the hidden garden, doesn't own the plot of land.
- But he's become known for his passion project, which includes a "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" party every spring.
- For $25, all of which goes toward Virginia's Make-A-Wish Foundation, visitors can see over 3,000 tulips that Bridgforth has planted.
State of play: Richmond-based Johannas Design Group wants to build a carriage house and update the three existing apartment buildings on the lot.
- The project still needs city approval, and architect Dave Johannas told The Richmonder that it likely won't appear in front of the Planning Commission this year.
- With that timeline, actual construction could be years away.
What they're saying: The design firm told The Richmonder that the plan would provide more housing in a walkable area near bus lines.
- The group didn't respond to Axios' requests for comment on whether they're considering tweaking the plans to preserve the garden.
In the meantime, more than 50 people have commented on the petition asking for the garden to be left alone.
- One person wrote that "Little hidden gems like this is what make the Fan what it is."
What we're watching: Whether the issue gets brought up when City Council reconvenes next month.