How Richmond's airport could feel more like, well, Richmond
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Richmond airport. Image: Courtesy of Richmond International Airport
Richmond International Airport's yearslong makeover isn't just about speedier security lines. The nearly 100-year-old airport also wants to make a stronger first impression.
Why it matters: The goal is to make RIC feel more "distinctly Richmond."
State of play: The Capital Region Airport Commission, which owns and operates the airport, and local design firm 3North recently held a design brainstorming workshop at a commission meeting, per a presentation shared with Axios.
- Airport stakeholders and designers looked at what makes other airports feel distinctive, like Savannah's rocking chairs and Southern charm and Kansas City's LED fountain-inspired sculpture.
- The group then explored what makes the Richmond region unique and which themes could serve as RIC's welcome mat for visitors.
Three themes emerged:
"Our River Runs Through It" — inspired by the James, the recreation it provides and the way it influences the region's natural landscape.
- That could be reflected in the airport with a water feature and bringing the outdoors inside.
"Our City of Contrasts" — which reflects Richmond's history and complicated past along with its "gritty," quirky and artistic modern charm.
- Think: murals, art and history exhibits, while ensuring "RIC has a lived-in, textured and human character" feel and isn't "polished or sterile."
"Our Hyper-Local Landing Spot" — which would celebrate the region's locally owned small businesses and how Richmonders embrace them.
- That could show up through more local vendors and brands and by promoting local events on a digital screen.
Caveat: The brand refresh is still in the "formative" stage, airport spokesperson Troy Bell tells Axios.
- And all of the ideas presented won't necessarily be incorporated, per a news release, but airport officials were certainly excited about the June presentation.
- "This was one of the best events of this kind I have attended, and the results speak for themselves," RIC president and CEO Perry Miller said in a statement.
What we're watching: Two locally owned concepts, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and The Beet Box juice bar, are slated to open at this airport this year.
- And RIC is expected to put out a request for proposals for a lounge and more food and beverage operators in the coming weeks, BizSense reports.