Richmond, VA – For more than two decades, Christie’s Fine Gardening & Creative Landscapes operated from its location at 3420 Norfolk Street in Scott’s Addition. In 2012, Christie and Kevin Barry purchased the 0.43 acres where they rented and have since witnessed their assessment increase from $241,000 to $1,777,000 as the neighborhood burgeoned with investment and redevelopment of old warehouses and industrial buildings. Today thousands of residents live in these rehabilitated spaces and new construction.

What has not kept pace with the growth of Scott’s Addition is its greenspaces. While the Science Museum of Virginia has opened “The Green” and the Diamond District is planning for more greenspace, the Greater Scott’s Addition Association (“GSAA”) is diligently working with the City of Richmond and partner organizations like Groundwork RVA to plant trees and reduce the urban heat island effect that makes it 15 degrees hotter there than most other areas in the city. Part of the long-range plan for Greater Scott’s Addition, according to the Richmond 300 comprehensive plan, also calls for the creation of neighborhood parks, or “small node[s] of public space in which neighborhood activities are centered.”

To help answer the challenge of greenspace in Scott’s Addition, the Barrys have signed a letter of intent with Capital Region Land Conservancy (“CRLC”). CRLC will acquire the property from ROCA CASA LLC, through a part-gift and part-sale transaction whereby CRLC will pay $600,000 and the Barrys will donate the balance of the value of their property. Then, CRLC will work with GSAA and the City of Richmond to restrict future development and designate the site for the perpetual preservation of open space. 

“We are so happy to gift a garden to the people in Scott’s Addition,” said Christie and Kevin Barry. “We believe that being in touch with nature uplifts people and their spirits in all aspects of life.”

“The Barrys understand the healing benefits that access to outdoor greenspaces have for us all and have devoted their work and now their land to providing these benefits to the community,” said Parker C. Agelasto CRLC’s Executive Director. “The addition of this half-acre, though small, is an important step in helping address the void of greenspace.”

“Creating a new park in Scott’s Addition is a meaningful step toward advancing the goals outlined in the Mayor’s Action Plan and ensuring more Richmonders are within a 10-minute walk of a park. This investment reflects our commitment to improving quality of life, promoting environmental sustainability, and expanding equitable access to outdoor spaces for everyone who calls Richmond home,” said Mayor Danny Avula.

“I’m grateful to everyone who is working to preserve this green space for future generations, especially owners Christie and Kevin Barry, Parker Agelasto with CRLC, and our City Parks team, said Katherine Jordan, 2^nd District City Council Member. “COVID highlighted the vital importance of parks, and it’s a huge win for the neighborhood.  Scott’s Addition has long been short on this type of quality-of-life amenity.  I’m thrilled by the further greening of one of our most heat-challenged neighborhoods.”  

“We are excited to engage with the Capital Region Land Conservancy to co-develop the long-term plan and vision for this public greenspace, which aligns with the Small Area Plan of Richmond 300,” said Dr. Jeremy S. Hoffman, President of the Greater Scott’s Addition Association. “This park – along with the three others our organization has helped established since 2018 – will put the entirety of the historic Scott’s Addition neighborhood within a 10-minute walk of a park or green space. We need this investment now as our community continues to grow!”

The transaction is anticipated to close later this year but is contingent on raising the required funding and CRLC’s Board approval. $250,000 has already been committed. CRLC is asking interested donors to contribute to a restricted fund dedicated to the acquisition of this property and securing greenspace in Scott’s Addition.

CRLC’s acquisition will help fill an important gap in providing all Richmonders with equitable access to a park or greenspace. According to the Trust for Public Land’s ParkServe model, nearly 3,000 residents live within a 10-minute walk of Christie’s Garden with more than 600 current residents gaining such access. Many more future residents will benefit from this pocket park as more apartments are being built nearby.

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About Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC): Capital Region Land Conservancy is dedicated to conserving the natural and historic resources of Virginia’s Richmond region for the benefit of people and nature. The nonprofit land trust serves the City of Richmond and 19 surrounding counties. Since 2005, CRLC has helped protect more than 16,000 acres, including easements on more than 6,000 acres. 

Contact:
Parker Agelasto, Executive Director
parker@capitalregionland.org
202-302-0153