In 2021, the City decided to purchase the vacant lot at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and 21st Street to turn it into a public gathering and event space. Soon after making the decision to purchase it, the City was awarded a grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) to fund the entire purchase of the property and add a few temporary picnic tables.
The next step was to obtain an environmental assessment, gather public input, and complete a design for what the future space would look like. We heard from hundreds of community members expressing desire for green space, seating, a farmers market pavilion, a stage, restroom facilities, public art, and overall a space for a diverse range of events and activities. Using that feedback, we landed on the final design shown below.
Next steps:
- Develop a phasing plan: determine how the project can be broken up to allow us to better approach funding options
- Fundraise: identify grants to apply for, as well as opportunities for donation of labor or materials
- Complete final engineering (if needed): conceptual design is complete, but engineering and construction designs are needed.
- Break ground!
The space, which has been temporarily named "Town Square", will be renamed at a later date.
Have questions? Reach out to Tom Roberts (troberts@bvcity.org) or Kristina Ramsey (kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org)
Final Design & Simulations
Final Design
Design Simulation 1
Design Simulation 2
**LOVEworks sign is a project of the Buena Vista Jr. Women's Club and designed by a representative of the Club.