Monument Avenue: The last frontier for developers?
Monument Avenue: gorgeous mansions line the street, and the statues that dot the medians make the historic road a hallmark of Richmond. The purely residential feel of Monument Ave is one aspect that sets the street apart from all others. But now, are developers descending upon it looking to cash-in on history?
Pictured above is potentially the first business to open its doors on Monuement west of The Boulevard. The house at 3101 W. Franklin may not technically reside on Monument, but only a grassy median separates it from the Maury statue at the corner of Belmont and Monument. Soon, it will open it’s doors as “Maury Place,” a bed and breakfast.
Some may laud the new business. Let’s face it, hotel chains like the Marriott are exactly in the best part of town. Who wants to stay there? A bed and breakfast could fit in quite well on the residential street. Bringing more tourists to the area could help local businesses. But putting businesses on Monument destroys the very thing that’s appealing about the street - there are virtually no businesses.
“Maury Place” wouldn’t be the first business to open its doors on Monument. Recently, “Artist Underground Cafe” opened its doors as a coffee shop and bar at the corner of Monument and Stuart. The cafe is in the basement of an apartment complex there, arguably another business. Richmond Renaissance so far has gotten away with that illegal parking lot as well.
But the line needs to be drawn somewhere. Clearly, when businesses begin to move in, it’s only a matter of time before the 7-11s and Starbucks begin to acquire storefronts on our sacred street. Once commerce begins to creep onto Monument it will be too late to save what made the street great in the first place.
It’s not too late to save Monument Ave. “Maury Place” is still seeking the necessary permits to open up as a bed and breakfast. The City Council must approve the use of residential land for business purposes. If we stay quiet now, it’s only a matter of time until a 7-11 is situated facing the Lee Statue.
